Suzanne Somers became a household name after her breakout role on the iconic TV sitcom Three’s Company, but her rise to fame came with its own set of struggles. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as Hollywood grappled with the gender pay gap, Somers found herself at the center of a controversy that would shape her career for decades to come. It wasn’t just her acting skills that set her apart—it was her unyielding fight for equality. This article dives deep into how Suzanne Somers was fired for demanding equal pay on Three’s Company, and how she bounced back to build a multi-million dollar empire with her ThighMaster brand.
The Backdrop: Suzanne Somers on ‘Three’s Company’
Before she was a household name, Suzanne Somers joined Three’s Company in 1977, playing the role of Chrissy Snow, the bubbly and innocent blonde who quickly became a fan favorite. The show was a major success, with millions of viewers tuning in weekly. However, behind the scenes, a storm was brewing.
The Gender Pay Gap in Hollywood
At the time, Hollywood was notorious for paying actresses significantly less than their male counterparts. Somers, despite her popularity, was being paid a fraction of what her male co-stars, John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, were making. The gender pay gap was not only common in Hollywood—it was an accepted norm. But for Somers, that was about to change.
The Turning Point: Suzanne Somers Demands Equal Pay
In 1980, Suzanne Somers realized that her role on Three’s Company was just as critical to the show’s success as her co-stars. She was a breakout star, generating massive fan interest, and yet, she was being paid less than the men on set. Somers decided to demand equal pay, and that’s when everything changed.
Why Did Suzanne Somers Demand Equal Pay?
The issue was simple: Somers knew her worth. She understood the value she brought to the show, not just in terms of her acting, but in the way she connected with the audience. The show’s success was closely tied to her role, and yet, she felt undervalued in comparison to her male counterparts.
The Consequences of Her Bold Demand
Somers didn’t just ask for more money; she demanded that her salary be equal to that of her male co-stars. This bold move didn’t sit well with the show’s producers, and in 1981, after a series of tense negotiations, Suzanne Somers was fired from Three’s Company. Her request for equal pay was seen as a threat to the status quo, and it ultimately cost her the role.
The Aftermath: Fired But Not Defeated
Though being fired from Three’s Company might have seemed like the end of the road, it was merely the beginning of a new chapter for Suzanne Somers. Rather than fade into obscurity, she took the opportunity to reinvent herself.
ThighMaster: The Entrepreneurial Triumph
In 1988, Somers launched the ThighMaster, a simple yet effective piece of fitness equipment that would later become a massive commercial success. The device, which was marketed as a way to tone thighs and improve fitness, sold millions of units. Somers didn’t just sell a product—she built a brand, becoming an icon in the fitness industry and turning her attention to entrepreneurship.
The Power of Branding: Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities
Somers’ journey from fired actress to fitness mogul is a testament to the power of personal branding. She understood that while her role on Three’s Company was important, it didn’t define her career. Through her ThighMaster venture, she was able to capture the attention of a new demographic—those interested in health, wellness, and fitness. And her savvy business acumen helped her turn her initial setback into a flourishing empire.
What Suzanne Somers Taught Us About Gender Equality
Somers’ journey wasn’t just about her career—it was a battle for gender equality in the workplace, particularly in Hollywood. Her demand for equal pay was a landmark moment in the entertainment industry, and it paved the way for other actresses to fight for their worth.
Changing the Game for Women in Hollywood
Somers’ decision to stand up for equal pay wasn’t just about money—it was about making a statement. She helped highlight the importance of women being paid equally for their work, regardless of their gender. Although it took years for her to see the benefits, her actions contributed to the broader movement for equal pay in Hollywood and beyond.
The Legacy of Suzanne Somers
Today, Suzanne Somers is more than just an actress; she’s a symbol of resilience and empowerment. Her story serves as a reminder that standing up for what you believe in can lead to unexpected opportunities. From being fired for demanding equal pay to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Somers’ legacy is one of perseverance, vision, and breaking barriers.
Conclusion: The Price of Standing Up for Equal Pay
Suzanne Somers’ decision to demand equal pay on Three’s Company might have cost her a major role, but it set in motion a series of events that would change her life—and the world of Hollywood—forever. Today, she is not just remembered for her role as Chrissy Snow, but for her bold stand against the gender pay gap and her entrepreneurial spirit that led to the success of the ThighMaster. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, standing up for what’s right doesn’t just bring about change—it can also lead to greater success.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company? Suzanne Somers was fired from Three’s Company after demanding equal pay to her male co-stars. Her request for a salary increase was not well received by the show’s producers, leading to her dismissal.
2. How did Suzanne Somers become successful after being fired? After being fired, Suzanne Somers turned to entrepreneurship and launched the ThighMaster, which became a commercial success. She also built a personal brand around health and fitness, securing her financial future.
3. What impact did Suzanne Somers’ demand for equal pay have on Hollywood? Suzanne Somers’ demand for equal pay in the 1980s highlighted the gender pay gap in Hollywood and contributed to the broader conversation about equal pay for women in the entertainment industry.
4. How did Suzanne Somers market the ThighMaster? Suzanne Somers marketed the ThighMaster through television infomercials, leveraging her fame and reputation to reach a wide audience. The product became a staple of the fitness industry.
5. What lessons can we learn from Suzanne Somers’ story? Suzanne Somers’ story teaches us about the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even when facing obstacles. It also shows the value of reinvention and the power of personal branding.
