The cast of the beloved 90s sitcom ‘Step by Step’ recently gathered at 90s Con to pay tribute to their late co-star Suzanne Somers, who passed away in October after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
As reported by Deadline, Patrick Duffy, who played the role of Frank Lambert, a divorced contractor with three children: John Thomas (J.T.), Alicia (Al), and Brendan, was joined by his on-screen family members Staci Keanan (Dana Foster), Angela Watson (Karen Foster), Christine Lakin (Al Lambert), Christopher Castile (Mark Foster), Brandon Call (J.T. Lambert), and Sasha Mitchell (Cody Lambert) in sharing poignant memories of Somers. The late actress portrayed Carol Foster Lambert, a widowed salon owner with three children of her own: Dana, Karen, and Mark.
Keanan, who played Dana, Carol’s eldest daughter, fondly recalled the thoughtful gifts Somers would give, saying, “Suzanne gave the most beautiful, thoughtful gifts and she was a person of immense style and glamour in her real life, and I will never forget [that] and I still have them.”
Lakin, who brought to life Frank’s tomboy daughter Al, grew up admiring Somers through reruns of ‘Three’s Company’. She shared her thoughts on the late actress: “Growing up with her and watching her as a woman, as a businesswoman, as someone who was a huge star who had a bright light, who was so gorgeous, who was also so down to Earth and someone I just really admired.” Lakin emphasized that Somers exemplified how kindness, generosity, and success could harmoniously coexist in Hollywood.
Watson, who portrayed Karen, Carol’s middle child, reminisced about a special moment she shared with Somers on the show, stating, “Being able to do the mother-daughter reunion pageant where we tap dance together and sang. That was so amazing. Like, the highlight of my career.”
Created by William Bickley and Michael Warren and developed by Thomas L. Miller and Robert L. Boyett, ‘Step by Step’ enjoyed a successful seven-season run, with six seasons on ABC and a final season on CBS. The series chronicled the lives of Frank Lambert (Duffy) and Carol Foster (Somers), two single parents who fell in love, married, and formed a blended family, each bringing three children from previous relationships. The show also featured Castile as Mark, Carol’s youngest son; Call as J.T., Frank’s eldest son; and Mitchell as Cody, Frank’s nephew who lived in a van in the backyard.
As the cast shared their cherished memories of working with Suzanne Somers during the 90s Con reunion, it was clear that her warmth, kindness, and talent had left an indelible mark on their lives and the enduring legacy of ‘Step by Step’.
