Most fans remember Joyce DeWitt and Priscilla Barnes as Janet and Terri from Three’s Company, the hit sitcom that dominated the late ’70s and early ’80s. But few know that after the cameras stopped rolling, the two actresses shared a very personal connection—they were roommates for six months. This unexpected chapter offers insight into their friendship, the challenges of life after a massive TV show, and how Hollywood stars navigate transitions.
The End of an Era: Three’s Company Wraps
What Life Was Like After the Cameras Stopped
Three’s Company ended in 1984 after eight memorable seasons. For Joyce DeWitt and Priscilla Barnes, the transition from constant filming to everyday life was jarring. Suddenly, there was no crew, no scripts, and no set to anchor their daily routine. In many ways, this is when their real-life friendship began to deepen.
Why They Decided to Become Roommates
Shared Experience and Mutual Support
DeWitt and Barnes weren’t roommates by coincidence. Both were navigating career uncertainties and personal adjustments after the show’s end. Sharing a space offered emotional support, practical convenience, and a chance to maintain a connection to the world they had inhabited for years. Living together made the transition smoother and more comforting.
Life Inside the Apartment
Fun, Friendship, and Challenges
The six months they spent as roommates were a mix of fun and reality. According to interviews, they cooked meals together, debated scripts, and shared their hopes and fears about the future. But like any living situation, there were challenges: differences in schedules, privacy concerns, and the need to respect each other’s personal space. These moments, however, strengthened their friendship.
How Their Dynamic Mirrored Their On-Screen Chemistry
From Janet and Terri to Real-Life Roommates
Fans often admired their on-screen camaraderie, but living together revealed a new layer of authenticity. They had to communicate openly, compromise, and support one another—skills that translated perfectly from their sitcom experience. Their shared humor and playful teasing were constant reminders of the bond they had formed on set.
Hollywood Friendships Beyond the Cameras
The Importance of Off-Screen Support Systems
In Hollywood, friendships can be fleeting, often based on project timelines rather than genuine connection. DeWitt and Barnes’ decision to live together highlighted how meaningful off-screen support networks can be. Their experience shows that lasting relationships in entertainment often require effort, understanding, and shared vulnerability.
Balancing Careers and Personal Life
The Post-Sitcom Struggle
After Three’s Company, both actresses faced the challenge of redefining their careers. Rooming together provided stability while navigating auditions, projects, and public expectations. It gave them a safe space to brainstorm opportunities and lean on each other when the industry felt uncertain.
Funny and Memorable Moments
Stories From Their Six Months Together
Living together was not all serious business. Joyce and Priscilla shared laugh-out-loud moments, from impromptu dance-offs to experimenting with cooking new recipes. These anecdotes, shared in later interviews, reveal the lighter side of life after fame—moments fans rarely see behind the glamour of TV sets.
Personal Growth Through Shared Living
Lessons Learned From Cohabitation
Sharing a home taught both actresses important life lessons: patience, compromise, and the value of authentic connection. These lessons extended beyond their roommate experience and helped them navigate Hollywood and personal relationships with greater clarity and empathy.
Public Reactions to Their Roommate Story
Fans Surprised but Delighted
When the story of their six-month roommate arrangement came to light, fans were intrigued. Social media buzzed with curiosity and nostalgia, as viewers marveled at how these beloved characters from Three’s Company supported one another off-screen, just as they had on-screen.
The Role of Humor in Their Friendship
Laughter as the Ultimate Bond
Humor has always been a cornerstone of their friendship. Sharing jokes, playful pranks, and inside sitcom references helped them deal with post-show pressures and reinforced the lighthearted energy they brought to their iconic characters.
How This Experience Influenced Their Careers
Networking, Collaboration, and Future Projects
Rooming together gave DeWitt and Barnes a platform for brainstorming new career moves. From audition tips to acting advice, they exchanged knowledge that impacted future opportunities. This collaboration illustrates how personal connections can shape professional success in Hollywood.
Maintaining Friendship After Moving Out
Friendship That Lasts Decades
Even after the six months ended, Joyce DeWitt and Priscilla Barnes remained close. They continued to support each other publicly and privately, attending events together and reflecting fondly on their shared apartment days. Their story serves as a testament to friendship that withstands the pressures of fame and time.
Reflections From the Actresses
What They Said About Living Together
In interviews, both actresses describe their roommate period as transformative. DeWitt emphasized the emotional support she received, while Barnes highlighted the practical benefits of shared living. Their reflections reveal how a simple act of cohabitation can have profound personal and professional impacts.
Comparing On-Screen vs. Off-Screen Dynamics
Life Beyond the Sitcom
While Janet and Terri shared comedic timing and storylines, their real-life friendship involved real conversations, mutual encouragement, and problem-solving. This comparison underscores the distinction between public personas and genuine personal connections in the entertainment industry.
Legacy of the Roommate Experience
Lessons for Aspiring Actors and Fans
The six-month roommate experience between DeWitt and Barnes serves as a lesson in resilience, friendship, and adaptability. Aspiring actors can learn from their story: the importance of supporting peers, maintaining personal connections, and navigating career transitions with grace.
Conclusion: A Remarkable Chapter of Hollywood Friendship
Joyce DeWitt and Priscilla Barnes’ six months as roommates after Three’s Company ended is a fascinating glimpse into life behind the cameras. It highlights the personal bonds that form amidst the glamour of Hollywood, the challenges of post-show transitions, and the lasting power of friendship. Their story continues to inspire fans and actors alike, proving that true connection extends far beyond scripted roles.
