A heartwarming new chapter unfolds as Alan Hamel, widower of Suzanne Somers, confirms his “wonderful” romance with acclaimed actress Joanna Cassidy, 80. Their journey, which began decades ago and includes a shared history with Somers, reflects a beautiful testament to love, life, and abiding connections in Hollywood.
In a tender and openly shared update, Alan Hamel, the devoted widower of legendary actress Suzanne Somers, has confirmed he is dating actress Joanna Cassidy. At 89, Hamel finds himself “spending a lot of time” with Cassidy, 80, a connection that has delighted fans and offers a touching continuation of a life well-lived in Hollywood.
Their burgeoning romance comes nearly two years after Somers’ passing in October 2023. Hamel revealed that his late wife, in her final days, gave him her unequivocal blessing to find happiness again. “When it was clear that Suzanne was not going to recover in the final days of her life on this planet, before she crossed over, she said to me, ‘I don’t want you to mope around after I’m gone,’” Hamel recalled in an interview with People. This profound wish from Somers paved the way for Hamel to embrace a new chapter, honoring her memory by continuing to live his life to the fullest.
A Rekindled Connection Rooted in Hollywood History
The story of Hamel and Cassidy isn’t a new one, but rather a rekindling of a connection stretching back nearly 50 years. Their paths first crossed in the late 1970s when Cassidy appeared as a guest on Hamel’s talk show in Canada. Their shared professional world would bring them together again years later on the set of the 1985 miniseries Hollywood Wives.
During the production of Hollywood Wives, Joanna Cassidy co-starred with Suzanne Somers, where Cassidy played Marilee Gray and Somers portrayed Gina Germaine. Hamel, often present on set, observed the easy camaraderie between the two women. He noted that they “got along great” and that Somers “liked Cassidy a lot,” appreciating their similar no-nonsense attitudes. This historical intertwining adds a poignant layer to the current romance, suggesting a bond that was always meant to be.
The catalyst for their recent reunion came in 2025 when Hamel’s son, Stephen Hamel, coincidentally ran into Cassidy at a film screening. Unaware of their past connection, Stephen suggested that his father and Cassidy would get along. Cassidy’s enthusiastic response, “I know Alan. Of course, I’d love to see Alan,” set the stage for their renewed relationship, as reported by People.
Joanna Cassidy: An Enduring Screen Presence
Joanna Cassidy boasts an impressive career spanning decades, a fact that Hamel deeply admires. He describes her as “very smart, and she’s beautiful in many different ways,” highlighting her “great heart.” Cassidy remains active in her craft, with Hamel noting she has “three films opening in the next few months,” a testament to her enduring talent and passion for acting.
Beyond her professional accolades, Hamel paints a picture of Cassidy’s warmth and generous spirit. He shares a charming anecdote about her five cats: “when I stay at her place, one of the cats has fallen in love with me and insists on sleeping on my ankles.” This small detail reveals the comfortable and affectionate nature of their time together, resonating with a loving home life.
The Cheeky Photo: A Testament to Timeless Beauty
A particularly memorable detail from Hamel’s recent disclosures is the “cheeky photo” of Joanna Cassidy posing in his Calvin Klein underwear, which he shared with her blessing. The image, featuring Cassidy in a button-down shirt paired with the underwear, has sparked widespread admiration.
Hamel proudly declared, “It’s a spectacular picture and you look at it and go, ‘This woman is 80 years old?’ But when you look after yourself and you go to the gym every day, that’s what 80 can look like.” He also humorously added that Cassidy “really dislikes [the underwear] that go up your butt and are tight. She loves mine.” This moment perfectly encapsulates the playful and confident spirit of their relationship.
A Future of Happiness and Shared Moments
Despite the geographical distance between Hamel in Palm Springs and Cassidy in Los Angeles, the couple makes their relationship work through careful planning. “We get along great, and she lives in LA, and I live in Palm Springs, so we have to plan our get-togethers, and we go places together,” Hamel shared. When in LA, he often stays with Cassidy, creating cherished moments together.
For fans of these enduring Hollywood figures, Hamel and Cassidy’s story is a heartwarming reminder that love can blossom at any stage of life, and that the connections forged over decades can deepen and evolve in beautiful ways. Hamel, reflecting on their journey, stated, “I don’t know where the relationship is going. I just know that at this very moment, it’s wonderful, and the reality is that as the foundational material for a relationship, it should go on for a long time, being wonderful.” His words convey a profound sense of contentment and optimism, a beautiful tribute to living life fully, as Suzanne Somers had wished.
