Theater News

Brett Somers Dies at 83

Brett Somers
(© Joseph Marzullo/Retna)
Brett Somers
(© Joseph Marzullo/Retna)

Actress Brett Somers, who was best known as a panelist on TV’s Match Game, died on September 15 at age 83. At the time of her death, she lived in Westport, Connecticut.

The Canadian-born Somers appeared only once on the Broadway stage, in the 1958 flop Maybe Tuesday. However, she performed in many regional productions with her second husband, Jack Klugman, including The Seven Year Itch and The Country Girl. In 2003 and 2004, Somers toured the country with her cabaret show, An Evening with Brett Somers, which garnered excellent reviews.

In addition to Match Game, Somers’ TV credits included the role of Blanche — the ex-wife of Klugman’s character, Oscar Madison — on The Odd Couple, as well as guest spots on The Love Boat, Barney Moller, and Battlestar Galactica.

Somers and Klugman separated in 1974, but the couple never divorced. She is also survived by their two children, Adam and David, and a daughter, Leslie, from her previous marriage.