A Glimpse Into 1970s Variety Television: Suzanne Somers Remembers Karen Carpenter
Suzanne Somers vividly recalled a time in the mid-1970s when she was working non-stop, doing specials nearly every weekend. It was the golden age of variety television, and as one of the most recognizable faces on screen—especially popular among female viewers—her schedule was packed. But even in that whirlwind of appearances, one special stood out: her time on The Carpenters’ Space Encounter, a television special featuring the beloved sibling duo Karen and Richard Carpenter.
“I remember the concept was something about a spaceship,” Suzanne shared with a nostalgic smile. “All the best people wanted to work on that show, because you just knew if you were a guest star on The Carpenters, it was going to get wide viewership. That was gold for your career.”
The special, which aired in 1978, paired Suzanne with fellow entertainers like John Davidson and Charlie Callas. There was comedy, music, and an unmistakable warmth that defined the era. Suzanne was brought on as comic relief, but also to sing a playful duet with Karen Carpenter: “Men Smart (Women Smarter).”
Working With Karen: A Voice Like No Other
Reflecting on her duet with Karen, Suzanne was both humbled and proud.
“I was never going to be better than her. That wasn’t the point,” she said. “But I sounded good with her. I found confidence in it. I thought our voices blended beautifully.”
Though the song wasn’t a chart hit, it captured a moment in time—a moment of fun, energy, and effortless chemistry. “Even when I was doing the number, I had fun, but I thought, ‘This isn’t a hit.’ Still, it was cute. I looked cute, and she looked cute. What else matters, really?”
The Charm of a Bygone Era
For Suzanne, that special reflected what television once was: light, joyful, and centered around personalities people loved.
“Nobody was yelling at everybody. It was easy, fun, and easy on the eyes,” she said. “And that’s what television was at that time—just light entertainment. Life was so different then.”
Her memories of working with Karen Carpenter weren’t just about the performance—they were about presence. Karen’s gentle soul and flawless voice left a lasting impression. As Suzanne Somers remembered that moment on stage, it wasn’t about who was more famous or who had more hits. It was about two women sharing laughter and harmony during a golden age of television.
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