“Three’s Company” was one of the most iconic sitcoms of the late ’70s and early ’80s, but not all the drama was confined to the screen. Behind the scenes, tensions were rising between two of its biggest stars, John Ritter and Suzanne Somers. While the show was a massive success, their off-screen feud became the stuff of Hollywood legend.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what led to John Ritter’s refusal to work with Suzanne Somers after their time on the beloved sitcom. Let’s explore the story behind the drama, how their relationship deteriorated, and the lasting impact it had on both their careers.
The Rise of ‘Three’s Company’
Before we get into the drama, it’s essential to understand the magic that made “Three’s Company” a cultural phenomenon. The sitcom premiered in 1977 and quickly became a household name. It was centered around a young man, Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter), who shares an apartment with two women, Janet (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy (Suzanne Somers).
The show combined slapstick humor, love triangles, and quirky misunderstandings, making it a hit with audiences. John Ritter’s charm as the bumbling yet lovable Jack Tripper and Suzanne Somers’ portrayal of the ditzy but sweet Chrissy Snow were key to its success.
However, what many viewers didn’t know was that, behind all the laughter, tension was building up between the two stars. But what exactly happened?
The Beginning of the Tensions Between John Ritter and Suzanne Somers
It’s not uncommon for celebrity friendships to face challenges, especially in the high-pressure environment of a hit TV show. However, with “Three’s Company,” the conflict between John Ritter and Suzanne Somers was more intense than most.
At the heart of their fallout was Suzanne Somers’ demand for a pay raise. She felt that she deserved more money, especially since the show was at the peak of its popularity. She began to push for a salary increase, and this didn’t sit well with her co-stars, particularly John Ritter.
Ritter was already the show’s lead, and he wasn’t too thrilled about Somers trying to negotiate a higher pay without consulting the rest of the cast. This created a rift, with both actors beginning to resent each other.
Suzanne Somers: The Pay Raise Drama
Suzanne Somers was outspoken about wanting a pay raise, and this became a point of contention. In fact, it was during the fifth season of “Three’s Company” that Somers demanded a significant salary increase. At the time, she was reportedly making $30,000 per episode, but she believed her popularity warranted a higher sum.
However, the producers refused to meet her demands, causing Somers to walk off the set in 1981. This decision ultimately led to her departure from the show, and her absence was written into the storyline. Chrissy Snow was replaced by a new character, Cindy Snow, played by Jenilee Harrison.
John Ritter’s Reaction: The Breaking Point
When Suzanne Somers left “Three’s Company,” the atmosphere on set was far from the carefree vibe it once had. John Ritter, in particular, was upset by the entire situation. He felt that Somers’ actions were unprofessional, and he wasn’t happy with how she handled the pay raise negotiations.
Ritter also felt that Somers had put her personal desires above the success of the show, which left a sour taste in his mouth. This wasn’t just about money—it was about loyalty and respect. And, to make matters worse, Somers’ departure created a huge disruption on set, leading to a tense working environment.
The Fallout: John Ritter Refuses to Work With Suzanne Somers Again
As time passed, John Ritter became more and more firm in his stance against working with Suzanne Somers again. The bitterness from the salary dispute and Somers’ sudden departure from the show led to a fractured relationship between the two actors. Ritter was known to have said that he would not be interested in working with Somers again after their “Three’s Company” days were over.
This refusal stemmed not only from the financial dispute but also from how Somers’ behavior affected the dynamic of the cast. Ritter, along with Joyce DeWitt, had to carry the show without Somers, which only deepened the divide.
Ritter’s Continued Success After ‘Three’s Company’
After “Three’s Company” wrapped up in 1984, John Ritter’s career continued to soar. He starred in numerous TV shows and films, including the popular series “8 Simple Rules” and the movie “Bad Santa.” His reputation as a versatile actor grew, and fans loved his comedic timing and relatable characters.
While he was moving on with his career, the bitter memories of working with Suzanne Somers lingered. Ritter was determined to leave that chapter behind him and focused on his new projects.
Suzanne Somers’ Career After the Feud
On the other hand, Suzanne Somers also moved forward with her career after leaving “Three’s Company.” She starred in her own sitcom, “Step by Step,” and became a bestselling author and wellness advocate. Despite her successful ventures, Somers’ relationship with her former co-stars remained strained, especially with John Ritter.
Somers never directly acknowledged the full extent of her feud with Ritter, but the animosity between them was widely known in Hollywood. She would later express regret about how things ended, but by then, it was too late to mend their professional relationship.
The Impact of Their Feud on ‘Three’s Company’ Fans
The fallout between John Ritter and Suzanne Somers was a bitter pill for fans of “Three’s Company” to swallow. Many viewers had come to love the chemistry between Ritter and Somers, and their public feud left fans questioning what might have been if the two had reconciled.
Their feud not only affected their relationship but also cast a shadow over the legacy of “Three’s Company.” While the show remained popular in reruns, the behind-the-scenes drama became part of its history, affecting how fans viewed the show and its cast.
Revisiting the ‘Three’s Company’ Legacy
Despite the personal drama that occurred behind the scenes, “Three’s Company” remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. The show’s hilarious storylines, physical comedy, and iconic performances by John Ritter, Suzanne Somers, and Joyce DeWitt have cemented its place in pop culture.
However, the rift between Ritter and Somers will always be a part of the show’s legacy. It serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars can have their personal struggles, and sometimes, those struggles spill over into their professional lives.
Conclusion: A Story of Success, Drama, and Missed Opportunities
The drama between John Ritter and Suzanne Somers is a tragic chapter in the history of “Three’s Company.” What started as a successful partnership turned into a bitter feud over money, respect, and professional integrity. The fallout had lasting effects on both their careers, and neither actor ever fully reconciled.
While both John Ritter and Suzanne Somers went on to have successful careers after the show, the tension between them serves as a cautionary tale for Hollywood and beyond. It reminds us that even in the entertainment industry, where friendships can seem invincible, conflict can tear apart even the closest of bonds.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’?
Suzanne Somers left “Three’s Company” after she demanded a pay raise that the producers did not meet. Her departure created tension on the set and led to her character being written off.
2. Did John Ritter and Suzanne Somers ever reconcile?
No, John Ritter and Suzanne Somers never reconciled after their fallout. Ritter refused to work with Somers again, and their relationship remained strained.
3. What happened to Suzanne Somers after ‘Three’s Company’?
After “Three’s Company,” Suzanne Somers starred in the sitcom “Step by Step” and became a successful author and wellness advocate. However, her relationship with her former co-stars remained strained.
4. How did John Ritter’s career fare after ‘Three’s Company’?
John Ritter continued his successful career after “Three’s Company,” starring in shows like “8 Simple Rules” and movies such as “Bad Santa.” His reputation as a comedic actor grew, and he remained a beloved figure in Hollywood.
5. What is the legacy of ‘Three’s Company’ today?
“Three’s Company” remains a beloved sitcom, known for its slapstick humor and the iconic performances of its cast. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, the show has had a lasting impact on TV comedy.
