Three’s Company, the beloved 70s and 80s sitcom, remains a pop culture phenomenon to this day. Yet, beneath the laugh track and slapstick humor lies a story of tension and discord between the stars of the show. How did a hit comedy series that brought joy to millions give birth to such a bitter, decades-long falling out? Let’s dive into the drama behind the scenes, shedding light on the factors that led to the rift and why the actors could never seem to reconcile.
The Rise of Three’s Company: A TV Revolution
Three’s Company made its debut in 1977 and quickly became a massive hit. Starring John Ritter, Suzanne Somers, and Joyce DeWitt, the show broke barriers with its risqué humor, quirky characters, and progressive take on relationships and gender roles. The chemistry between the cast members seemed effortless, making the show a fan favorite. But behind the scenes, things were far from smooth sailing.
The Power Struggle: Suzanne Somers vs. John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt
Why Was Suzanne Somers Fired? Suzanne Somers, who played the iconic role of Chrissy Snow, became one of the breakout stars of Three’s Company. However, as the show gained popularity, so did the tension between her and the other lead actors, John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt. Somers felt that she deserved a pay raise that reflected her success, but her demands weren’t met, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
In a famous incident, Somers requested a significant salary increase, but the producers and fellow stars weren’t willing to compromise. Instead of finding a middle ground, Somers was fired from the show in the middle of its run, which would spark the beginning of a feud that would last for decades.
John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt: A Divided Cast
While Somers’ exit seemed to mark the end of the show’s original trio, it was only the beginning of a deepening divide. John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, who played the character of Janet Wood, were caught in the middle of the situation. As loyal as they were to their co-stars, their relationship with Somers became strained. With Somers gone, Ritter and DeWitt took center stage, but the lingering resentment over her departure never fully disappeared.
The Aftermath: The Cast Never Reconciled
Despite the success of Three’s Company continuing after Suzanne Somers’ departure, the cast was never able to mend its fractured relationships. Somers, Ritter, and DeWitt each carried their own grievances, leading to years of silence between the former friends.
In interviews, both Ritter and DeWitt expressed regret over how things ended with Somers. However, the tension between them and Suzanne continued to grow as years passed. Suzanne, for her part, was vocal about the mistreatment she felt on set, particularly how her character was written off without proper explanation. She had an ongoing desire to return to the show, but by then, the damage was done.
The Long Road to Forgiveness: Did Any Reconciliation Ever Happen?
Although there were moments where a reconciliation seemed possible, true peace between the Three’s Company stars never materialized. Both John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt made efforts to reconnect with Suzanne Somers during interviews and public events, but the scars of the past never truly healed.
Somers, in turn, openly discussed her feelings of betrayal, citing how her co-stars had left her out of key moments in the show’s history. At times, she seemed open to rekindling the friendship, but trust was something that couldn’t be restored.
The Tragic Loss of John Ritter: A Final Attempt at Closure
In 2003, the tragic death of John Ritter left many of his co-stars, including Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt, reflecting on their past relationships. Somers, in particular, expressed sorrow over the unresolved issues between her and Ritter, lamenting that they never had the chance to fully heal the wounds of their past. However, by then, too much time had passed, and the rift between the stars remained.
What Went Wrong? Exploring the Root Causes of the Feud
So, what truly caused the years of tension between the Three’s Company stars? It wasn’t just about money or fame. There were deeper, more personal factors at play, including:
- Creative Differences: As the show progressed, the actors started to feel limited by their characters. Somers, in particular, wanted more creative control and a chance to explore different roles, but the producers and her co-stars didn’t always share the same vision.
- Jealousy and Competition: With the show’s rise in popularity, there was an increasing sense of competition among the stars. Suzanne Somers felt that her popularity wasn’t being recognized, while John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt battled their own insecurities about their roles.
- The Business Side of Show Business: The entertainment industry is notoriously cutthroat, and Three’s Company was no exception. The tension over pay raises and contracts escalated, leading to an environment that fostered resentment rather than collaboration.
Public Perception vs. Reality: How Fans Viewed the Feud
From the outside, the drama between the Three’s Company stars seemed like typical Hollywood antics—stars falling out over egos, money, and fame. But the reality was far more complicated. The fans who once adored the show were devastated when they learned about the rift, with many struggling to reconcile the on-screen chemistry with the off-screen tensions.
Why the Show’s Legacy Remains Untouched
Despite the unresolved conflict, Three’s Company remains one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history. The show’s lighthearted tone, relatable characters, and memorable catchphrases made it a classic, even though the cast couldn’t patch things up. The series’ legacy continues to inspire new generations of viewers, proving that sometimes, the magic on-screen can survive even the deepest of feuds off-screen.
The Final Curtain Call: What We Can Learn from Their Feud
The story of Three’s Company serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego, miscommunication, and unresolved issues in the entertainment industry. It’s a reminder that even the closest of friendships can be shattered by fame, money, and competition. Despite the years of tension, it’s clear that the show’s success and legacy have lived on, far outlasting the personal battles of its cast.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
The decades-long falling out between the Three’s Company stars is a testament to the complexities of fame and personal relationships. While the show’s impact on television history is undeniable, the personal drama behind the scenes paints a far different picture. In the end, Three’s Company is not just remembered for its comedic moments but also for the real-life tensions that existed off-screen. Sometimes, reality is far more complicated than fiction.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company? Suzanne Somers was fired from Three’s Company after she demanded a salary increase, which led to tensions with the producers and her co-stars. The fallout ultimately led to her exit from the show in the middle of its run.
2. Did John Ritter and Suzanne Somers ever reconcile? While John Ritter and Suzanne Somers expressed regret over their falling out, they never fully reconciled before his tragic death in 2003. The two never had the chance to mend their broken friendship.
3. What were the main causes of the feud between the Three’s Company stars? The feud was driven by a combination of creative differences, jealousy, competition, and business-related issues such as salary disputes and contract negotiations.
4. How did the fans react to the cast’s falling out? Fans were devastated by the rift between the stars, as they had become so invested in the chemistry of the trio. The off-screen drama was difficult to reconcile with the on-screen magic of the show.
5. Is Three’s Company still popular today? Yes, Three’s Company remains a beloved classic. Despite the personal conflicts among the cast, the show’s humor, memorable characters, and timeless appeal continue to resonate with viewers worldwide.
