Imagine being at the peak of your career, only to have it stripped away for simply asking for what’s fair. That’s exactly what happened to Suzanne Somers when she dared to demand equal pay on the hit sitcom Three’s Company. Instead of being met with understanding, she was blacklisted. But did that stop her? Not a chance!
This article dives into the shocking details of Somers’ firing, the gender pay gap in Hollywood, and how she turned rejection into a powerful movement for change.
The Rise of Suzanne Somers: A TV Icon in the Making
Becoming the Beloved Chrissy Snow
In the late 1970s, Suzanne Somers became a household name as Chrissy Snow, the ditzy yet lovable blonde on Three’s Company. With her charm, comedic timing, and undeniable star power, she quickly became the face of the show.
The Success of Three’s Company
The show was a massive hit, drawing millions of viewers each week. It wasn’t just a sitcom—it was a cultural phenomenon. But behind the laughs and lighthearted moments, a battle was brewing that would change television history.
The Equal Pay Dispute That Changed Everything
The Gender Pay Gap in Hollywood
At the height of Three’s Company, Somers realized something disturbing: her male co-star, John Ritter, was making five times her salary. Despite carrying the show just as much, if not more, she was earning significantly less.
Suzanne Somers’ Demand for Fair Pay
In 1980, Somers and her husband, Alan Hamel, approached ABC executives with a simple request—she wanted to be paid equally to John Ritter. What happened next shocked everyone.
The Harsh Consequences of Speaking Up
Being Fired & Blacklisted
Instead of negotiating, the network retaliated. They fired Somers from Three’s Company and quickly phased out her character. Worse yet, she was ostracized by Hollywood. Other producers and networks saw her as “difficult” and “greedy.”
The Fallout: Industry Backlash & Personal Struggles
Somers faced industry rejection, losing out on roles and opportunities. For years, she was essentially blacklisted, proving that standing up for equal pay came with a hefty price.
How Suzanne Somers Rebuilt Her Career
From TV Star to Business Mogul
While Hollywood tried to shut her out, Somers found new ways to thrive. She reinvented herself, launching a highly successful fitness empire, including the legendary ThighMaster.
Becoming a Best-Selling Author
Somers also became a best-selling author, writing books on health, wellness, and empowerment. Instead of fading into obscurity, she built a brand that made her even more successful than before.
The Lasting Impact of Her Stand for Equal Pay
Opening the Door for Future Generations
Though she paid the price in the 1980s, Somers’ stand for equal pay contributed to larger conversations about gender equality in Hollywood. Women today, from Jennifer Lawrence to Michelle Williams, continue the fight she started.
A Cultural Shift in Pay Equity
Today, conversations about equal pay are louder than ever. Actresses demand contracts with fair compensation, and more studios are being held accountable. Somers’ courage played a role in pushing that progress forward.
Suzanne Somers’ Perspective on the Three’s Company Scandal Today
No Regrets: Standing by Her Decision
In interviews, Somers has expressed that she has no regrets. While the experience was painful, she believes it led her to even greater opportunities.
Acknowledging the Industry’s Progress
She also recognized that the industry has come a long way since her firing, though there is still work to be done in achieving true gender pay equality.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Transcends Hollywood
Suzanne Somers’ firing from Three’s Company was a pivotal moment—not just for her, but for Hollywood’s ongoing fight for equal pay. She took a massive career hit for standing up for fairness, but in the end, she emerged stronger, more successful, and an inspiration for generations to come.
Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the price of justice is steep—but the rewards can be even greater.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers was fired for demanding equal pay to her male co-star, John Ritter. ABC executives refused her request and phased her out of the show.
2. Did Suzanne Somers ever return to acting after Three’s Company?
Yes! While she was initially blacklisted, she later found success with shows like Step by Step and became a successful entrepreneur and author.
3. How much was Suzanne Somers paid compared to John Ritter?
At the time, John Ritter was making five times more than Suzanne Somers, despite both being central to the show’s success.
4. How did Suzanne Somers make a comeback after being blacklisted?
She reinvented herself through entrepreneurship, launching the ThighMaster, writing books, and becoming a health and wellness icon.
5. What impact did Suzanne Somers’ firing have on Hollywood?
Her firing highlighted the gender pay gap in Hollywood and contributed to the ongoing conversation about equal pay in the entertainment industry.
