Biography

Brett Somers

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In 1973, Brett became a popular panelist on the television game show, "The Match Game." The Match Game (in its original version) ran on NBC's daytime lineup from 1962 to 1969. The show returned in 1973 with a significantly changed format on CBS (also in daytime). "The Match Game" became a major success, with an expanded panel, larger cash payouts, and emphasis on humor and innuendo. Brett sat on the top tier next to Charles Nelson Reilly. The repartee between the two was often quite amusing. "The Match Game" ran from 1973 to 1979. Today's audiences enjoy its reruns on Game Show Network.
- IMDb mini biography by: Connee Sheckler / Hans Delbruck

Somers married Jack Klugman in 1953 and went by the name Brett Somers Klugman afterward, until the couple parted ways. They had two children, David Klugman and Adam Klugman. She appeared on several episodes of The Odd Couple (1970), playing "Blanche", the ex-wife of real-life husband Klugman's character, "Oscar Madison". The couple legally separated in 1974 but reportedly never divorced. In 2008, a year after after Somers' death, Klugman married his long-time girlfriend, Peggy Crosby.
She was not originally on the celebrity panel of Match Game (1973). When her husband, Jack Klugman, appeared on the first week of the program in 1973, he suggested that producers bring her aboard. Her wit and dry humor proved extremely successful, and she would remain a regular panelist for the remainder of the show's nine year network and syndicated run.
Often traveled from New York to Los Angeles with Match Game (1973) host Gene Rayburn to tape the game show.
Best known by the public as a panelist on Match Game (1973). On nearly every episode, she was the comic foil to Charles Nelson Reilly (and vice versa).
In 2005, Jack and Brett reunited on stage in "Danger, People at Large", three short comedies by Frederick Stroppel at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The special evening marked the first time in about three decades that Klugman and Somers had performed together.

You know, I'm a television personality. It's not like I'm a famous hooker or something!
Am I sounding better or am I just getting used to my voice?
I had to give up martinis - I enjoyed them too much.
Good gravy Marie!
[1970's, after the Match Game audience booed her answer] Who needs you? I'm an heiress!

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