After decades of silence, fans were stunned to witness the reconciliation between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, two of the iconic stars from the beloved 70s sitcom Three’s Company. What once seemed like an irreparable feud has turned into a heartwarming story of forgiveness, understanding, and growth. So, what led to this extraordinary turn of events? Let’s dive deep into the unexpected reunion of these legendary TV personalities after 30 years of silence.
The History of Their Friendship: From ‘Three’s Company’ Co-Stars to Bitter Feuders
The Golden Years of ‘Three’s Company’
When Three’s Company hit the airwaves in 1977, Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers, and John Ritter quickly became household names. As the original trio, their chemistry was undeniable, with DeWitt playing the sensible Janet Wood and Somers portraying the lovable and ditsy Chrissy Snow. For many, they represented the golden age of sitcoms—a time when slapstick comedy, quirky characters, and endless laughter reigned supreme.
The Rift That Shattered Their Friendship
However, behind the scenes, tensions were brewing. Suzanne Somers, in particular, was unhappy with her role and began negotiating for a better contract. She felt that she was underpaid compared to her co-stars, especially John Ritter, who had already become a breakout star. Somers’ decision to demand a raise led to a highly publicized fallout, with the actress ultimately being written off the show in 1981.
DeWitt and Somers, who had once shared a close friendship, found themselves on opposite sides of the drama. As Somers’ departure from Three’s Company became a scandalous media event, the bond between the two women began to crumble, and they barely spoke for years.
30 Years of Silence: What Really Happened?
The Fallout and Its Aftermath
After Somers left the show, DeWitt and Ritter continued their work on Three’s Company, but the dynamic of the cast was forever altered. Somers’ absence was felt deeply, but the animosity between her and DeWitt only grew as the years went on. The feud became infamous in Hollywood circles, and while both women went on to have successful careers, their relationship remained strained.
For decades, fans speculated about the true nature of their fallout, with many attributing the rift to jealousy, financial disputes, and personal misunderstandings. Despite occasional hints of regret and nostalgia for the good old days, neither DeWitt nor Somers appeared ready to let go of the past.
Why They Stayed Silent for So Long
For many years, both women remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their estrangement. It wasn’t until the late 2010s that DeWitt finally opened up, revealing in interviews that she had always hoped to reconcile with Somers but was unsure of how to approach her. Somers, too, had expressed regret over their falling out, though she admitted that she had felt betrayed by DeWitt’s lack of support during the contract negotiations.
The Turning Point: What Led to Their Reconciliation?
The Power of Time and Reflection
Fast forward to 2020, when the two women reconnected after nearly three decades of silence. According to insiders, the reconciliation was sparked by a deep sense of reflection. Both DeWitt and Somers had lived with the pain of their fractured relationship for years, and the toll it took on their personal lives became too heavy to bear.
In an emotional interview, Somers shared that she had reached out to DeWitt privately, feeling that it was time to heal old wounds. She recognized that their feud had been fueled by misunderstandings and external pressures, and that it was time to move forward.
Shared Experiences and Maturity
Another crucial factor in their reconciliation was their shared experiences of growing older in the entertainment industry. Both women had faced challenges, from personal struggles to professional setbacks, and those trials had given them a new perspective on life. They realized that life was too short to hold onto grudges, especially when they had once been close friends.
Moreover, the #MeToo movement and the growing awareness of women’s struggles in Hollywood made them reflect on how much they had in common, from the pressures of being in the public eye to the way they had been treated by the industry.
The Heartwarming Reunion: What Happened Next?
An Emotional Reunion on The Today Show
Their first public reunion took place on The Today Show, where both women appeared together for the first time in years. The reunion was emotional, filled with tears and laughter as they shared stories from their time on Three’s Company. The tension that had once existed between them seemed to vanish as they embraced each other on live television.
Why Their Reunion Means So Much to Fans
For many fans, the reunion was a moment of pure nostalgia. Three’s Company had been a huge part of their lives, and seeing the stars come together after so many years felt like witnessing a family reunion. It reminded fans of the magic that existed between DeWitt, Somers, and Ritter, and how much they had meant to the world.
Their reunion also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness and second chances. In a world where celebrity feuds are often blown out of proportion, the reconciliation between DeWitt and Somers sent a message of hope to people everywhere.
The Impact of Their Reconciliation on Their Careers and Legacy
Renewed Friendship and Professional Collaborations
Since their reunion, both women have made public appearances together and have even discussed the possibility of working together again. Although neither has expressed interest in returning to Three’s Company, their renewed friendship has sparked a wave of interest in their individual careers.
Somers has continued to build her brand as a wellness advocate, while DeWitt has worked on a variety of projects, including stage productions and television appearances. Their reconciliation has opened new doors for both women, and they now share a bond that goes beyond their Three’s Company days.
A Legacy of Friendship and Forgiveness
The reconciliation between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers has become a part of their legacy. It shows that even the most complicated relationships can heal with time, understanding, and a willingness to let go of past grievances. Their story serves as an inspiration to others who may be dealing with long-standing conflicts in their own lives.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in the ‘Three’s Company’ Legacy
The reconciliation of Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers is one of the most heartwarming stories in Hollywood history. What once seemed like an unrepairable rift has blossomed into a renewed friendship that speaks to the power of forgiveness, growth, and the passage of time. Fans who once feared they would never see the two co-stars together again now have a story of reconciliation to cherish. In a world full of drama and conflict, their journey shows us all the importance of finding peace, even after 30 years.
FAQs
1. What caused the rift between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers?
The rift was largely due to a contract dispute that arose when Suzanne Somers demanded a pay raise, which led to her departure from Three’s Company. Tensions grew between her and DeWitt, who didn’t support Somers’ actions publicly.
2. How long were Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers estranged?
The two actresses were estranged for nearly 30 years, with no significant communication during that time.
3. How did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers reunite?
Their reunion happened after Suzanne Somers reached out to Joyce DeWitt privately, realizing the need for healing and forgiveness. They both recognized that their feud had been fueled by misunderstandings.
4. What was their first public appearance together like?
Their first public appearance together was on The Today Show, where they embraced each other and shared emotional moments, reminiscing about their time on Three’s Company.
5. Are Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers planning to work together again?
While neither actress has expressed interest in returning to Three’s Company, they have discussed the possibility of working on future projects together, with their renewed friendship opening up new opportunities.
