Introduction: The Salary Feud on ‘Three’s Company’
When you think of Three’s Company, your mind probably goes to the sitcom’s quirky moments, colorful characters, and classic slapstick humor. But behind the scenes, there was a dramatic showdown over money that almost tore apart the show’s cast. Suzanne Somers, who played the iconic Chrissy Snow, was at the center of a salary dispute that threatened her future on the show. However, what many don’t know is that Don Knotts, who played the charming and bumbling landlord, Mr. Furley, ended up supporting Somers during this fiery period.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why Don Knotts chose to back Suzanne Somers in the salary feud and explore the behind-the-scenes dynamics that led to this surprising alliance. Let’s take a closer look at what really happened and how this moment impacted the show’s history.
The Rise of ‘Three’s Company’ and Its Popularity
Before we dive into the details of the salary dispute, it’s important to understand the massive success of Three’s Company. The show, which aired from 1977 to 1984, became a cultural phenomenon. It featured a unique premise: two women and a man living together in a shared apartment, with a ton of misunderstandings, innuendos, and comedic antics.
The chemistry between Suzanne Somers (Chrissy), John Ritter (Jack Tripper), and Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood) was magnetic, and the show became a favorite among viewers. However, as the show gained popularity, the salary discussions started to heat up, especially for Suzanne Somers.
Suzanne Somers’ Salary Dispute: A Star on the Rise
Suzanne Somers was not just a cast member on Three’s Company—she was the star. Chrissy Snow became an iconic character, and Somers’ portrayal of the naive yet lovable woman was a major contributor to the show’s success. By the late 1970s, Somers had become one of the highest-paid actresses on television. However, this success came with its own set of problems.
Despite her growing popularity, Somers felt she wasn’t being paid enough. She believed that her contribution to the show far exceeded her salary and began negotiating for a higher paycheck. At the time, she was earning $30,000 per episode, which, while significant, seemed low compared to what she thought she deserved.
Somers made her demands clear, asking for a substantial pay increase—rumored to be as high as $150,000 per episode. But the network and producers were resistant, which led to a tense situation.
Don Knotts: The Unexpected Ally
During this time, Don Knotts, who had joined the cast in season 2 as Mr. Furley, found himself in the middle of the situation. At first glance, it might seem like Knotts would have little to do with the salary dispute. But the reality was much more complex.
Knotts had his own experience with television stardom. Having already made a name for himself as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, Knotts was no stranger to the world of TV fame and its demands. He understood the pressures of being a top star, and he sympathized with Suzanne Somers’ desire to be fairly compensated for her work.
The Tension Behind the Scenes: A Divided Cast
As the salary negotiations dragged on, the Three’s Company set became increasingly tense. John Ritter, who played the beloved Jack Tripper, was caught in the middle. He had his own concerns, but he also understood the dynamics of the show and the importance of keeping things peaceful on set. Joyce DeWitt, on the other hand, remained more neutral, choosing not to publicly support either side.
But Don Knotts was different. As a seasoned professional, he recognized the value of Suzanne Somers to the show’s success. He was aware that if Somers left the series, the show could lose much of its charm and viewership. He didn’t just see her as a co-star—he saw her as a pivotal part of the show’s success.
The Turning Point: Don Knotts’ Support for Suzanne Somers
Don Knotts made it clear that he was on Suzanne Somers’ side, publicly supporting her pay demands. He believed that Somers deserved more recognition for her role in making Three’s Company the cultural hit it had become. Knotts’ support was a significant turning point in the feud, as it gave Somers more confidence in her negotiations.
This wasn’t just about money—it was about respect. Knotts knew that by backing Somers, he was standing up for the idea that actors should be compensated fairly based on their contributions to a show’s success. His support of Somers helped shift the power dynamics on set, signaling that the actors, especially the stars, had more control than they might have realized.
The Fallout: Suzanne Somers’ Departure
Unfortunately, despite Knotts’ support, the salary dispute ultimately ended with Suzanne Somers being written out of the show. After a season of tension and failed negotiations, Somers was replaced by Jenilee Harrison, who played Cindy Snow, Chrissy’s cousin. The move was seen as a way to fill the void left by Somers, but it didn’t sit well with fans.
Many viewers felt the show lost some of its magic without Somers’ iconic character, and the ratings started to drop. It wasn’t long before the producers and the network realized that the departure of Somers had a bigger impact than they had anticipated.
Don Knotts’ Legacy on ‘Three’s Company’
Although Suzanne Somers’ time on Three’s Company came to an end, Don Knotts’ role as Mr. Furley became even more important to the show. His comedic timing and charm helped keep the show afloat, and his involvement in the salary dispute showed that he wasn’t just a sidekick—he was a true ally to his fellow cast members.
Knotts’ support of Somers remains one of the most significant behind-the-scenes moments in Three’s Company history. His loyalty to his co-stars demonstrated that, even in a world driven by contracts and paychecks, camaraderie and respect could still shine through.
The Aftermath: How the Salary Feud Shaped Future TV Contracts
The salary feud between Suzanne Somers and the producers of Three’s Company became a landmark moment in television history. It sparked conversations about pay disparity, actor rights, and the pressures of stardom.
In the years following Somers’ departure, the TV industry would see many more salary disputes, but the Three’s Company situation set a precedent. Actors became more vocal about their pay, and the influence of stars like Suzanne Somers and Don Knotts helped shape the way TV contracts were negotiated in the future.
Conclusion: A Complex Friendship and a Pivotal Moment in TV History
The salary feud on Three’s Company wasn’t just about money—it was a story about loyalty, respect, and the value of hard work. Don Knotts’ support of Suzanne Somers during this time was a powerful statement, showing that behind the sitcom’s zany antics was a true friendship and a recognition of each other’s worth. While the feud ultimately led to Somers’ departure, the impact of Knotts’ actions remains a pivotal chapter in the show’s history.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’?
Suzanne Somers left Three’s Company due to a salary dispute. She demanded a pay raise that the producers and network were unwilling to meet, which led to her being written out of the show.
2. How did Don Knotts get involved in the salary dispute?
Don Knotts supported Suzanne Somers’ demand for a pay raise, recognizing her importance to the show’s success. His support helped boost her confidence during the negotiations.
3. Was Don Knotts ever replaced on ‘Three’s Company’?
No, Don Knotts continued to play Mr. Furley throughout the rest of the show. His role remained integral to the show’s dynamics after Suzanne Somers left.
4. What happened to Suzanne Somers after ‘Three’s Company’?
After leaving Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers went on to have a successful career in acting and business. She became a best-selling author and launched her own line of fitness products.
5. Did the salary dispute affect the show’s ratings?
Yes, the departure of Suzanne Somers led to a drop in ratings. Fans missed her character, Chrissy Snow, and the show never quite recovered its original magic after her exit.
