Brett Somers: The Unsung Comedy Legend

Who was Brett Somers?

Brett Somers was an American actress and comedian known for her role as the wisecracking secretary in the 1960s sitcom "Green Acres".

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 11, 1924, Somers began her career as a nightclub performer in the 1940s. She made her Broadway debut in 1953 and went on to appear in several films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Somers was married three times, first to actor Jack Klugman from 1953 to 1957, then to writer-producer Allan Manings from 1963 to 1967, and finally to actor Bert Parks from 1977 until her death in 2007.

She died from lung cancer on June 15, 2007, at the age of 83.

Brett Somers

Brett Somers was an American actress and comedian, best known for her role as the wisecracking secretary in the 1960s sitcom "Green Acres".

• Actress
• Comedian
• "Green Acres"
• Nightclub performer
• Broadway debut
• Married three times
• Died from lung cancer

Somers was a talented actress and comedian who brought laughter to millions of viewers. She will always be remembered for her role as the lovable and sassy secretary on "Green Acres".

1. Actress

Brett Somers was an American actress best known for her role as the wisecracking secretary in the 1960s sitcom "Green Acres". She began her career as a nightclub performer in the 1940s and made her Broadway debut in 1953. She went on to appear in several films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

• Comedic Roles
  Somers was known for her comedic timing and delivery. She often played wisecracking and sassy characters, such as her role as the secretary on "Green Acres".
• Character Actress
  Somers was also a talented character actress. She often played supporting roles in films and television shows, but she always made her characters memorable.
• Broadway Star
  Somers made her Broadway debut in 1953 and went on to appear in several Broadway productions. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the play "Cactus Flower".
• Television Icon
  Somers is best known for her role as the secretary on "Green Acres". She appeared in all six seasons of the show and her character became a beloved television icon.

Brett Somers was a talented actress who brought laughter to millions of viewers. She will always be remembered for her role as the lovable and sassy secretary on "Green Acres".

2. Comedian

Brett Somers was a comedian as well as an actress. She was known for her quick wit and sharp tongue. She often used her comedy to poke fun at herself and her own life experiences.

Somers' comedy was often self-deprecating. She was not afraid to make fun of herself, her appearance, and her personal life. This made her relatable to audiences, who could see that she was just a regular person who was trying to make the best of life.

Somers' comedy was also observational. She was able to find the humor in everyday situations. She would often share her observations with her audiences, making them laugh at the absurdity of life.

Somers' comedy was a gift. She was able to make people laugh, even when they were going through tough times. She will always be remembered as one of the funniest comedians of her generation.

3. "Green Acres"

Green Acres was a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1965 to 1971. The show starred Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor as a wealthy couple from New York City who move to a farm in Hooterville, a small town in Missouri. Brett Somers played the role of Eva Gabor's wisecracking secretary, Miss Hathaway.

• Comic Relief
  

  Miss Hathaway was a source of comic relief on Green Acres. She was always getting into trouble and making wisecracks. Her antics often got her into hot water with her boss, Mr. Douglas (Eddie Albert).

• Audience Surrogate
  

  Miss Hathaway also served as an audience surrogate. She was the only character on the show who could relate to the viewers' urban lifestyle. Her fish-out-of-water experiences were often funny and relatable.

• Feminist Icon
  

  For her time, Miss Hathaway was a feminist icon. She was a strong and independent woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. She was also a successful career woman.

• Cultural Impact
  

  Green Acres was a popular show that had a significant cultural impact. It helped to popularize the rural sitcom genre. The show also introduced many catchphrases into the American lexicon, such as "Goodnight, Mrs. Douglas" and "Eee, Mr. Douglas."

Brett Somers' role as Miss Hathaway on Green Acres was a major factor in the show's success. She brought her unique brand of humor and wit to the role, and she helped to make Miss Hathaway one of the most beloved characters on television.

4. Nightclub performer

Brett Somers began her career as a nightclub performer in the 1940s. This experience helped her to develop her comedic timing and delivery, which would later serve her well in her acting career.

• Developing Skills
  

  Nightclubs provided Somers with a platform to hone her skills as a comedian. She learned how to work with an audience and how to get laughs. She also developed her own unique style of comedy, which was often self-deprecating and observational.

• Building a Following
  

  Performing in nightclubs also helped Somers to build a following. She became a popular performer on the New York City nightclub circuit, and she eventually landed a role on Broadway.

• Transitioning to Acting
  

  Somers' experience as a nightclub performer helped her to transition to acting. She was able to use her comedic skills to create memorable characters on stage and screen. She also learned how to work with other actors and how to take direction.

Somers' success as an actress was due in part to her early experience as a nightclub performer. This experience helped her to develop her comedic skills and to build a following. She also learned how to work with other actors and how to take direction. All of these skills were essential to her success as an actress.

5. Broadway debut

Brett Somers made her Broadway debut in 1953 in the play "The Seven Year Itch". This was a major turning point in her career, as it helped her to establish herself as a talented actress. She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "Cactus Flower" and "Same Time, Next Year".

• Recognition and Legitimacy
  

  Making her Broadway debut gave Somers a sense of recognition and legitimacy as an actress. It showed that she had the talent and the skills to succeed on the stage.

• Exposure and Opportunities
  

  Broadway provided Somers with a platform to showcase her talents to a wider audience. This led to new opportunities, including roles in film and television.

• Artistic Growth
  

  Working on Broadway helped Somers to grow as an actress. She learned from other actors and directors, and she developed her skills in stagecraft.

• Personal Fulfillment
  

  For Somers, making her Broadway debut was a personal fulfillment. It was a dream come true, and it marked a major milestone in her career.

Somers' Broadway debut was a significant event in her career. It helped her to establish herself as a talented actress and opened up new opportunities for her. It also gave her a sense of personal fulfillment.

6. Married three times

Brett Somers was married three times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to actor Jack Klugman from 1953 to 1957. Her second marriage was to writer-producer Allan Manings from 1963 to 1967, and her third and final marriage was to actor Bert Parks from 1977 until her death in 2007.

• Impact on Personal Life
  

  Somers' marriages had a significant impact on her personal life. Each marriage brought its own set of challenges and rewards, and Somers learned and grew from each experience.

• Influence on Career
  

  Somers' marriages also had an influence on her career. Her first husband, Jack Klugman, was a successful actor, and Somers often appeared in his television shows and films. Her second husband, Allan Manings, was a writer and producer, and Somers collaborated with him on several projects.

• Public Scrutiny
  

  As a public figure, Somers' marriages were often in the spotlight. This could be a challenge, as Somers had to deal with public scrutiny and speculation about her personal life.

• Legacy
  

  Somers' marriages are a part of her legacy. They shaped her personal life and career, and they continue to be a topic of interest for fans and historians.

Brett Somers' marriages were an important part of her life. They brought her happiness, challenges, and growth. Somers was a strong and independent woman, and she approached each marriage with the same spirit. She was a loving and supportive wife, and she always put her family first.

7. Died from lung cancer

Brett Somers, an American actress and comedian best known for her role as the wisecracking secretary in the 1960s sitcom "Green Acres", passed away from lung cancer in 2007 at the age of 83. Her death highlights the devastating impact of lung cancer, a disease that claims the lives of countless individuals worldwide.

• Prevalence and Risk Factors
  

  Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer, with an estimated 1.8 million new cases diagnosed annually. Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, air pollution, and certain occupational hazards.

• Symptoms and Diagnosis
  

  Lung cancer often does not present with symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as chest X-rays and CT scans, as well as biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

• Treatment and Prognosis
  

  Treatment options for lung cancer vary depending on the stage and type of cancer. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The prognosis for lung cancer varies widely, with the overall 5-year survival rate estimated at about 18%. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival.

• Prevention and Awareness
  

  Preventing lung cancer involves reducing exposure to risk factors, particularly smoking. Public health campaigns and smoking cessation programs play a crucial role in raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and encouraging individuals to quit. Additionally, regular screening with low-dose CT scans is recommended for individuals at high risk of lung cancer, such as heavy smokers or those with a family history of the disease.

Brett Somers' death from lung cancer serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of this disease. By understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, we can work towards reducing the incidence and mortality of lung cancer and improving the lives of those affected by it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brett Somers

This FAQ section provides concise answers to common questions and misconceptions surrounding Brett Somers, an American actress and comedian known for her role in the sitcom "Green Acres".

Question 1: What was Brett Somers' most famous role?

Brett Somers is most famous for her role as the wisecracking secretary, Miss Hathaway, in the 1960s sitcom "Green Acres".

Question 2: When did Brett Somers pass away?

Brett Somers passed away on June 15, 2007, at the age of 83, from lung cancer.

Question 3: Was Brett Somers married?

Yes, Brett Somers was married three times. Her first marriage was to actor Jack Klugman, her second marriage was to writer-producer Allan Manings, and her third and final marriage was to actor Bert Parks.

Question 4: Did Brett Somers have any children?

No, Brett Somers did not have any children.

Question 5: What was Brett Somers' cause of death?

Brett Somers died from lung cancer on June 15, 2007.

In summary, Brett Somers was a talented actress and comedian who brought laughter to millions of viewers through her role as Miss Hathaway on "Green Acres". Her legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

Transition to the next article section: Brett Somers' Impact on American Comedy

Conclusion

Brett Somers was a trailblazing actress and comedian who left an indelible mark on American entertainment. Her sharp wit, impeccable comedic timing, and endearing charm captivated audiences for decades. Throughout her career, she shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female comedians.

Somers' legacy extends beyond her iconic role in "Green Acres". She was a pioneer in the male-dominated world of comedy, using her platform to challenge societal norms and make audiences laugh. Her ability to find humor in everyday life and her relatable persona made her a beloved figure in American pop culture.

Brett Somers' impact on American comedy is undeniable. Her contributions to the genre continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. Her legacy reminds us of the power of laughter to bring people together, break down barriers, and make the world a more joyful place.