If you were a fan of the hit 70s sitcom Three’s Company, you probably remember the iconic trio: Janet (Joyce DeWitt), Chrissy (Suzanne Somers), and Jack (John Ritter). What many don’t know is that behind the scenes, a deep rift developed between two of the show’s leading ladies. Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, once close friends and co-stars, didn’t speak to each other for over 30 years. But why? In this article, we dive into the shocking reasons behind their long-standing silence and explore the personal and professional tensions that led to their estrangement.
Why Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers Stop Talking?
The friendship between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers was once central to the success of Three’s Company. As co-stars on the show, their chemistry was undeniable, but things took a turn when Suzanne Somers left the show during its fifth season. What followed was a combination of professional disagreements and personal misunderstandings that created an irreparable gap between them.
The Initial Fallout: Suzanne Somers’ Departure from ‘Three’s Company’
Suzanne Somers’ departure from Three’s Company in 1981 marked the beginning of the tension. At the time, Somers was asking for a raise, claiming she deserved more money for her work. She wanted the same salary as her male co-stars, but the producers didn’t agree. The disagreement led to her being written off the show, and the fallout didn’t just affect her relationship with the producers—it caused a rift with her co-stars as well.
The Role of Joyce DeWitt in the Feud
Joyce DeWitt, who portrayed Janet, had a close working relationship with Somers, but things became strained after Suzanne’s departure. Reports suggest that DeWitt was caught in the middle of the conflict. On one hand, she sympathized with Somers’ desire for equal pay, but on the other, she felt that the way Somers handled the situation was unprofessional. In interviews, DeWitt has shared that she was upset with Somers for creating tension on set, which contributed to their strained relationship.
The Press and Public Opinion: How the Media Made Things Worse
When the media got wind of the drama between Somers and the Three’s Company cast, the situation escalated. Tabloid stories spread rumors, adding fuel to the fire. Each side was painted as the villain in the eyes of the public, and instead of resolving their issues privately, they became fodder for the tabloids. This only deepened the divide between DeWitt and Somers, making reconciliation feel nearly impossible.
Suzanne Somers’ Solo Career: A Star on Her Own
After leaving Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers went on to have a successful solo career. She starred in Step by Step, wrote best-selling books, and became a well-known advocate for health and wellness. Somers often spoke about her time on Three’s Company, but she never shied away from talking about the tension between her and her co-stars. Her career blossomed, but the rift with DeWitt lingered in the background.
Joyce DeWitt’s Path: Avoiding the Spotlight
In contrast, Joyce DeWitt stayed out of the limelight. While Somers enjoyed a public persona, DeWitt chose a more private life. After Three’s Company, she appeared in a few television shows and movies but never achieved the same level of fame. DeWitt, however, remained largely silent about her feud with Somers, choosing to focus on her personal life and career rather than engage in public drama.
The 30-Year Silence: Why They Didn’t Speak for So Long
For over three decades, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers did not speak. But why did it take them so long to reconcile? One reason could be their differences in handling the situation. While Somers often spoke out about their falling out, DeWitt remained more reserved. Somers was vocal about her hurt feelings, while DeWitt seemed to retreat into silence.
The Turning Point: Reconciliation After 30+ Years
It wasn’t until 2014 that the two stars were able to sit down and reconcile. In an interview, both DeWitt and Somers explained that time had helped heal their wounds. DeWitt admitted that she had been “hurt” by Somers’ actions, but she also acknowledged that they were both young and caught up in a difficult situation. Somers, on the other hand, expressed regret over how things had played out. The two finally came to an understanding, and after 30+ years, they were able to put their past behind them.
What Happened After the Reunion?
After their reconciliation, DeWitt and Somers began appearing together publicly again. In 2016, they reunited at a Three’s Company reunion event, where they shared laughs and fond memories. Their bond, which had once seemed shattered beyond repair, was slowly rebuilt, proving that even the deepest rifts can be mended over time.
The Lessons Learned from Their Feud
The 30-year estrangement between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers offers several valuable lessons. Firstly, it highlights the importance of communication in relationships. Had they addressed their issues sooner, perhaps the long years of silence could have been avoided. Secondly, it shows the power of forgiveness. Time, perspective, and maturity helped the two women forgive each other and move on with their lives.
Public Perception: How Fans Reacted to the Reconciliation
When news of their reconciliation spread, fans of Three’s Company were overjoyed. Many had long wondered what had happened between the two stars, and their reunion brought closure to a chapter that had remained unresolved for decades. Fans expressed their happiness on social media, with many saying they were happy to see the two women back together. For some, it felt like the family they had grown up with on the show was finally whole again.
Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers: Where Are They Now?
Both stars have continued to live fulfilling lives after their reconciliation. Suzanne Somers is still a prominent figure in the wellness world, often sharing her health tips and lifestyle advice. Joyce DeWitt, while keeping a lower profile, remains active in the entertainment industry, taking on occasional roles in film and television. Both women have moved on from their past feud and seem to have found peace in their personal and professional lives.
The Impact of ‘Three’s Company’ on Their Lives
Despite the drama behind the scenes, Three’s Company remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. The show not only propelled the careers of DeWitt, Somers, and John Ritter, but it also gave viewers a glimpse into the complicated relationships that can exist between co-stars. Today, the show is still celebrated by fans, with reruns airing on various platforms, keeping the legacy of Three’s Company alive.
Conclusion: The Power of Time and Forgiveness
The story of Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers serves as a reminder that even the most intense conflicts can be healed with time, patience, and understanding. Their 30-year feud was a painful chapter, but their eventual reconciliation shows that relationships can be mended—even after years of silence. Today, both women have moved on and continue to thrive, their bond stronger than ever.
FAQs:
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’? Suzanne Somers left the show in 1981 due to a salary dispute with the producers. She wanted a pay raise that was equal to her male co-stars, but the producers refused, leading to her departure.
2. How long did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers not speak? Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers did not speak for over 30 years after their fallout during the early 1980s.
3. Did Suzanne Somers regret leaving ‘Three’s Company’? Yes, Suzanne Somers has expressed regret over how things ended on Three’s Company, although she has also acknowledged that it was a difficult situation for everyone involved.
4. What caused the rift between DeWitt and Somers? The rift between the two stars was primarily caused by the conflict over Suzanne Somers’ departure from the show, as well as the media attention that fueled the feud.
5. How did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers reconcile? Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers reconciled in 2014, after many years of silence. Both women admitted that time and maturity helped them move past their differences.
