‘Three’s Company’: Joyce DeWitt Couldn’t Understand Suzanne Somers’ All-Business Approach to Acting
‘Three’s Company,’ the iconic sitcom of the 1970s and 80s, brought laughter to millions of households, but behind the scenes, things weren’t always so lighthearted. The clash between two of its lead actresses—Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers—became legendary in Hollywood. DeWitt, who played the sweet and sensible Janet Wood, has often spoken about her difficulties understanding Somers’ increasingly business-focused approach to acting. So, what went down between these two stars? Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of ‘Three’s Company’ and explore how this tension played out on and off-screen.
A Friendship That Turned Into Tension
When ‘Three’s Company’ first premiered, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers quickly became household names. Both actresses portrayed iconic characters—DeWitt as the down-to-earth Janet and Somers as the bubbly Chrissy Snow. But their on-screen chemistry was only one part of the story. Behind the scenes, things started to unravel due to different career philosophies.
The Rise of Suzanne Somers’ Business Mindset
Suzanne Somers was always a driven individual. As the show gained popularity, Somers began to look at her career from a more business-oriented perspective. She recognized the immense value of her role and believed she deserved a larger slice of the pie. After all, ‘Three’s Company’ was a smash hit, and Chrissy Snow was one of the most beloved characters on TV.
Joyce DeWitt’s Struggle to Understand Somers’ Approach
While Somers pushed for higher pay and a more prominent role in the show, Joyce DeWitt had a completely different perspective. DeWitt, who had been acting long before ‘Three’s Company,’ didn’t quite understand why Somers was so focused on the financial side of things. For her, acting was an art form, and she was content with the craft itself rather than the business side of fame.
DeWitt’s focus on the work clashed with Somers’ ambitions. As Somers’ demands grew, so did the strain on their relationship, creating a divide that would go on to affect the show in significant ways.
The Negotiation That Changed Everything
In the mid-1970s, Suzanne Somers made headlines when she famously negotiated for a 5% raise in her salary. This was unheard of for a TV actress at the time, especially one on a sitcom. Somers’ demands for higher pay and more screen time led to tension with her co-stars and the producers. While her career ambitions were understandable, it was clear that not everyone shared her vision of ‘acting as business.’
How Did the Show’s Producers React?
The producers of ‘Three’s Company’ were caught in a delicate situation. They understood Somers’ value to the show, but they also had to maintain a balance among the cast. As Somers continued to push for more, the producers were forced to make difficult decisions. These negotiations eventually led to Somers’ departure from the show in the fifth season, marking a dramatic turning point for ‘Three’s Company.’
DeWitt’s Thoughts on the ‘Business’ of Acting
For Joyce DeWitt, the situation was frustrating. She was, and still is, an advocate for actors being paid what they’re worth. But she didn’t agree with the way Somers handled the situation. For DeWitt, acting was more than just a business transaction—it was about the passion, the craft, and the collaborative effort that went into creating a successful show.
The Impact on Their Friendship and the Show
The growing divide between the two actresses eventually affected their on-set chemistry. DeWitt’s more laid-back approach to her career made her feel disconnected from Somers’ increasing focus on negotiating and securing deals. This contrast in career philosophies contributed to a fractured relationship, both professionally and personally.
The Departure of Suzanne Somers: A Defining Moment
When Suzanne Somers left ‘Three’s Company’ in 1981, it marked the beginning of the end for her relationship with the show’s producers—and with her former co-stars. DeWitt, on the other hand, stayed on, continuing to embody Janet Wood and bringing her grounded perspective to the role. In the years following, DeWitt spoke candidly about her feelings towards the situation, acknowledging that the business side of acting was something she simply couldn’t wrap her mind around.
The Evolution of DeWitt’s Career: Finding Peace with the Business
In later years, DeWitt became more comfortable navigating the business side of her career. However, it wasn’t until after her time on ‘Three’s Company’ that she came to fully appreciate the complexities of managing an acting career. Though she never embraced it as thoroughly as Somers, DeWitt came to understand that success in the entertainment industry is often about more than just talent.
What Happened to Somers After ‘Three’s Company’?
After leaving ‘Three’s Company,’ Suzanne Somers went on to become a major success in other ventures, including her own talk show, books, and a variety of product endorsements. Her business-savvy approach allowed her to create a brand that transcended her role on television. Today, Somers is known not only for her acting but also as a successful entrepreneur.
The Long-Lasting Legacy of ‘Three’s Company’
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, ‘Three’s Company’ remains an iconic part of TV history. The chemistry between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, though strained, was undeniable. Both actresses contributed significantly to the show’s success, and their characters became staples of pop culture.
Joyce DeWitt’s Enduring Role as Janet Wood
DeWitt’s portrayal of Janet Wood continues to be remembered fondly by fans of ‘Three’s Company.’ Her character was the voice of reason in the chaotic world of Jack Tripper and Chrissy Snow. Even years after the show’s end, DeWitt’s role is considered one of her most defining.
Conclusion: A Clash of Worlds—Art vs. Business
The tension between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers on ‘Three’s Company’ boils down to one key difference: the approach to acting as an art form versus a business. While Somers was focused on capitalizing on her success, DeWitt was more interested in the craft itself. Their differing views created a divide, but both actresses left an indelible mark on the show and the entertainment industry.
FAQs
- Why did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’? Suzanne Somers left the show after negotiating for a significant salary increase, which led to a rift with producers. Her departure came after Season 5.
- How did Joyce DeWitt feel about Suzanne Somers’ business-focused approach? Joyce DeWitt struggled to understand Somers’ business-driven mindset, as she viewed acting more as an art form than a business venture.
- What happened to Suzanne Somers after ‘Three’s Company’? After leaving the show, Suzanne Somers became a successful entrepreneur, author, and talk show host.
- Was there ever a reconciliation between DeWitt and Somers? While the two actresses have spoken about their differences, they have not publicly reconciled in any significant way.
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How did Joyce DeWitt’s career evolve after ‘Three’s Company’? Joyce DeWitt continued acting, though she has primarily focused on theater and other projects after her time on the show. She also came to terms with the business side of the acting world over time.
