The Unexpected Late-Life Romance That Has Hollywood Talking
The Alan Hamel Joanna Cassidy romance has captured attention as one of Hollywood’s most touching late-life love stories. After 46 years of marriage to beloved actress Suzanne Somers, 88-year-old Alan Hamel has found companionship with 79-year-old Joanna Cassidy – ironically, his late wife’s former co-star.
Quick Facts About Their Romance:
- First met: 1970s on The Alan Hamel Show
- Reconnected: Through Hamel’s son Stephen at a film screening
- Relationship confirmed: June 2025
- Suzanne’s blessing: She told Hamel “don’t mope around” before her death
- Current status: Dating for several months, future uncertain
This isn’t your typical Hollywood romance. Hamel and Cassidy have known each other for over 45 years, first meeting when she guest-starred on his Canadian talk show in the 1970s. They later reconnected when both worked on the 1985 miniseries Hollywood Wives, where Cassidy co-starred alongside Somers.
What makes this story particularly poignant is Suzanne Somers’ own encouragement. In her final days, she urged Hamel to “live your life” rather than grieve alone. The couple was reintroduced by Hamel’s son Stephen, who had no idea his father and Cassidy shared decades of professional history.
“I don’t know where this relationship is going,” Hamel told Page Six exclusively, “but at this very moment, it’s wonderful.”
As R. Couri Hay, I’ve covered countless celebrity romances throughout my 40-year career in entertainment journalism, but the Alan Hamel Joanna Cassidy romance stands out for its authenticity and timing. Having written for publications like Town & Country and People, I’ve witnessed how genuine connections can bloom even in Hollywood’s most unexpected circumstances.
Who Are Alan Hamel and Joanna Cassidy?
Before diving into their romance, understand who these two accomplished individuals are. Both have carved impressive careers in entertainment, spanning decades of professional achievement.
Alan Hamel’s Path to 2025
Alan Hamel, now 88 years old (turning 89 in June 2025), built his reputation as a Canadian television host and producer. His career highlights include hosting The Alan Hamel Show in the 1970s, where he first met Joanna Cassidy as a guest star. He also hosted The Anniversary Game and various other television programs throughout his career.
Most notably, Hamel was married to Suzanne Somers for 46 years, from 1977 until her death in October 2023. Together, they created a business empire that lasted 50 years, with Hamel serving as Somers’ manager and business partner. Their relationship was famously close – Hamel once revealed they never spent even one hour apart in 42 years of marriage.
“Suzanne was an amazing wife and mother, and she held the family together,” Hamel reflected, describing their unique bond that defied typical Hollywood marriages.
Joanna Cassidy’s Hollywood Journey
Joanna Cassidy, 79, has enjoyed one of Hollywood’s most enduring careers. Starting as a model in the 1960s, she transitioned to acting in the 1970s and has remained active for over 50 years. Her impressive filmography includes iconic roles in Blade Runner, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and The Outfit.
On television, Cassidy earned Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for her work on HBO’s Six Feet Under. She’s also appeared in Body of Proof, NCIS: New Orleans, and most recently, Matlock. Hamel describes her as “easily the hardest-working and most active actress in Hollywood for well over 50 years.”
Cassidy was previously married to Dr. Kennard C. Kobrin from 1964 to 1974, and they share two children. She has not remarried until now, making her connection with Hamel particularly significant.
The Alan Hamel Joanna Cassidy romance: How It Began and Evolved
The alan hamel Joanna Cassidy romance reads like a Hollywood script – but this one’s real. Their love story spans over four decades, weaving through professional encounters, shared friendships, and ultimately blossoming into an unexpected late-life romance that has captured hearts everywhere.
The seeds of their connection were planted back in the 1970s when Joanna Cassidy appeared as a guest on The Alan Hamel Show. Even then, Hamel was struck by her professionalism and talent. “Her career blew me away when I first got to know her,” he recalls with genuine admiration.
Their paths crossed again during the 1985 filming of Hollywood Wives, where Cassidy co-starred alongside Suzanne Somers. Hamel frequently visited the set, watching his wife work alongside this remarkable actress he’d first met years earlier. Little did anyone know this professional friendship would eventually bloom into something much deeper.
The story took a poignant turn after Suzanne Somers’ death on October 15, 2023. But it was actually Somers herself who set the stage for what would come next. The real catalyst? Hamel’s son Stephen, who unknowingly played cupid at a film screening in 2024. When Stephen met Cassidy and suggested she’d get along well with his father, he had no idea they already shared decades of history.
The romance was officially confirmed in June 2025, making headlines across entertainment media. Their first Malibu lunch together was captured by photographers, showing two people clearly comfortable in each other’s company.
Reconnection After Suzanne Somers’ Passing
The Alan Hamel Joanna Cassidy romance might never have happened without Suzanne Somers’ beautiful final gift to her husband. In her last days, battling cancer with characteristic grace, Somers gave Hamel the most loving permission imaginable.
“Don’t mope around. Live your life. We will see one another after you cross over,” she told him twice during her final days. Hamel admits he’d never even heard the phrase “mope around” before Suzanne used it, but her message couldn’t have been clearer.
For 18 months after Somers’ death, Hamel honored her memory while slowly adjusting to life as a widower. He describes this period thoughtfully, explaining how he even went on group dates with married friends – what he calls “business meetings” – to ease back into social situations.
The turning point came through Stephen’s innocent matchmaking. When Cassidy learned that Stephen’s father was Alan Hamel – the same man whose talk show had launched their decades-long acquaintance – she immediately wanted to reconnect. It was as if the universe had been waiting for the right moment.
From Respect to Romance
What started as a suggested meeting between old friends quickly transformed into something neither expected. Hamel describes this phase of his life as the “cocktail hour” – a charming way of embracing the possibilities that come with age and experience.
Their first public appearance together was captured during a leisurely stroll in Malibu. The arm-in-arm photos showed a comfortable couple, both sporting matching baseball caps and clearly enjoying each other’s company at Broad Street Oyster Company.
The age factor has become a delightful source of jokey age banter between them. “I’d never been with an 80-year-old,” Hamel jokes, while Cassidy playfully responds, “I’d never been with an 89-year-old.” They describe themselves as perfectly “age-appropriate,” finding joy in their shared life experiences and mutual understanding.
What strikes Hamel most about Cassidy is her authenticity. “She is no Hollywood BS, and we laugh a lot,” he says warmly. He believes “most men would love to have a Joanna in their life,” praising both her remarkable career achievements and her genuine, down-to-earth character.
Public Reaction, Blessings, and Future Prospects
The Alan Hamel Joanna Cassidy romance has touched hearts across Hollywood and beyond. When news broke in June 2025, the response was remarkably warm and supportive – a rare occurrence in today’s often cynical media landscape.
Fans have rallied around their story because it represents something beautiful: proof that love doesn’t have an expiration date. Social media comments overflow with admiration for their courage to accept romance in their 80s, and many praise Hamel for honoring Suzanne’s final wishes to “live your life.”
The media coverage has been refreshingly respectful. Page Six’s exclusive revelation focused on the touching aspects of their decades-long friendship and family support, rather than sensationalizing their age difference or widowhood timeline.
What strikes me most about the public reaction is how people see this as a testament to Suzanne Somers’ legacy. Rather than viewing it as moving on from her memory, fans recognize it as fulfilling her final gift to her husband – permission to find joy again.
The Malibu paparazzi shots of them strolling arm-in-arm generated genuine smiles rather than gossip. There’s something refreshing about seeing two accomplished people in their “cocktail hour of life” simply enjoying each other’s company without drama or controversy.
Role of Family & Friends
Stephen Hamel’s inadvertent matchmaking has become everyone’s favorite part of this love story. The irony is delicious – he had no idea his father and Cassidy shared 45 years of professional history when he suggested they meet.
“You should meet my dad,” Stephen told Cassidy after meeting her at a film screening. When she learned his father was Alan Hamel, her immediate recognition and enthusiasm sealed the deal. It’s the kind of cosmic coincidence that makes you believe in fate.
The broader Hamel family support has been crucial to the relationship’s success. Hamel’s daughter Leslie and the extended family have accepted Cassidy, understanding that their father’s happiness honors rather than diminishes Suzanne’s memory.
Before finding love with Cassidy, Hamel took a thoughtful approach to re-entering social life. He experimented with group dating, taking two married friends to dinner simultaneously. “It looked like a business meeting,” he explained with characteristic humor, describing how this helped him ease back into social situations without awkwardness.
This supportive circle of blended families and friends has created a safe space for their romance to flourish. There’s no drama, no jealousy – just genuine happiness for two people who’ve found unexpected companionship.
What Joanna Cassidy Has (and Hasn’t) Said
Here’s what’s fascinating about Cassidy: she’s said absolutely nothing publicly about their romance. Despite being active on Instagram and having a long Hollywood career, she hasn’t posted a single photo or made any statements about dating Hamel.
This private stance speaks volumes about her character and aligns perfectly with Hamel’s description of her as “no Hollywood BS.” She’s not using their relationship for publicity or social media content – she’s simply living it.
Their mutual laughter and natural chemistry shine through in the paparazzi photos, but Cassidy lets her actions speak louder than words. She shows up, she enjoys their time together, and she maintains her dignity and privacy.
This discretion has actually improved the positive media coverage. Because their romance appears authentic rather than manufactured for attention, journalists and fans alike have acceptd their story as genuine late-life love.
The future remains uncertain but hopeful. As Hamel told Page Six, “I don’t know where this relationship is going, but at this very moment, it’s wonderful.” Sometimes that’s enough – especially when you’re 88 and 79 and have already lived full, accomplished lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alan Hamel Joanna Cassidy romance
When news broke about this unexpected late-life romance, readers had plenty of questions. Here are the most common ones about how this touching love story unfolded.
How long after Suzanne Somers’ death did Hamel start dating Cassidy?
The Alan Hamel Joanna Cassidy romance began about 18 to 20 months after Suzanne Somers passed away in October 2023. Hamel took his time grieving and adjusting to life as a widower before opening his heart again.
Their romantic relationship started in early 2025, and by June 2025, when Hamel confirmed the romance publicly, he mentioned they had been dating for “several months.” This timeline shows Hamel honored his late wife’s memory while gradually allowing himself to find companionship again.
The timing feels respectful and natural. Hamel didn’t rush into anything – he spent over a year processing his loss before reconnecting with Cassidy in a romantic way.
What did Suzanne Somers say about Hamel “moving on”?
Suzanne Somers actually encouraged her husband to find love again before she died. This blessing makes their romance even more touching.
In her final days, battling cancer, Somers told Hamel twice: “Don’t mope around. Live your life. We will see one another after you cross over.” Hamel admits he’d never heard the phrase “mope around” before Suzanne used it, but her message came through loud and clear.
Somers didn’t want her beloved husband spending his remaining years alone and grieving. She wanted him to accept life, find joy, and continue living fully. Her words gave Hamel permission to pursue happiness without guilt – a final gift of love from a devoted wife.
Where have Hamel and Cassidy been photographed together?
The couple has been spotted enjoying life in Malibu, California, where both have spent considerable time over the years. Their most famous public appearance happened when paparazzi captured them strolling arm-in-arm through the seaside community.
The photos showed them having lunch at Broad Street Oyster Company, both wearing matching baseball caps and looking completely at ease with each other. They appeared relaxed and happy – like any couple enjoying a casual afternoon together.
These Malibu sightings represent their first confirmed public appearances as a romantic couple. The setting feels perfect for their story – a beautiful, laid-back coastal town where two Hollywood veterans can enjoy each other’s company away from the industry spotlight.
Conclusion
The Alan Hamel Joanna Cassidy romance reminds us that love doesn’t follow a timeline. Their story shows how deep friendships can blossom into something beautiful when life creates the right moment.
What touches me most about their romance is its honesty. After covering celebrity relationships for four decades, I’ve seen plenty of manufactured love stories. This isn’t one of them. These two people genuinely care about each other, built on 45 years of mutual respect that started long before cameras were watching.
Suzanne Somers’ final gift to her husband wasn’t just permission to move on – it was encouragement to accept life fully. Her words “don’t mope around” have become the foundation for something truly special. The alan hamel Joanna Cassidy romance honors her memory while proving that new chapters can begin at any age.
I love that Hamel admits he has no idea where this relationship is going. That vulnerability makes their story real. At 88 and 79, they’re not making grand promises about forever. They’re simply enjoying what Hamel calls the “cocktail hour of life” – savoring each moment together.
Their romance also shows how family support can make all the difference. Stephen Hamel’s innocent matchmaking created the perfect opportunity for two old friends to see each other with fresh eyes. Sometimes the best love stories need a little help from the people who care about us most.
As we watch this story unfold, we’re witnessing something rare in Hollywood: authentic late-life love. It’s messy and uncertain and absolutely beautiful. Suzanne Somers’ legacy lives on not just in her entertainment career, but in the happiness she encouraged her husband to find.
The future remains unwritten for Alan and Joanna, and that’s exactly as it should be. Their story offers hope to anyone who thinks their chance for love has passed. Sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when we least expect them.
For more authentic stories about celebrity relationships and high society moments, explore our comprehensive coverage of entertainment industry insider stories. At R. Couri Hay Columns, we bring you the real stories behind the headlines – the ones that remind us why love always makes the best news.