Three’s Company was one of the most beloved sitcoms of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, making audiences laugh with its mix of slapstick humor and hilarious misunderstandings. But behind the laughter, the lives of its cast members were filled with struggles, tragedy, and heartbreak.
What really happened to the stars after the cameras stopped rolling? Let’s dive into the bittersweet truth of their lives after Three’s Company.
John Ritter: A Comedy Legend Gone Too Soon
The Heart and Soul of the Show
John Ritter played Jack Tripper, the lovable and clumsy lead character. His impeccable comedic timing made him the face of Three’s Company.
A Successful Career Beyond the Show
After Three’s Company, Ritter continued to thrive in Hollywood. He starred in 8 Simple Rules, voiced Clifford the Big Red Dog, and made appearances in numerous TV shows and films.
A Tragic and Sudden Death
In 2003, Ritter suddenly collapsed on set. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors misdiagnosed him with a heart attack. Sadly, he died later that day from an undiagnosed aortic dissection, shocking the entertainment world. He was only 54 years old.
His Legacy Lives On
Despite his untimely death, Ritter’s influence in comedy remains strong. His son, Jason Ritter, has continued his father’s legacy in acting.
Suzanne Somers: A Career Cut Short by Controversy
The Breakout Star of Three’s Company
Suzanne Somers played Chrissy Snow, the ditzy yet lovable blonde. She quickly became a fan favorite, but behind the scenes, things weren’t so bright.
Fired for Asking for Equal Pay
During the fifth season, Somers requested a salary increase to match Ritter’s. The network refused, and she was fired, marking the beginning of a major fallout with her co-stars.
A New Path: Fitness and Business Empire
Though her Hollywood career suffered, Somers reinvented herself as a fitness guru and businesswoman. She wrote best-selling books, sold the famous ThighMaster, and became a self-made millionaire.
Her Final Battle with Cancer
Suzanne Somers fought a long battle with breast cancer. Sadly, she passed away in 2023 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and entrepreneurship.
Joyce DeWitt: The Star Who Vanished from Hollywood
A Key Player in the Trio
Joyce DeWitt played Janet Wood, the responsible and down-to-earth roommate. Unlike her co-stars, she stayed out of the spotlight after the show ended.
Avoiding the Hollywood Scene
Unlike Ritter and Somers, DeWitt chose a quiet life, stepping away from major Hollywood roles. She only made rare appearances in independent films and theater productions.
Legal Troubles and Personal Struggles
In 2009, she was arrested for a DUI, which briefly brought her back into the headlines. However, she later turned her life around, focusing on charity work and a low-key lifestyle.
Don Knotts: The Comedy Icon Who Stole the Show
A Fan Favorite as Mr. Furley
Don Knotts, famous for The Andy Griffith Show, played the eccentric landlord Ralph Furley. His over-the-top expressions and comedic timing made him unforgettable.
A Legendary Career but Failing Health
Even after Three’s Company, Knotts remained a comedy icon, appearing in various films and TV shows. However, he struggled with health issues in his later years.
His Final Years and Death
In 2006, Knotts passed away at 81 due to pulmonary and respiratory complications. Despite his passing, his legacy as a comedy genius lives on.
Norman Fell & Audra Lindley: The Original Landlords’ Legacy
Norman Fell (Mr. Roper)
Fell played the grumpy yet lovable Mr. Roper. After leaving Three’s Company for The Ropers spin-off, his career never regained the same momentum. He passed away in 1998 from bone cancer.
Audra Lindley (Mrs. Roper)
Lindley, who played the free-spirited Mrs. Roper, continued acting in TV and films. She passed away in 1997 due to leukemia.
Richard Kline: The Last Standing Cast Member
Still Active in Hollywood
Richard Kline, who played the sleazy but hilarious Larry Dallas, remains one of the last surviving main cast members. He continues acting in television and theater, keeping the Three’s Company spirit alive.
The Dark Side of Hollywood: Behind-the-Scenes Feuds
Suzanne Somers vs. Joyce DeWitt
After Somers’ firing, she and DeWitt didn’t speak for over 30 years. They finally reconciled in 2012 during an emotional interview.
John Ritter’s Hidden Pain
Ritter was known for his cheerful personality, but behind closed doors, he struggled with personal pressures and Hollywood’s demands.
The End of an Era: Why Three’s Company Still Matters
Despite the sadness that followed many cast members, Three’s Company remains a beloved classic. Its humor, charm, and groundbreaking themes still resonate with fans today.
Even though tragedy struck its stars, their legacy lives on through reruns and the laughter they brought to millions.
Conclusion: A Show That Gave Us Laughter and Tears
The cast of Three’s Company brought joy to millions, but their real-life journeys were filled with ups and downs. Some found success, others faced tragedy, but they all left an unforgettable mark on television history.
Their legacy isn’t just in their performances but in the love and laughter they gave to audiences worldwide.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers was fired after demanding equal pay to John Ritter. The network refused, leading to her abrupt departure.
2. How did John Ritter die?
John Ritter passed away in 2003 from an aortic dissection, a rare heart condition that was misdiagnosed as a heart attack.
3. What happened to Joyce DeWitt after Three’s Company?
Joyce DeWitt chose to live a private life, avoiding the Hollywood limelight and focusing on theater and charity work.
4. Is anyone from the Three’s Company cast still alive?
Richard Kline, who played Larry Dallas, is still alive and continues to act in television and theater.
5. Did the Three’s Company cast get along behind the scenes?
There were major tensions, especially between Suzanne Somers and her co-stars after her firing. However, some reconciliations happened years later.
