According to her official website (http://www.brettsomers.com/), Brett Somers passed away on September 15, 2007. Not much else is known at this time.

RIP to a true legend of show business and the game show community. One of my favorite game show panelists of all-time. And so was Charles... :(

:rip:

A Match Game Legend!

Oh my.

RIP Brett Somers

Link (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20823245/)

WESTPORT, Conn. - Actress and comedian Brett Somers, who amused game show fans with her quips on the “Match Game” in the 1970s, has died, her son said. She was 83.

Somers died Saturday at her home in Westport of stomach and colon cancer, Adam Klugman said Monday.

Hosted by Gene Rayburn, “Match Game” was the top game show during much of the 1970s. Contestants would try to match answers to nonsense questions with a panel of celebrities; much of the humor came from the racy quips and putdowns.



Shows from the 1973-79 run, featuring regulars like Somers, Richard Dawson and Charles Nelson Reilly, are still seen on cable TV’s GSN (formerly Game Show Network.)

Somers married actor Jack Klugman, the future star of the television shows “Quincy” and “The Odd Couple,” in 1953. The two separated in 1974, but never divorced.

They made many television appearances as a couple. Somers appeared on several episodes of “The Odd Couple,” playing the ex-wife of Klugman’s character.

In the summer of 2003, she appeared in a one-woman cabaret show, “An Evening with Brett Somers,” which she wrote and co-produced. She continued to perform after being diagnosed with cancer.

She was born Audrey Johnston in New Brunswick, Canada, and grew up in Portland, Maine. She ran away from home at age 17 and headed for New York City, where she settled in Greenwich Village. She changed her first name to Brett after the lead female character in the Ernest Hemingway novel “The Sun Also Rises.” Somers was her mother’s maiden name.

Her son said she was caustic, irreverent and a self-declared bohemian.

“She maintained her independence till the end, and her irreverence,” Adam Klugman said. “She died very much at peace.”

In addition to Adam Klugman, Somers is survived by another son, David, and a daughter, Leslie.

This year has just been too much as far as game shows are concerned. So far we've lost To Tell the Truth panelists Kitty Carlisle & Tom Poston along with Barry Nelson who made several appearances as a guest panelist, Charles Nelson Reilly, Merv Griffin and now Brett has left us. She and Charles were definitely two of my favorites and will be sorely missed.

:rip:

Oh damn, that's sad.:(

I'm glad I wrote to her a couple years ago, and received a very nice hand-written letter from her. I will treasure it now more than ever. She was one classy lady.

:rip: She also made a couple of hilarious guest appearances on Barney Miller.

R.I.P. Breet

That is sad. I enjoyed watching her on Match Game for years.

this came as a shock to me about the sad news about Breet

At least Charles Nelson Reilly and Brett Somers will be reunited in heaven. After Charles passed, I think that was too much for Brett to handle, especially with her own illnesses. We have to look at it like this-Charles was lonely in heaven and needed Brett to come keep him company, but both of them will sure be sorely missed. With The Best of Match Game, Volume 2 coming out after the new year, Charles and Brett will live on, and so will Gene Rayburn. For Brett, thanks for the memories.

what was Brett sick with

what was Brett sick with

stomach and colon cancer

I did not know of her Illness thanks for letting me know

She was a sassy and classy lady. I didn't know she was in her 80s. I had her at about 75. Prayers to her and her family.

I always remember her from MATCH GAME. She was so funny and had a quick wit. R.I.P Brett and thanx for the laughs.

I was so shocked when I saw this story at MSN. I had no idea she was so sick. :( Sad. She was a funny lady and she played MG very well.

She and Gene and Charles are blanking up in heaven as we speak.

R.I.P. Brett. I always loved you on Match Game. You always were a joy to watch. :(

Wow, this was sudden. I knew about her cancer, but I had no idea it was as bad as it was. She was one of the last game show legends out there, and she will be deeply missed by millions of people. It's good to know she hgave one final interview for the Match Game DVD just last year, but it's also sad to know we won't have her as a participant in the upcoming Match Game DVD's.

R.I.P.-Brett Now, I will miss seeing you Match Game. When I was the Yahoo I saw news about Brett Somers.:(

GSN Honors the Beloved 'Match Game' Panelist Brett Somers With a Special Marathon on Saturday, September 22 From 9 am to 5 pm ET

Network will Also Showcase Somer's 1971 'Password' Appearance on Sunday Night September 23

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 17 -- Brett Somers, the popular "Match Game" panelist who died Saturday, September 15, will be honored by GSN in an all-day marathon Saturday, September 22. The Somers' "Match Game" tribute will air from 9 AM to 4 PM ET and will feature some of the best moments from her years of work on one of America's all-time favorite game shows.

Immediately following the "Match Game" Marathon, GSN's original documentary THE REAL MATCH GAME STORY: BEHIND THE BLANK airs from 4 PM to 5 PM ET.

Additionally, on Sunday night (Monday morning) September 23 at 3:30 AM ET, GSN will air an episode of Password from 1971 where she appeared with then-husband Jack Klugman, as the other celebrity guest.

GSN's Somers "Match Game" marathon includes 14 episodes of the show originally broadcast between 1973 and 1982. Classic moments will include one that features Somers singing like guest Ethel Merman; one where Somers
decides she's "had enough" and another when fellow panelist Jimmie Walker stands up for her when the audience taunts her. Best known for her dry witty humor, Somers was also the subject of "Match Game' questions. For example, one episode will include the question -- "When Brett went streaking, everybody ____ed."

GSN's original special THE REAL MATCH GAME STORY: BEHIND THE BLANK takes a look at "Match Game" from its rise to fame until its end in 1982.
Narrated by Jamie Farr, the special includes interviews with Richard Dawson, Somers, Marcia Wallace, Betty White and Walker; numerous staff
members from the classic series and one of the last interviews given by the series' legendary host, Gene Rayburn.

The original "Match Game" series continues to air as part of the GSN line-up. "Match Game" airs Monday-Friday at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM ET. On the weekends, it airs at 11:00 AM ET.

(A videoclip representing GSN's Somers tribute is available at http://www.gsn.com.)

I never saw her on the Match Game but I liked her on The Odd Couple. :( R.I.P. Brett.

I saw her on Match Game lots of times. My grandparents get GSN and I think they watch every show on there along with new episodes of Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy & Price is Right. I didn't know she was born in New Brunswick, Canada, that's just across the bridge from me.

I spent most of my early teen years watching GSN (when it was still great), so Brett's passing is a very sad thing for me. It hurts even more considering that Charles died just a few short months ago. I had always dreamed that had there been a new version of MG, Brett and Charles (and maybe even Richard) would have made frequent appearances.

That's so sad! I loved her. :(

First off, this is my first time posting on the board. I have to tell you that this is one of the better boards I have seen on the net. I am a regular over at the gsn.com buzz board, but wanted to drop in to see how everyone was doing with the passing of Brett Somers. It is a somber time over at the other board right now, but we are all getting through it.

We have lost a long of well-known panelists and guests on game shows this year including Kitty Carlisle, Charles Nelson Reilly, Merv Griffin, Brett Somers, Jane Wyman, and others.

If anyone would like to join our Brett Somers discussion over at gsn.com, feel free.

Other than that, I am happy to be here at this board!
Thanks

I am really surprised at the condolences that have been posted here for Brett. I grew up watching her on the Match Game and I guess I felt like I was the only one who enjoyed her charm. I never thought I would see so many have the same memories as I. It really is touching especially for a lady who pretty much had been out of the public eye for a very long time. Brett has gotten more attention here than Luciano Pavarotti's thread.

I guess it shows that us "old-timers" here and those who have enjoyed watching the Match Game reruns and The Odd Couple really have a space in our hearts and memory for such a funny lady. I am glad she is not being forgotten.

^I grew up watching Match Game as this show was a staple in our home. Charles and Brett had the best chemistry between two panelists that I can remember and seeing the reruns again on GSN made it seem like old times. I know others here are old enough to remember the show when it originally aired so they should have fond memories of Brett as well. Those that haven't watched it much or are seeing it for the first time will no doubt soon discover what a charming and witty talent she was.

So I'm looking at the obit on Brett's website and I didn't realize her daughter from her first marriage died in 2003. All the news stories say the daughter's still alive. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Damn nice lady. She did a cabaret show in NYC and elsewhere a few years ago. The type of woman you could hang out with, have a martini, and let down your <i>blank</i>. . .

Best friend Marcia Wallace said there will be a memorial service in October in Westport, CT. I am sure other close friends like Fannie Flagg will be there.

I am really surprised at the condolences that have been posted here for Brett. I grew up watching her on the Match Game and I guess I felt like I was the only one who enjoyed her charm. I never thought I would see so many have the same memories as I. It really is touching especially for a lady who pretty much had been out of the public eye for a very long time. Brett has gotten more attention here than Luciano Pavarotti's thread.

I guess it shows that us "old-timers" here and those who have enjoyed watching the Match Game reruns and The Odd Couple really have a space in our hearts and memory for such a funny lady. I am glad she is not being forgotten.
Match Game was my favorite game show in the 1970's. Everyday after school I would race home to watch it. And it has been great seeing all the old shows on GSN again. They really don't make shows like Match Game or stars like Brett anymore. :(
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GSN Honors the Beloved 'Match Game' Panelist Brett Somers With a Special Marathon on Saturday, September 22 From 9 am to 5 pm ET

Network will Also Showcase Somer's 1971 'Password' Appearance on Sunday Night September 23

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 17 -- Brett Somers, the popular "Match Game" panelist who died Saturday, September 15, will be honored by GSN in an all-day marathon Saturday, September 22. The Somers' "Match Game" tribute will air from 9 AM to 4 PM ET and will feature some of the best moments from her years of work on one of America's all-time favorite game shows.

Immediately following the "Match Game" Marathon, GSN's original documentary THE REAL MATCH GAME STORY: BEHIND THE BLANK airs from 4 PM to 5 PM ET.

Additionally, on Sunday night (Monday morning) September 23 at 3:30 AM ET, GSN will air an episode of Password from 1971 where she appeared with then-husband Jack Klugman, as the other celebrity guest.

GSN's Somers "Match Game" marathon includes 14 episodes of the show originally broadcast between 1973 and 1982. Classic moments will include one that features Somers singing like guest Ethel Merman; one where Somers
decides she's "had enough" and another when fellow panelist Jimmie Walker stands up for her when the audience taunts her. Best known for her dry witty humor, Somers was also the subject of "Match Game' questions. For example, one episode will include the question -- "When Brett went streaking, everybody ____ed."

GSN's original special THE REAL MATCH GAME STORY: BEHIND THE BLANK takes a look at "Match Game" from its rise to fame until its end in 1982.
Narrated by Jamie Farr, the special includes interviews with Richard Dawson, Somers, Marcia Wallace, Betty White and Walker; numerous staff
members from the classic series and one of the last interviews given by the series' legendary host, Gene Rayburn.

The original "Match Game" series continues to air as part of the GSN line-up. "Match Game" airs Monday-Friday at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM ET. On the weekends, it airs at 11:00 AM ET.

(A videoclip representing GSN's Somers tribute is available at [URL="http://www.gsn.com.)DAMN,DAMN,DAMN,I"]http://www.gsn.com.)[/quote]DAMN,DAMN,DAMNI wish that I had this network!Sorry poor excuse for a cable company thta I have;must put good channels on diginal channels where you have to pay an arm and a leg for them!!!I just got through watching her on the 2nd season of [B]THE ODD COUPLE when she played JACK KLUGMAN'S ex-wife,and she stole the show!Shows what a true comedian is suppose to be like unlike the stars of today!

:crying: It's been a while since I've posted here. There's so much I've been going thriugh recently. Now, I'm back and I'm devastated by this news.

I got Game Show Network in the fall of '98. I saw MG for the first time and instantly loved what I saw. I wasn't familiar with Brett Somers before seeing it. I remember seeing CNR on Hollywood Squares (John Davidson version) and several sitcoms. Brett and Charles were a hilarious duo who really made us crack up.

I was very upset when Charles passed and I'm even sadder now that Brett is gone.

May God rest her soul and I hope that she, Charles, Gene, and Johnny O are all glad to be together now in Heaven.

:rip: Goodbye Brett and Charles.

Match Game was my favorite game show in the 1970's. Everyday after school I would race home to watch it. And it has been great seeing all the old shows on GSN again. They really don't make shows like Match Game or stars like Brett anymore. :(
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I felt the same way. I would watch it afterschool too. I would especially love watching the PM version, which was great so that people like me who may have missed it in the afternoon, could watch it at night. It was so funny to watch and I would get a hoot out of what Charles or Brett would come up with as an answer. :rofl: Those two were "dirty" at times. ;) You could say, they were my first introduction to "innuendos". :lol:

i also watched match game every day back in the 70s brett and charles made a great team .i noticed that the show really seemed to lose something when brett was absent wich wasant very often but something sure was missing the few times that she wasant there. another thing i always liked was the running gag about brett gene and the motel in encino . she truly was one of a kind r i p brett and thank you for being such a wonderful part of my childhood

I just wanted to say that GSN did a great job with their tribute to Brett Somers. There was a lot of variety in the episode selection from GSN, along with a special 1978 episode of Match Game with Brett and Jack Klugman on Match Game getting remarried. GSN left the credits alone at the end to rap up a solid tribute to the Queen of Match Game.

I'll post the clip of the episode they showed soon!