Bold & Beautiful Actress Pays Tribute to Her Grandmother, Suzanne Somers: ’She Was the First Person to Hold My Hand’

In the wake of Suzanne Somers’ passing on October 15, just one day shy of her 77th birthday, many of her friends and colleagues and admirers have shared their memories of the showbiz legend. But perhaps no tribute has been more personal, or poignant, than the one penned by her granddaughter Camelia Somers, who recurs as Forrester staffer Charlotte on The Bold and the Beautiful.

“Zannie was the first person to ever meet me — a recollection that my mom has often argued after growing me for nine months, but I’m sure will now let slide,” she began. “Our first meeting was Zannie’s favorite story to tell. My mom birthed me cesarean, and while I was still partially inside my mom’s tummy, the doctor said, ‘Suzanne, would you like to meet your granddaughter?’

“Zannie reached out her index finger, and I immediately wrapped my little hand around it,” she continued. “She was the first person to hold my hand, and we’ve been bonded ever since.”

Camelia admitted that having a TV sex symbol for a grandma was a little unusual. But that wasn’t what made Somers different. “It wasn’t just because she wore Daisy Dukes and mini-dresses. It was because of her ability to make every single person feel like they were the most special in the world.”

In closing, Camelia said, “I know you’re somewhere enjoying a huge plate of cake and a bowl of tequila.”