In the early 1980s, Suzanne Somers was a household name. She had the charm, the beauty, and the undeniable talent to become one of television’s most beloved stars. But what happens when fame collides with the harsh realities of inequality? In a move that would shock fans and forever change the entertainment industry, Suzanne Somers was fired from the hit show Three’s Company in 1980. The reason? She had the audacity to ask for equal pay. Yes, equal pay.
This article delves into the crazy story behind Somers’ firing and the seismic shift it caused in Hollywood, exploring how her quest for fairness not only impacted her career but also set the stage for a larger conversation about gender pay disparity in the entertainment industry.
The Rise of Suzanne Somers: The Queen of ‘Three’s Company’
Before Suzanne Somers became a symbol of equal pay, she was the face of Three’s Company, a wildly popular sitcom that debuted in 1977. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, making Somers a star. Her character, Chrissy Snow, the ditzy blonde with a heart of gold, captivated audiences and turned her into one of the highest-paid actresses on TV—until she wasn’t.
The Golden Era of ‘Three’s Company’
The late 1970s and early 1980s were a golden era for television sitcoms. Shows like Three’s Company filled living rooms across America with laughter. Somers’ chemistry with co-stars John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt made the show a massive success, cementing her position as a key player in the show’s success. But despite her rising fame and popularity, something was amiss behind the scenes.
The Gender Pay Gap: A Problem That Won’t Go Away
Even in the peak of her career, Somers began to notice something troubling: the gender pay gap. Despite the fact that Three’s Company was one of the highest-rated shows on television, Somers’ male co-star, John Ritter, was making significantly more money than her. This was a time when pay inequality was a widespread issue in Hollywood, and it was one that Somers could no longer ignore.
The Breaking Point: Suzanne Somers’ Bold Demand for Equal Pay
The Moment of Truth: Somers’ Request for Pay Parity
It was 1980, and Somers had been a part of Three’s Company for three seasons. By this point, she was a star in her own right, bringing in huge viewership and being a key contributor to the show’s success. So, it was no surprise when she asked for a salary increase—one that would make her pay equal to that of her male counterparts.
Somers didn’t want to rock the boat, but she knew she deserved more. After all, she was the face of the show. She asked for a $150,000 salary—still less than what Ritter was earning, but a considerable amount more than her current pay. This was the tipping point.
The Show’s Creators and Network Response
The response from the network and the producers of Three’s Company was swift and brutal. They were shocked by Somers’ request for equal pay. In their eyes, she was getting too big for her britches. After all, this was still the era where women in Hollywood were often seen as secondary to their male counterparts, both on-screen and in the paycheck department.
Rather than negotiating with Somers, the show’s creators opted for a much harsher solution. They fired her. Without warning, without any negotiation, and without much fanfare, Suzanne Somers was let go from Three’s Company.
The Fallout: The Firing That Rocked Hollywood
A Public Shaming: The Backlash Against Suzanne Somers
The public reaction to Somers’ firing was intense. Fans of Three’s Company rallied behind her, voicing their disapproval of how she was treated. How could the network fire a beloved star at the height of her popularity? The news of her dismissal spread like wildfire, and soon, it became a national conversation about gender equality and pay disparity in the entertainment industry.
The Show’s Decline Without Somers
Ironically, Three’s Company would never quite be the same without Somers. After her departure, the show saw a dip in ratings, and the chemistry that once made the show so beloved was lost. Although the producers tried to replace her character, it was clear that Somers was a vital part of what made the show successful.
The Legacy of Suzanne Somers’ Fight for Equal Pay
A Turning Point for Gender Equality in Hollywood
While Somers’ time on Three’s Company ended abruptly, her stand for equal pay marked a turning point in Hollywood. The industry would begin to slowly recognize that women in entertainment deserved the same opportunities—and the same pay—as their male counterparts. Her fight didn’t immediately lead to sweeping changes, but it did open the door for future conversations about the gender pay gap in entertainment.
Somers’ Career After ‘Three’s Company’
Despite being ousted from her show, Suzanne Somers’ career didn’t end with Three’s Company. In fact, her bold decision to ask for equal pay only solidified her status as a feminist icon. She went on to have a successful career as a writer, fitness expert, and businesswoman, proving that a woman could rise above the challenges and create her own path.
The Aftermath: Equal Pay Still a Battle in Hollywood
Pay Disparity in Hollywood Today
Sadly, the gender pay gap is still a prevalent issue in Hollywood today. While some progress has been made, many women in the industry continue to earn less than their male counterparts. However, the conversation that Suzanne Somers helped ignite back in 1980 has continued to shape the industry. Thanks to her bravery, more women are speaking out about pay inequality, pushing for equal opportunities, and demanding that their worth be recognized.
How Somers’ Fight Influenced Future Generations
Suzanne Somers’ courageous stand for equal pay inspired countless women in Hollywood and beyond. Her story encouraged other actresses to ask for fair wages, and it spurred a movement that continues to this day. The ripple effect of her actions can still be seen in the conversations around pay equity in Hollywood and across various industries.
Conclusion: Suzanne Somers’ Legacy in the Fight for Equal Pay
Suzanne Somers’ firing from Three’s Company was not just an act of injustice; it was a catalyst for change. By demanding equal pay, she became a symbol of the fight for gender equality in Hollywood. Her bold decision challenged the status quo and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Today, we look back at her story as an example of courage, resilience, and the ongoing battle for fairness.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers was fired from Three’s Company in 1980 for requesting equal pay, which was considered too bold a move at the time.
2. How did the public react to Suzanne Somers’ firing?
The public strongly supported Suzanne Somers after her firing, with many fans voicing their disapproval of how she was treated.
3. Was Suzanne Somers’ salary request unreasonable?
No, her request for $150,000 was still lower than what her male co-star was earning, but it was seen as too much by the show’s creators and network.
4. Did Suzanne Somers continue her career after leaving Three’s Company?
Yes, Suzanne Somers continued to have a successful career as a writer, businesswoman, and fitness expert after her departure from the show.
5. Has Hollywood made progress regarding gender pay equality since Suzanne Somers’ time?
While there has been some progress, gender pay disparity remains an ongoing issue in Hollywood, with many women still fighting for equal pay. However, Suzanne Somers’ actions played a role in starting the conversation.
