Patrick Duffy is looking back on his special bond with Suzanne Somers, his longtime co-star on the popular television sitcom Step by Step. The actor shared warm memories of their years working together as the series marked what would have been Somers’ 80th birthday.
During a panel at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, Duffy reflected on joining the sitcom after spending 12 years on Dallas. He recalled meeting Somers for the first time and quickly recognizing the kind of on-screen connection he had previously shared with his Dallas co-star Larry Hagman.
According to People, Duffy described Somers as his best friend throughout their seven years working together on the show.
Patrick Duffy Recalls Meeting Suzanne Somers
Duffy’s experience on Dallas had prepared him for another long-running television partnership. However, meeting Somers gave him a fresh reason to feel excited about his next project.
He reportedly recognized a familiar dynamic when they first met. Duffy compared Somers to Larry Hagman, who had played J.R. Ewing opposite Duffy’s Bobby Ewing on Dallas.
The comparison reflected the strong professional connection Duffy hoped to build with his new co-star. Their partnership eventually became a central part of Step by Step, helping the sitcom establish its own identity.
Over the years, Duffy and Somers developed an easy rapport that extended beyond their characters. Their shared sense of humor also helped them bring warmth and personality to the series.
How Step by Step Made Their On-Screen Marriage Different
Premiering in 1991, Step by Step followed Frank Lambert, played by Duffy, and Carol Foster, portrayed by Somers. Both characters were single parents who married and brought their families together under one roof.
The sitcom explored the everyday challenges of blending two families. Its stories combined parenting struggles, sibling disagreements, and the comedy of adjusting to a new household.
However, Duffy said the relationship between Frank and Carol was about more than managing family life. He and Somers wanted their characters to remain affectionate and attracted to each other after marriage and parenthood.
The Couple Wanted Romance to Remain Part of Family Life
During the panel, Duffy discussed how the actors approached scenes featuring Frank and Carol as a married couple.
He explained that they wanted to portray a relationship in which romance remained important even when the demands of raising children filled the household.
That approach gave the sitcom another dimension. Alongside its family-centered humor, the series showed two adults continuing to enjoy their relationship despite frequent interruptions from their children.
Duffy also recalled enjoying scenes in which the couple had private moments together. According to his remarks reported by People, these scenes gave the actors opportunities to have fun with their characters and their natural chemistry.
Rather than presenting marriage as a relationship that became less exciting after having children, the show allowed Frank and Carol to remain playful and affectionate.
Why Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers Worked So Well Together
The success of a television partnership often depends on the connection between its lead performers. In Step by Step, Duffy and Somers brought contrasting personalities together in a way that supported the show’s family-comedy format.
Their characters had to navigate the practical realities of a blended family while maintaining a believable marriage. That combination created opportunities for both humor and relatable relationship moments.
Duffy’s recent recollections also highlight the importance of trust between co-stars. His comments suggest that the actors enjoyed working together and shared an understanding of how they wanted Frank and Carol’s relationship to appear on screen.
For viewers who remember the sitcom, their partnership remains an important part of the show’s appeal.
Suzanne Somers’ Legacy Beyond Step by Step
Somers was already a familiar television personality before joining Step by Step. She became widely known for playing Chrissy Snow on the sitcom Three’s Company, which aired from 1977 to 1984.
Her career later expanded beyond acting. She became associated with fitness products, wrote numerous books, and developed a public profile as an entrepreneur.
According to the Television Academy’s biography of Somers, her television work included roles in Three’s Company and Step by Step. These performances helped establish her place in American television history.
Somers died on October 15, 2023, at age 76, one day before her 77th birthday. Her death was confirmed by her longtime publicist, and contemporary reports noted her long battle with breast cancer.
Her work continues to be remembered by audiences who grew up watching her television performances.
Step by Step Remains a Memorable 1990s Sitcom
Step by Step premiered in 1991 and ran for seven seasons across ABC and CBS. The show became associated with ABC’s popular TGIF programming before moving to CBS for its final season.
Its story of two parents combining their families offered a familiar setting for family-friendly comedy. The series also stood out for giving its central couple a relationship that continued to develop alongside the children’s storylines.
Duffy’s latest comments offer another glimpse into the creative choices behind the sitcom. They also provide a reminder of the close working relationship he shared with Somers over several years.
As audiences revisit classic television, the story behind Frank and Carol’s relationship helps explain why the show’s central partnership remained so important to its identity.