Brett Somers, originally named Audrey Dawn Johnston on July 11, 1924, was a distinguished Canadian-American game-show figure, actress, vocalist, and comedian. She gained fame in the 1970s as a permanent panellist on the CBS game show Match Game, where her quick wit, large glasses, vibrant wigs, and sharp humor differentiated her as a beloved personality. She frequently occupied the center upper position beside Charles Nelson Reilly, engaging in banter with celebrities such as Betty White, Richard Dawson, and Fannie Flagg. The show became well-known for its lighthearted, occasionally risqué inquiries and relaxed, festive ambiance.
Somers also enjoyed a substantial acting career. She joined the Actors Studio in 1952 and featured in numerous dramatic television series early in her career, including The Philco Television Playhouse, Kraft Television Theatre, Playhouse 90, The Naked City, and Robert Montgomery Presents. In 1958, she made her Broadway debut in the brief play Maybe Tuesday, which closed after only five performances. She further starred in theatrical productions such as Happy Ending, The Seven Year Itch, and The Country Girl (alongside her husband, Jack Klugman). Her film credits included A Rage to Live and Bus Riley’s Back in Town.
On TV, she made guest spots in shows like Love, American Style, The Defenders, Have Gun Will Travel, Ben Casey, CHiPs, The Love Boat, Barney Miller, and The Fugitive. In 1973, she portrayed Rhoda Morgenstern’s Aunt Rose in an episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. She had a recurring role as Blanche Madison, the ex-spouse of Oscar Madison (played by her real-life husband Jack Klugman), on the ABC sitcom The Odd Couple during the early 1970s. Additionally, she featured as Gertie, the receptionist, in the New Perry Mason revival and as Siress Belloby in the 1978 sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica.
Her breakthrough on Match Game occurred in 1973 when Jack Klugman, appearing as a guest, urged the producers to include her on the panel. She remained for most of the show’s nine-year run, both on network and syndicated versions. Audiences adored her left-handed writing and spirited character. Her impact persisted long after, with radio personality Robin Quivers mimicking her on The Howard Stern Show, and she even appeared in the film Private Parts.
Brett Somers Age
Brett Somers was born on July 11, 1924, and departed at the age of 83 on September 15, 2007. She shared her birthday with her younger son, Adam Klugman, born July 11, 1963.
Update
As of January 2026, Brett Somers’ legacy as a comedic and game-show icon continues to thrive. Fans honor her through online conversations, retrospectives, and tributes on social media and various websites. Her razor-sharp humor on Match Game is still regarded as ageless, with clips widely shared and audiences celebrating her as a trailblazer for women in entertainment. In 2025, numerous articles and blogs highlighted her life of laughter, quickness, and fortitude, noting how her style influenced future performers.
The Match Game franchise itself experienced a resurgence, with a new prime-time version debuting on ABC in July 2025, hosted by Martin Short. Although not directly involving Somers, it preserves the essence of the original show, including the kind of engaging, risqué dialogue she helped popularize. GSN (now Game Show Network) has broadcast tributes in the past, showcasing her best moments, and her episodes remain available for streaming. No significant new documentaries or reunions focused on her emerged in 2025 or early 2026, but her contributions to television history are frequently acknowledged in discussions about classic game shows. Her family, including son Adam Klugman (a media strategist), maintains her memory through occasional references.
Brett Somers Husband
Brett Somers was married twice. Her first husband, businessman Robert H. Klein, married her in 1948 after she relocated to New York. They had one daughter, Leslie Klein, but the marriage ended in divorce.
Her second spouse was actor Jack Klugman, whom she wed in 1953. They had two sons together, David and Adam. The couple frequently collaborated, including on The Odd Couple, where she portrayed his character’s ex-spouse. They separated in 1974 after many years together. For a long duration, people believed they remained legally married until her death since Klugman did not remarry until after she died. However, California court documentation verifies they officially divorced in August 1977. Despite the split, they stayed friends and even reunited on stage in 2005 for a production titled Danger, People at Large at Fairfield University. Klugman later married Peggy Crosby in 2008.
Brett Somers Death
Brett Somers passed away on September 15, 2007, at her residence in Westport, Connecticut. She was 83 years old. Her son, Adam, revealed that the cause of death was stomach and colon cancer. She had been diagnosed with cancer in 2004, after earlier denying rumors about health issues (her naturally deep voice had led some to believe she suffered from throat problems). After a period of remission, the cancer returned. She departed peacefully at home. Game Show Network aired a daylong tribute featuring her most memorable Match Game segments. Her ashes were scattered or placed in a memorial garden.
Brett Somers Daughter
Brett Somers had one daughter, Leslie Klein, from her first marriage to Robert H. Klein. Leslie was born in New York City and eventually became an actress, featuring in the 2007 film Walk the Talk. Tragically, Leslie succumbed to lung cancer in 2003, four years before her mother. She was Brett’s only child from her first marriage and the elder half-sister to David and Adam Klugman. Leslie’s passing was a significant loss for the family, and Brett was predeceased by her daughter.
Brett Somers Children
Brett Somers had three children. From her first marriage to Robert H. Klein, she had a daughter, Leslie Klein (died 2003 from lung cancer). From her second marriage to Jack Klugman, she had two sons: David Klugman (born around 1959) and Adam Klugman (born July 11, 1963). Adam shares his birthday with his mother and has worked as a media strategist and campaign consultant. David has maintained a lower public profile. The family was close-knit, and Adam often spoke of his mother after her passing. Brett was also a stepmother figure through her marriages.
| Leslie Klein | Died 2003 (lung cancer) | From first marriage; actress in Walk the Talk (2007); predeceased Brett |
| David Klugman | Born ~1959 | Son with Jack Klugman; leads private life |
| Adam Klugman | Born July 11, 1963 | Son with Jack Klugman; media strategist; shares birthday with mother |
