When you think of Three’s Company, one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1970s and early ‘80s, you probably picture Suzanne Somers as the lovable, ditzy Chrissy Snow. But what if we told you she was abruptly fired from the show at the peak of its success—all because she asked for equal pay?
Suzanne Somers’ battle for fair wages didn’t just end in termination; it sparked one of Hollywood’s biggest controversies. And guess what? She got the last laugh. Here’s how she turned rejection into a financial empire.
💰 The Gender Pay Gap in Hollywood: A Fight for Fairness
Back in the late 1970s, Three’s Company was a massive hit, and its three leads—John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, and Suzanne Somers—were household names. But while Ritter was making $150,000 per episode, Somers was only earning $30,000.
Does that sound fair to you? Of course not. And Somers thought so too.
💥 The Bold Move That Got Her Fired
Determined to secure fair pay, Somers demanded that her salary match John Ritter’s. And why not? She was just as popular and contributed equally to the show’s success. But instead of negotiating, ABC made an example out of her.
Rather than offering a raise, the network cut her screen time down to a mere 60 seconds per episode before ultimately firing her altogether.
📉 How Hollywood Tried to Blacklist Her
Getting fired was one thing, but Hollywood wasn’t done punishing Suzanne Somers just yet. After her Three’s Company exit, she was labeled as “difficult” and “greedy.”
Sound familiar? Many actresses who speak up about inequality often face backlash rather than support. Somers’ career in television hit a standstill. But instead of giving up, she reinvented herself.
💡 Reinventing Herself: From Sitcom Star to Business Mogul
While Hollywood tried to silence her, Somers found a way to outsmart the system. She built an empire outside of television, proving that success doesn’t have to rely on a traditional acting career.
How did she do it? By turning her personal brand into a multi-million-dollar business.
📚 Best-Selling Author: Writing Her Own Success Story
Rather than waiting for another sitcom role, Somers took charge of her own career. She began writing books on health, wellness, and beauty—many of which became best sellers.
She shared her secrets on aging, diet, and fitness, creating a devoted fan base that followed her beyond television.
📺 From Fired to Hosting Her Own Shows
Hollywood may have tried to blacklist her, but Somers found a way back to TV—on her own terms.
She became a talk show host, fitness expert, and even starred in Step by Step, another hit sitcom that ran for seven seasons.
Pretty impressive for someone who was supposedly “done” in Hollywood, right?
🛍️ The ThighMaster: A Marketing Genius Move
If you grew up in the ‘90s, you definitely remember the ThighMaster. What many don’t know is that Suzanne Somers was the marketing genius behind it.
After endorsing the product, it became a cultural phenomenon, earning her over $100 million in sales.
Let that sink in—she made more money from a fitness gadget than she probably ever would have from Three’s Company!
💪 A Legacy of Empowerment
Suzanne Somers wasn’t just an actress—she was a trailblazer. She proved that standing up for what’s right may come with challenges, but it can also lead to greater success in the long run.
Her story remains an inspiration for women in Hollywood (and beyond) to demand equal pay, refuse to be silenced, and create their own success.
🎤 Suzanne Somers’ Final Thoughts on Three’s Company
Even years later, Somers had no regrets about her decision to fight for equal pay. In interviews, she often said that getting fired from Three’s Company was a blessing in disguise.
Why? Because it forced her to create her own path—one that led to financial independence and long-term success.
🔥 Conclusion: Suzanne Somers Got the Last Laugh
Hollywood tried to shut her down, but Suzanne Somers proved she was more than just Chrissy Snow.
She took a career-ending setback and turned it into an empire—one built on best-selling books, fitness products, and business ventures that made her a multi-millionaire.
So, next time someone tells you that standing up for yourself will ruin your career, just remember Suzanne Somers. She got fired for demanding what she deserved—and still won in the end.
🤔 FAQs About Suzanne Somers and Three’s Company
1. Why did Suzanne Somers get fired from Three’s Company?
She was fired after asking for equal pay with her co-star, John Ritter. Instead of negotiating, ABC reduced her role and eventually let her go.
2. How much money did Suzanne Somers make from the ThighMaster?
She earned over $100 million from ThighMaster sales, making it one of the most successful fitness products of all time.
3. Did Suzanne Somers ever return to acting?
Yes! She starred in Step by Step, a popular sitcom that ran for seven seasons in the ‘90s.
4. Was Suzanne Somers blacklisted in Hollywood?
For a while, yes. After leaving Three’s Company, she struggled to get acting roles. But she reinvented herself and built a thriving career outside of traditional television.
5. What is Suzanne Somers’ legacy?
She is remembered as a trailblazer for equal pay, a successful businesswoman, and a fitness icon who turned rejection into an empire.
