Suzanne Somers, one of TV’s most iconic stars of the 1970s and 1980s, is best remembered for her role as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company. While her comedic talent and bubbly charm earned her a permanent spot in television history, her salary dispute with the show’s producers led to a dramatic and controversial exit. But what happened behind the scenes? How did her husband, Alan Hamel, respond to the fallout from her firing?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the shocking salary fight that led to Suzanne Somers’ termination from Three’s Company, explore her husband’s perspective, and uncover the lasting impact of this moment on both her career and personal life.
Suzanne Somers: From Hollywood Star to Salary Struggles
The Rise of Chrissy Snow
In the late 1970s, Three’s Company quickly became a fan-favorite sitcom, known for its quirky humor and lovable characters. Suzanne Somers, playing the bubbly and somewhat naive Chrissy Snow, captured the hearts of millions. She became an overnight sensation.
The Big Break That Led to Conflict
But despite her rising fame, Somers’ paychecks didn’t match her popularity. As her character became central to the success of the show, she found herself locked in a bitter salary dispute with Three’s Company producers. What she didn’t know was that this battle would change everything.
The Salary Dispute: The Fight for Fair Pay
The Heart of the Conflict
In 1980, Suzanne Somers was reportedly earning around $30,000 per episode, far less than her male co-stars John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt. Given her massive popularity and pivotal role on the show, Somers felt she deserved a pay raise that better reflected her contributions.
The Battle for Equality
Somers and her management team demanded a significant salary increase—rumors suggest she asked for $150,000 per episode, which was considerably more than her co-stars were making at the time. She wanted a raise that reflected her star power, but the producers disagreed, setting the stage for a showdown that would make headlines.
Suzanne Somers’ Firing: The Shocking Outcome
A Sudden Exit
After months of negotiations, the relationship between Suzanne Somers and the Three’s Company producers began to deteriorate. Somers was ultimately fired from the show in 1981, leaving fans stunned and angry. Many believed her firing was a direct result of her salary demands.
The Public Fallout
The firing not only shocked the public, but it also sent ripples through the entertainment industry. The dispute highlighted the gender pay gap in Hollywood and became a talking point for years to come. Fans rallied behind Somers, many feeling she had been unfairly treated.
Alan Hamel Reflects on Suzanne Somers’ Firing
A Husband’s Support
Alan Hamel, Suzanne’s husband and longtime partner, has been open about the struggles his wife faced during this period. In interviews, Hamel has expressed his frustration over the way Somers was treated. He believed that the salary dispute was never just about money—it was about respect.
The Emotional Toll
In his reflections, Hamel recalls the emotional toll the firing took on Suzanne. He describes how she felt betrayed by the very people who had helped her rise to fame. Her confidence was shaken, and the sense of injustice lingered for years.
The Aftermath: Suzanne Somers’ Career Post-‘Three’s Company’
Finding New Opportunities
Despite the bitter end to her time on Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers wasn’t done with Hollywood. In fact, her career flourished in unexpected ways. After her firing, she landed a successful role in Step by Step, another sitcom that ran for nearly a decade.
Suzanne’s Empowering Business Ventures
Beyond acting, Suzanne Somers reinvented herself as a savvy entrepreneur. She built a lucrative career in health and wellness, launching a series of books, fitness products, and supplements that made her a household name once again.
Alan Hamel: A Pillar of Strength
A Lifelong Partner
Throughout the ups and downs of Suzanne Somers’ career, Alan Hamel has been by her side. The couple, married since 1977, has remained close, with Hamel always supporting Somers’ ambitions. His reflections on the Three’s Company saga offer insight into the personal side of the ordeal—how the stress affected both their professional and personal lives.
A Strong, Supportive Marriage
Hamel’s unwavering support provided Suzanne with the strength to rebuild her career after the Three’s Company debacle. Together, they navigated the tough times, and their bond grew stronger in the process.
How the ‘Three’s Company’ Salary Fight Changed Hollywood
Highlighting Gender Disparities
Suzanne Somers’ fight for fair pay wasn’t just a personal battle—it became a public symbol for gender equality in Hollywood. Her salary dispute drew attention to the disparity between what women and men were paid, sparking conversation about fair compensation in the entertainment industry.
A Lasting Impact on Pay Equality
While Somers didn’t immediately receive the pay raise she wanted, her actions forced Hollywood to reconsider its treatment of female talent. Over time, her fight became part of the broader movement for better pay equity for women in the entertainment industry.
How Suzanne Somers Emerged Stronger Than Ever
A Career Rebirth
Despite the challenges, Suzanne Somers didn’t let her firing from Three’s Company define her career. Instead, she reinvented herself as a brand—an author, wellness expert, and advocate for healthy living. Somers proved that a setback could be the catalyst for something even greater.
Turning Setbacks Into Triumphs
Somers’ ability to rise from the ashes of her career is a testament to her resilience. She transformed a painful experience into the fuel for her next chapter, showing the world that failure doesn’t have to be final.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Suzanne Somers’ Salary Fight and Firing
Suzanne Somers’ salary dispute and firing from Three’s Company will always be a defining moment in her career. It’s a story of ambition, gender inequality, and ultimately triumph. Her husband, Alan Hamel, stood by her every step of the way, offering unwavering support during one of the toughest periods of her life. Today, Suzanne Somers is celebrated not just for her acting but for her entrepreneurial spirit and advocacy for equality.
Her story continues to inspire anyone who has faced adversity in their careers, reminding us all that standing up for what we believe in—whether in Hollywood or elsewhere—can lead to unexpected, but often rewarding, outcomes.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers was fired after she demanded a significant salary raise that producers did not agree with. This salary dispute led to her being written out of the show.
2. How did Suzanne Somers’ husband, Alan Hamel, support her after the firing?
Alan Hamel provided emotional support during this difficult time, helping Suzanne navigate the public fallout and guiding her through the challenges she faced in rebuilding her career.
3. Did Suzanne Somers’ salary fight impact the entertainment industry?
Yes, her salary dispute highlighted the gender pay gap in Hollywood and sparked broader conversations about fair compensation for women in the industry.
4. What did Suzanne Somers do after leaving Three’s Company?
After her departure from the show, Suzanne Somers went on to star in Step by Step and built a successful career as a health and wellness entrepreneur.
5. How did Suzanne Somers’ experience influence her later career?
Her experience with the Three’s Company salary dispute motivated Suzanne to advocate for herself and others in Hollywood and inspired her to pursue new business ventures, making her a successful brand and entrepreneur.
