It’s gonna be one Helen of a night. Hundreds of impeccably dressed Helen Ropers are bar hopping across the metro area this month as part of a sentimental, nationwide tribute to the beloved “Three’s Company” sit-com character. You can’t miss them: each of the boozed-up revelers will be wearing colorful caftans, gaudy jewelry and curly red wigs in imitation of the eccentric landlady made famous by actress Audra Lindley in the 1970s and 80s comedy.
“There’s good energy, good vibes, and just joy of being together and celebrating something so nostalgic,” Angela White, 56, who’s bringing the party to White Plains this Saturday, told The Post.
White expects as many as 100 people to show up for the second-annual Mrs. Roper Romp in White Plains, which not-so-coincidentally comes four days after the famed actress’s birthday.
The party is just one of hundreds that have popped up across the country as part of a decade-long phenomenon that honors Helen Roper, the iconic landlady known for bugging her tenants and wearing outrageous outfits who graced television screens from 1977 to 1984.
The romps have exploded in recent years, but originated in the gay community — the original Mrs. Roper Romp can be pinpointed to New Orleans’ 2013 celebration known as Southern Decadence, which saw dozens of Helens march in the parade. Now, the trend typically comes in the form of a pub crawl, but the party is nothing like the rowdy likes of Santacon. Last year, White scrounged up about 20 Helen look-a-likes and stormed through four major bars — which had Mrs. Roper-themed drinks on the deck, played “Three’s Company” on their televisions and blared 80s music from their speakers to celebrate.
The crowd spent the day reveling in a series of “Three’s Company” games like trivia and “name that tune” and even ran a fashion show — which boiled down to a trippy, rotating door of Helen after Helen.
“We got some really funny reactions from people,” recalled White, of Elmsford.
“They just thought we were a hoot because we were in these caftans and curly red wigs and holding these face fans. We had all the faces of “Three’s Company” and were dancing around with them, people thought it was really, really funny.” The outlandish and silly event is also an incredible show of community in White Plains — and local businesses were eager to roll out the “paisley carpet” for the group of Helens.
“Colorful caftans? An homage to an icon of the 70’s? A fun way to celebrate the free-spirited independent thinking of Mrs. Roper while supporting many of our independent hospitality businesses at the same time? Yes, please!” Jennifer Furioli, executive director of the city’s Business Improvement District, told The Post.
“This is what downtowns should be: vibrant, fun, playful…just like Mrs. Roper…and we’re happy to play a part!
The Mrs. Roper Romps typically come in the form of bar crawls, but have expanded to include events like Paint and Sip, including one slated for Absecon, New Jersey Saturday. Dozens of ornately dressed Helens will enjoy a meal together before picking up the paintbrush to replicate the infamous front door from “Three’s Company” — which Helen was known to blow through without invitation regularly. The booze is optional, but the caftan is not.
“I have a lot of people that come and don’t want to drink. I have one [recovering addict] who loves these but won’t go to them because they’re in a bar. That’s what makes this one a little bit different different,” said event organizer and art teacher Vonnie Clark, 74.
“This is a really great thing. Everybody gets really into this and it’s a lot of fun.”
The event will be the third Mrs. Roper Romp Clark has participated in, including one from over the summer that drew upwards of 50 people. White has no idea how many costumed fans to expect this weekend, but says interest has boomed as the Mrs. Roper Romps become more popular across the nation and especially on social media.
A cornerstone of the Mrs. Roper Romps across the country is inclusivity, said White — who encouraged any person regardless of age, gender or race to join the party and pay tribute to the iconic character. The nice thing about Roper groups across the country and even internationally, the people are just down to earth, want to have a nice time, no drama, inclusive, just fun-loving people that want to get together and honor this nostalgic time period.
I”f you come alone you don’t have to worry — you’re going to make new friends, you won’t get left behind.”
What’s the Buzz About the Helen Roper Invasion?
If you’ve driven through Westchester lately and noticed an unusual number of women rocking flamboyant caftans, chunky necklaces, and platinum wigs—don’t adjust your glasses. You’re not hallucinating. Dozens of Helen Ropers—yes, the iconic landlady from Three’s Company—are gearing up to invade Westchester in what might just be the most delightful pop culture phenomenon of the year.
And yes, it’s just as fabulous as it sounds.
The Rise of the Helen Roper Revival Movement
Who Was Helen Roper Again?
If you’ve ever watched Three’s Company, you’ll remember Helen Roper, played by the hilarious Audra Lindley, as the outspoken, fashion-forward wife of the ever-clueless Mr. Roper. With her snarky one-liners, colorful robes, and unfiltered sass, Helen became a 70s sitcom icon.
Why Now? Why Westchester?
The sudden surge in Helen Roper impersonators isn’t random. It’s part of a fan-led cultural movement known as the “Roper Rewind”, which celebrates camp, nostalgia, and female empowerment through the lens of classic sitcoms.
Westchester, known for its artsy communities and quirky festivals, became the perfect backdrop for the event, drawing fans from across the country to channel their inner Helen.
What Is the ‘Three’s Company’ Phenomenon All About?
The Show That Started It All
Three’s Company aired from 1977 to 1984, captivating audiences with its risqué humor, love triangles, and miscommunications galore. But it was the side characters—like the Ropers—who unexpectedly stole the show.
From Sitcom to Subculture
In recent years, the series has found new life on streaming platforms, where Gen Z and Millennials are rediscovering the chaotic charm of Three’s Company. With that came meme culture, watch parties, and now, full-blown character cosplay events like this one.
Meet the Helen Ropers of Westchester
It’s Not Just a Costume—It’s a Lifestyle
These aren’t just people playing dress-up. Each Helen Roper impersonator is fully committed—from perfecting the nasal tone of Helen’s voice to recreating her signature facial expressions.
Some even stay in character the entire weekend, ordering brunch in Roper-speak and flinging sarcastic quips at their Mr. Roper lookalike partners.
The Gathering of the Robes
This year’s main event? A “Roper Runway Walk” in downtown Westchester, complete with prizes for:
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Best Caftan
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Most Audacious Accessory
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Sassiest Comeback Line
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Most Accurate 70s Makeup
You better believe the competition is fierce.
Why Helen Roper Resonates Today
A Feminist Icon in Disguise
Underneath the laughs and flamboyant wardrobe, Helen was ahead of her time. She challenged gender roles, stood up to her husband’s sexism, and owned her sexuality—something rare for 70s TV.
Today, many women see her as a feminist symbol hiding in plain sight, which adds a deeper layer to this growing movement.
She’s Relatable AF
Let’s face it—we’ve all felt like Helen at some point. Underappreciated. Misunderstood. Trapped in a robe on a Tuesday eating leftover pasta straight from the pot. She’s campy but real, and that’s why she’s still relevant.
The Economic and Cultural Impact on Westchester
A Boost for Local Businesses
From caftan pop-ups to themed cocktails at local bars (yes, the “Roper on the Rocks” is real), Westchester is cashing in on the Helen-mania. Boutique shops are reporting spikes in vintage jewelry sales, and Airbnb hosts are booked solid.
Media Buzz and Tourism Surge
What started as a quirky fan event has snowballed into a regional tourism attraction. Local TV stations, TikTok influencers, and national press are covering the event, putting Westchester in the pop culture spotlight.
The Event Line-Up—What to Expect This Weekend
If you’re planning to join or just want to people-watch, here’s a glimpse of the key events:
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Roper Karaoke Night (featuring 70s disco hits and TV theme songs)
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Three’s Company Trivia Throwdown
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“Roper Yoga” in Robes (yes, it’s real and yes, it’s hilarious)
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Retro Hair & Makeup Tutorials
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Meet & Greet with Classic TV Historians
How to Join the Helen Roper Movement
The Essentials You’ll Need
Want to transform into Helen Roper? Start with:
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A patterned caftan (the more colors, the better)
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Oversized plastic jewelry
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Feathered blonde wig or big rollers
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A whole lot of sass
Where to Find Fellow Fans
Look up Facebook groups like “Roper Revival” or local cosplay circles. Instagram hashtags like #HelenRoperTakeover and #ThreesCompanyFans are filled with tips, outfit inspo, and event updates.
The Legacy of Helen Roper—More Than a Punchline
Helen wasn’t just comic relief. She was a character with depth, frustration, and fire. This movement reminds us that the so-called “side characters” often have the most to say and the most power to connect across generations.
What’s Next? The Future of ‘Three’s Company’ Fandom
Could a Three’s Company reboot be on the horizon? Rumors swirl about a modern take on the show, and events like this only fuel the fire. Whether it happens or not, one thing’s for sure—Helen Roper isn’t going anywhere.
Conclusion – Come and Knock on Their Door… If You Dare
So if you’re strolling through Westchester this weekend and see a parade of Helens strutting in their caftans with sass and style, don’t blink. Join them. Cheer them on. Because this isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a celebration of individuality, humor, and timeless television.
