Perhaps you've heard of or even used ThighMaster. Twisted pieces of metal connected by hinges allow users to tighten their thighs and work their hip adductors.
The late Suzanne Somers has made her mark in infomercial history, along with other women who revolutionized the product in the 1990s and helped shift the perception of infomercials in America from “selling out” to “cashing in.” Minced.
“I was definitely one of the first to go from prime time to infomercials,” she said shortly before her death.
In one of her final interviews before losing her battle with breast cancer in October 2023, the “Three's Company'' and “Step by Step'' star spoke about sales, in a Fox News interview that was later featured. We talked about what it felt like to support a revolution in method. His new three-part series on Fox Nation, “The Infomercials that Sold Us,” is hosted by comedian Dennis Miller.
Comedian Dennis Miller becomes host of FOX NATION's new series 'THE INFOMERCIALS THAT SOLD US'
“Three's Company'' and “Step by Step'' star Suzanne Somers found success in the fitness industry after being fired for demanding equal pay. (Fox Nation)
“ThighMaster was originally recommended to me as a 'V-toner,' and the guy was pitching it as an upper body workout, and I've been watching him and listening to him talk. I said, “Does it work?” on the inner thighs? He said, “Yeah, but this is good for your upper body.” ”
The sexy blonde turned businesswoman has taken the product to television, become a fitness star, and the namesake of a piece of exercise equipment that promises to “squeeze your way to toned thighs.” Ta.
Orders poured in, demonstrating the success of the product, which is still on sale today.
Suzanne Somers says she was an 'example' when she was fired from Three's after asking for a raise
Previously, stars would go overseas to shoot commercials to avoid the illusion that they had somehow “sold out” in the United States, Miller explained.
Suzanne Somers achieved commercial success with ThighMaster in the 1990s. (Courtesy of Suzanne Summers)
“Money is everything in Hollywood. Big law and commercials are very attractive,” he said.
“Shooting days are short. Pay is high. So in the days before social media, Hollywood agents came up with a clever workaround: Their clients would make commercials, but they don't do them here. .They will take it overseas.'' He continued to explain.
“But three women changed the rules of the game and paved the way for stars to do infomercials right here in the good old United States,” Miller said.
Summers was one of them.
After finding fame in the '70s and '80s as the lovably brooding Chrissie Snow on the hit ABC Emmy Award-winning sitcom Three's Company, she earned a salary equal to that of her male co-star John Ritter. and was fired in 1980.
Judge Janine hosts 'Jeffrey's Name Book'
Joyce DeWitt (Janet), John Ritter (Jack) and Suzanne Somers (Chrissie) on the ABC comedy “Three's Company.” (ABC Photo Archive/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
“I will always be grateful to Three's Company. I thought, 'Wow, what a chance to create such a beloved character. I had such a high profile. I was known all over the world, Then I was fired because I demanded equal pay with the men,” she said.
“Who would have thought that Chrissy Snow would be the first feminist? And now I'm here. I'm sitting there thinking, how did I go from being on top of the world to now being interviewed?” I can't do it. I couldn't do it.'' They thought it was a hassle and couldn't get an interview. ”
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FOX NATION
However, Thighmaster rejuvenated his career after being fired. She became one of her home shopping network's top selling brands in 1992 and went on to develop other products such as writing her books and launching other products ranging from protein to skin care. accomplished the feat.
“There was also the satisfaction of a turnaround,” Summers said. “You have to say, 'Take this, 'Three's Company' and ABC.' “It's a reinvention. I didn't have to work in Hollywood again. If something comes to me and it's interesting, I'm going to take it or entertain it. But I’m exactly where I want to be.”
To hear more about Suzanne Summers' success story, and the success stories of others who have revolutionized American pop culture, sign up for Fox Nation and start streaming “The infomercial that sold us” today.
