When we think of classic TV shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s, Three’s Company instantly comes to mind. The hit sitcom, which ran from 1977 to 1984, not only entertained millions but also became infamous for the behind-the-scenes drama that plagued the show. Among the central figures in this drama were Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers—two of the show’s main stars. While the show was a massive success, their differing attitudes toward their careers caused significant tension, especially between DeWitt and Somers.
The Two Faces of Three’s Company: An Artistic Vision vs. Business Mindset
Three’s Company became a phenomenon, but success comes at a cost. For Joyce DeWitt, acting was a craft, an art form to be nurtured and performed with integrity. For Suzanne Somers, however, her approach was more business-oriented—focused on career advancement, contracts, and personal branding. This clash between artistic passion and business strategy caused friction between the two women, who had very different perspectives on their roles and the TV industry at large.
Joyce DeWitt’s Take on Acting: A Craft, Not a Career Transaction
Joyce DeWitt’s mindset regarding acting was shaped by her passion for the craft itself. She wasn’t in it for the fame, money, or commercial endorsements—acting was her art. For her, the most important thing was embodying her character and bringing authenticity to every scene. She was all about creating moments that resonated with the audience and made them feel connected to the story.
DeWitt was drawn to characters with depth, with room to grow emotionally and evolve throughout a series. For her, the show was a platform for creative expression and professional integrity. However, this view often clashed with Somers’ approach, which focused more on securing her place in the entertainment world—sometimes at the expense of her co-stars’ feelings.
Suzanne Somers’ Business Mindset: A Calculated Approach to Stardom
In contrast to DeWitt, Suzanne Somers viewed her acting career through a more pragmatic lens. For her, Three’s Company wasn’t just a TV show—it was a stepping stone in her broader business strategy. Somers understood the power of branding and recognized early on that she needed to market herself for long-term success.
Somers was not just a star on Three’s Company—she was building her brand, negotiating better contracts, and securing endorsement deals. Her focus wasn’t solely on her character, Chrissy Snow, but on how she could use her time on the show to open doors for other opportunities. While this approach certainly made her a savvy businesswoman, it didn’t sit well with DeWitt, who felt that Somers’ ambitions were compromising the integrity of the show and its creative process.
The Rift That Led to the Departure of Suzanne Somers
The tension between DeWitt and Somers grew over the years. Somers began pushing for a larger salary and more screen time, demanding recognition for her contribution to the show’s success. She even went as far as threatening to leave unless her pay was increased, causing significant friction with the producers and her co-stars.
DeWitt, on the other hand, wasn’t focused on the business side of things. She was more concerned about the show’s dynamics and how it would affect the cast and the audience. For her, it was about maintaining the balance of the characters and the storytelling, rather than chasing contracts and endorsements.
The Fallout: Why DeWitt Struggled to Understand Somers’ Focus on Money
Joyce DeWitt’s difficulty in understanding Suzanne Somers’ business-focused approach to acting wasn’t just about the show’s finances. It was about a fundamental difference in values. DeWitt believed that acting should be about the art, the craft, and the work. For her, the joy came from creating something meaningful with her fellow actors and bringing a well-rounded character to life.
Meanwhile, Somers’ mindset was more about maximizing her personal brand and securing the financial rewards that came with fame. This approach left DeWitt frustrated, as she felt it undermined the collaborative and artistic nature of acting.
The Role of Business in the Entertainment Industry: A Necessary Evil?
While DeWitt’s perspective was rooted in artistic integrity, it’s important to acknowledge that Somers’ approach wasn’t entirely out of line. In today’s entertainment industry, business and creativity often go hand-in-hand. Actors must not only perform well but also manage their careers strategically to ensure longevity and success.
In many ways, Somers’ attitude mirrored that of many other successful actors who understand the importance of marketing themselves beyond the screen. She saw Three’s Company as an opportunity, while DeWitt remained focused on the artistry behind the scenes. However, when those two perspectives clashed, it led to an uncomfortable and divisive environment on set.
Joyce DeWitt’s Relationship With Her Co-Stars: A Bond Built on Shared Values
One of the reasons why Joyce DeWitt remained so committed to Three’s Company and its success was the bond she shared with her fellow cast members, particularly John Ritter. Ritter, who played Jack Tripper, was known for his comedic genius and down-to-earth personality. DeWitt and Ritter had a strong working relationship, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to making the show as funny and authentic as possible.
Ritter and DeWitt’s chemistry was undeniable, and together, they created a dynamic that became the backbone of the show. They were both invested in the quality of the performances and the overall storytelling, which made them close allies in an industry that often prioritized business over creativity.
The Legacy of Three’s Company: Art, Business, and the Complexities of Stardom
Today, Three’s Company is remembered as one of the most iconic sitcoms of its time, but the personal dramas that played out behind the scenes remain an important part of its history. Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers had very different views on acting, fame, and business, and those differences led to some memorable tension during the show’s run.
Both women, however, contributed to the show’s success in their own way. DeWitt’s dedication to her craft and Somers’ business acumen helped propel the show into the spotlight. Despite their differences, their efforts left a lasting imprint on television history.
The Impact on Today’s Entertainment Industry
The clash between DeWitt and Somers speaks to a larger truth in the entertainment industry: balancing artistry with business is often a delicate act. As actors, it’s easy to get swept up in the business side of fame, but it’s important not to lose sight of the craft. Three’s Company may have been a comedy, but the dynamics between its stars were a serious reminder of the complexities that come with being in the limelight.
Conclusion: The Battle of Artistic Integrity vs. Business Savvy
In the end, the tension between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers highlights an essential divide in the entertainment world. DeWitt’s approach was grounded in the belief that acting is an art that should be respected and nurtured, while Somers’ strategy was rooted in a business-savvy mindset that focused on personal advancement. Both women had valid perspectives, but their differences in approach led to a rift that would forever shape the legacy of Three’s Company.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company? Suzanne Somers left Three’s Company after a dispute over salary increases and screen time. She demanded a significant pay raise and more prominence on the show, leading to a dramatic exit.
2. What was the main conflict between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers? The main conflict was their differing approaches to acting. DeWitt focused on the artistry and integrity of the craft, while Somers was more business-oriented, focused on branding and contracts.
3. Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers ever reconcile? Although they both continued with their careers after Three’s Company, there has been little public reconciliation between DeWitt and Somers regarding their disagreements on the set.
4. How did John Ritter factor into the tension between DeWitt and Somers? John Ritter had a strong professional relationship with Joyce DeWitt, and they shared a bond over the show’s creative process. His chemistry with DeWitt played a significant role in keeping the show’s dynamic intact despite the tension.
5. What impact did the Three’s Company feud have on the entertainment industry? The feud between DeWitt and Somers highlighted the ongoing struggle in the entertainment industry between maintaining artistic integrity and capitalizing on the business side of fame. It served as a cautionary tale for future stars balancing these two worlds.
