In 1977, Three’s Company burst onto American television screens and quickly became one of the most beloved sitcoms of its era. The show’s premise – a man pretending to be gay to live with two female roommates to save on rent – may seem dated now, but the physical comedy and chemistry between the cast created a cultural phenomenon that ran for eight successful seasons. At its peak, the show attracted over 30 million viewers per episode, cementing its place in television history.
The series, which concluded in 1984, has maintained popularity through syndication and streaming services. For fans who grew up watching Jack Tripper’s comedic falls and Mr. Furley’s suspicious glares, catching up with these cast members feels like reconnecting with old friends. Several key members of the Three’s Company family are no longer with us, making this retrospective of their careers and lives particularly poignant.
As Helen Roper, Audra Lindley perfectly portrayed the sexually frustrated wife of landlord Stanley. Her witty comebacks to her husband’s insults and not-so-subtle hints about their lackluster love life consistently highlighted the early seasons.
Lindley departed after three seasons for The Ropers. Following the spin-off’s cancellation, she continued acting in television and film, most notably as the grandmother in the 1990s sitcom Cybill. Lindley married twice, first to playwright Aaron Hardy Ulm until his death in 1970, and then to actor James Whitmore from 1972 to 1979. She remained active in acting until shortly before her death on October 16, 1997, at age 79 from leukemia.
Age: Dec. at 79 (1918-1997)Birthplace: Los Angel
As the lovable and accident-prone Jack Tripper, John Ritter was the heart and soul of Three’s Company. His impeccable comic timing and physical comedy skills perfectly suited the role of a culinary school student pretending to be gay to appease his landlord. Ritter’s performances earned him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe during the show’s run.
After Three’s Company, Ritter continued finding success in television and film. He starred in shows like Hooperman and Hearts Afire before landing the role of Paul Hennessy in 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. Tragically, Ritter died suddenly on September 11, 2003, from an undiagnosed aortic dissection while filming. He was just 54 years old. His legacy continues through the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, which raises awareness about the condition that took his life. Ritter married twice – first to Nancy Morgan, with whom he had three children, and later to actress Amy Yasbeck, with whom he had a daughter.
Age: Dec. at 54 (1948-2003)Birthplace: Burbank, California, USA
Joyce DeWitt played Janet Wood, the sensible, level-headed roommate who often served as the voice of reason amidst the apartment’s chaos. Her practical nature and quick wit provided a perfect counterbalance to her more outlandish roommates.
After Three’s Company, DeWitt largely stepped away from Hollywood, making occasional appearances in television and theater. She had a well-documented feud with co-star Suzanne Somers that lasted decades until they reconciled in 2012 on Somers’ talk show, sharing memories of their late co-star John Ritter. DeWitt has appeared in stage productions like Love Letters and Nunsense, and was seen in the 2022 film Ask Me to Dance. She remains active in charitable work focused on addressing hunger and homelessness.
Age: 76Birthplace: Wheeling, West Virginia, USA
As the blonde, ditzy Chrissy Snow, Suzanne Somers became the breakout star of Three’s Company. Her character’s innocence and misunderstandings generated constant humor, and her trademark giggle became instantly recognizable to audiences.
Somers’ time on the show ended controversially when she was fired after demanding a significant pay raise in the fifth season. Despite this setback, her career flourished. She went on to star in the sitcom Step by Step in the 1990s and built a massive business empire selling ThighMaster exercise equipment and wellness products. Somers authored numerous books on health, hormones, and aging, becoming a prominent advocate for alternative health treatments. Somers sadly passed away on October 15, 2023, after a long battle with breast cancer, just one day before her 77th birthday.
Age: Dec. at 76 (1946-2023)Birthplace: San Bruno, California
Norman Fell brought the nosy, cheap landlord Stanley Roper to life in the early seasons. His suspicious nature regarding Jack’s sexuality and constant bickering with his wife Helen created classic sitcom moments.
