Alan Hamel

Early life and education

Alan Hamel was born in Toronto, Ontario, on June 30, 1936, into a family of Jewish descent. His early interest in the burgeoning medium of television led him to pursue formal training in the field. In 1954, he enrolled in the television arts program at the Ryerson Institute of Technology, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University. Although he did not complete his degree, this foundational education provided him with the technical and creative skills that would launch his career in broadcasting.

Television hosting career

Alan Hamel's career as a television host began in earnest in the early 1960s with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He first gained national recognition as the co-host of the children's television series Razzle Dazzle, which aired on CBC Television from 1961 to 1964. The show was notable for featuring a puppet character named Howard the Turtle, which became a memorable element for young viewers. Following this success, Hamel transitioned to hosting duties for other CBC programs, including Junior Roundup in 1961 and A Summer Night in 1962, solidifying his presence as a versatile television personality.

In the late 1960s, Hamel expanded his reach into the American market by hosting two syndicated game shows that aired on ABC-owned stations and other networks. He hosted Wedding Party in 1968 and Anniversary Game in 1969, the latter being where he first met Suzanne Somers, who worked as a prize model. Returning to Canadian television, he hosted the weekday daytime panel show Mantrap from 1971 to 1973, which was produced at BCTV in Vancouver for the CTV network and also syndicated in the United States. This period established him as a capable host of both game and discussion formats.

Hamel's most prominent hosting role began in 1976 with The Alan Hamel Show, a popular daytime talk show on CTV. The program was a major success, with People magazine at the time considering him "Canada's leading TV talk show host." His tenure on the show lasted until 1980, when he stepped down and was succeeded by fellow Canadian Alan Thicke. In 1978, during the peak of his talk show fame, Hamel also briefly hosted the American television series People on the CBS network, though the program was short-lived. His smooth on-air persona and interviewing skills defined an era of Canadian daytime television.

Work as a producer and actor

Following his time as a full-time host, Alan Hamel shifted his focus behind the camera, building a successful career as a producer. He often worked on projects involving his wife, Suzanne Somers, leveraging her star power and their combined creative vision. This production work allowed him to maintain a significant influence in the entertainment industry long after his on-screen hosting days. Alongside producing, Hamel continued to make occasional acting appearances, sometimes guest-starring on television series, including episodes of Lou Grant and All in the Family in 1977 and 1978.

In addition to his television work, Hamel was a familiar face in American advertising during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He served as a commercial spokesperson for American Stores, a large supermarket chain. Specifically, he appeared in advertisements for the Alpha Beta stores in the western United States and for Acme Markets in the northeastern United States. This work as a pitchman further extended his public profile across North America, making him a recognizable figure not just on television programs but also in countless household commercials. His role as a producer demonstrated his adaptability and business acumen within the television industry.

Selected filmography and television appearances

Alan Hamel's extensive career includes a wide array of hosting, acting, and production credits. He began his career as a host on CBC television in the early 1960s. His filmography reflects his evolution to a network talk show personality on CTV and an occasional actor. He co-hosted the children's series Razzle Dazzle from 1961 to 1964. He later hosted the popular CTV daytime talk show The Alan Hamel Show from 1976 to 1980.

Other notable credits include hosting Alan Hamel's Comedy Bag for CBC in 1972. He appeared on the game show Tattletales in 1977. He also had a guest role on the series She's the Sheriff in 1988. This body of work demonstrates his presence across television genres. His work includes children's programming, game shows, and comedy series.

Personal life

Alan Hamel was first married to Marilyn Hamel, with whom he had two children, a son named Stephen and a daughter named Leslie. He met American actress and author Suzanne Somers in 1969 while she was working as a prize model on the game show Anniversary Game, which he hosted. At the time, Hamel was still married, but he and Somers began a relationship which led to an abortion. They lived together for approximately nine years before marrying on November 19, 1977, in a ceremony officiated by both a rabbi and a Catholic priest.

Hamel became stepfather to Somers' son, Bruce Somers Jr., from her previous teenage marriage. The couple maintained homes in both Canada and the United States throughout their marriage. They purchased a house in Palm Springs, California, in 1977, which they later sold in 2021 for $8.5 million. In January 2007, a Southern California wildfire destroyed their home in Malibu. Suzanne Somers died on October 15, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. In June 2025, reports emerged that Alan Hamel had begun a relationship with Joanna Cassidy, an actress and former co-star of Suzanne Somers.

Career highlights and recognition

Throughout his career, Alan Hamel achieved several notable milestones that cemented his status in Canadian broadcasting. He connected with children as co-host of Razzle Dazzle. He connected with daytime audiences as host of The Alan Hamel Show on CTV. People magazine considered him Canada's leading TV talk show host during that time. He also hosted American game shows like Wedding Party and Anniversary Game.

• Co-hosting the CBC children's series Razzle Dazzle from 1961 to 1964.
• Hosting the syndicated American game show Wedding Party in 1968.
• Hosting the syndicated American game show Anniversary Game in 1969.
• Leading the CTV daytime panel show Mantrap from 1971 to 1973.
• Hosting the highly successful The Alan Hamel Show on CTV from 1976 to 1980.
• Being described as "Canada's leading TV talk show host" by People magazine in the late 1970s.
• Transitioning to a successful career as a producer, often for projects starring Suzanne Somers.

His work bridged Canadian and American entertainment industries. He hosted shows syndicated in the United States, such as Mantrap. He was also a commercial pitchman for American supermarket chains. This made him a figure in cross-border broadcasting.

Key personal and professional timeline

Alan Hamel's life and career encompass several significant events that chart his journey in entertainment and his personal relationships. He was born in Toronto on June 30, 1936. He married actress Suzanne Somers on November 19, 1977. A wildfire destroyed their Malibu home in January 2007. Suzanne Somers died on October 15, 2023.

• 1954: Attends the television arts program at Ryerson Institute of Technology.
• 1961: Co-hosting role on Razzle Dazzle begins on CBC Television.
• 1969: Meets Suzanne Somers while hosting Anniversary Game.
• 1977: Marries Suzanne Somers on November 19.
• 1977: Purchases a home in Palm Springs, California.
• 1980: Steps down as host of The Alan Hamel Show.
• 2007: Loses Malibu home to a wildfire in January.
• 2021: Sells the Palm Springs home for $8.5 million.
• 2023: Suzanne Somers dies on October 15.
• 2025: Begins a relationship with Joanna Cassidy in June.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the major personal and professional turning points in Hamel's long public life. His career began with Razzle Dazzle in 1961. He hosted The Alan Hamel Show from 1976 to 1980. He later worked as a producer, often on projects with his wife. In his personal life, he has two children from his first marriage.

Questions about Alan Hamel

What is Alan Hamel best known for?

Alan Hamel is best known as the host of The Alan Hamel Show, a popular Canadian daytime talk show that aired on CTV from 1976 to 1980. He is also widely remembered as the co-host of the CBC children's television series Razzle Dazzle in the early 1960s. He hosted American game shows like Anniversary Game. He had a later career as a television producer, often working with his wife, Suzanne Somers.

How did Alan Hamel meet Suzanne Somers?

Alan Hamel first met Suzanne Somers in 1969 when he was hosting the syndicated game show Anniversary Game. Somers was working on the show as a prize model at the time. Although Hamel was married to his first wife, Marilyn, he and Somers began a relationship. They lived together for about nine years before eventually marrying on November 19, 1977, in a ceremony that included both Jewish and Catholic officiants.

What happened to Alan Hamel's talk show?

The Alan Hamel Show ended its run on CTV in 1980 when Hamel decided to step down as host. The show's time slot was continued with a new host, fellow Canadian Alan Thicke. The program was renamed The Alan Thicke Show. Later, comedian Don Harron took over the franchise, hosting his own eponymous talk show in the same slot.

Did Alan Hamel act in any television shows?

Yes, Alan Hamel made several guest acting appearances on television series, primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. Notable roles include playing Councilman Garbers in a 1977 episode of Lou Grant and appearing as Ricky Buffano in a 1978 episode of All in the Family. He also had a guest role on the sitcom She's the Sheriff in 1988. These appearances supplemented his primary work as a host and producer.

Where did Alan Hamel go to school?

Alan Hamel attended the Ryerson Institute of Technology in Toronto in 1954. He was in the television arts program at the institute. However, he did not graduate from the program. He instead pursued his broadcasting career directly.

What is Alan Hamel's connection to Joanna Cassidy?

In June 2025, it was reported that Alan Hamel is in a relationship with actress Joanna Cassidy. Cassidy is a former co-star of Hamel's late wife, Suzanne Somers. Hamel was married to Somers from 1977 until her death in October 2023. This new relationship represents a personal development for Hamel following his long marriage.

Sources and further reading

• Alan Hamel (Wikipedia)
• Alan Hamel Net Worth (celebritynetworth.com)
• Alan Hamel's Romance With Late Wife Suzanne Somers' ... (ca.news.yahoo.com)
• Alan Hamel, Alumni (torontomu.ca)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-21.