Introduction
Imagine being at the height of your career, starring in one of the most popular sitcoms on television, and then—bam!—you’re fired. That’s exactly what happened to Suzanne Somers in 1980 when she asked for equal pay on Three’s Company. What started as a simple demand for fairness turned into one of the biggest controversies in television history. But what really happened behind the scenes? Let’s break down the drama, the betrayal, and the lasting impact of this shocking moment in Hollywood history.
The Rise of Suzanne Somers as Chrissy Snow
Before the scandal, Suzanne Somers was America’s sweetheart. Playing the lovable, ditzy blonde Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company, she became a household name almost overnight. With her charm, comedic timing, and undeniable screen presence, she helped catapult the show to massive success.
By 1980, Three’s Company was a ratings powerhouse, regularly ranking among the top TV shows in America. Somers, alongside co-stars John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, had created a sitcom dream team. But behind the laughter, tensions were brewing.
The Pay Disparity: What Led to the Showdown
Despite being a major reason for the show’s success, Somers was making significantly less than her male co-star, John Ritter. At the time, she was earning $30,000 per episode, while Ritter was pulling in $150,000 per episode—five times her salary!
Knowing her worth, Somers decided to take a stand. Encouraged by her husband and manager, Alan Hamel, she demanded an equal salary. If Ritter, the male lead, was earning $150,000 per episode, why shouldn’t she?
What seemed like a reasonable request quickly spiraled into a full-blown Hollywood power struggle.
Producers’ Reaction: The Start of the Backlash
When Somers approached ABC and Three’s Company producers about a pay raise, she expected negotiations. Instead, she was met with resistance, hostility, and what many would call an attempt to make an example out of her.
Rather than engage in discussions, the network flat-out refused her request. Executives saw her demand as arrogance and an attempt to challenge the system.
The response? A brutal Hollywood takedown.
The Retaliation: A Career in Jeopardy
Once Suzanne Somers made her request public, things escalated fast. The producers wasted no time punishing her.
- They cut her screen time drastically, giving Chrissy Snow only brief, awkward phone call appearances.
- They isolated her from the cast, preventing her from filming scenes with John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt.
- They spread rumors that she was difficult to work with, a common tactic used to discredit women in Hollywood.
By the end of the season, she was completely written off the show—all because she wanted equal pay.
John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt’s Reaction
While fans were outraged, things weren’t much better behind the scenes. Somers’ co-stars, John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, were reportedly frustrated with how the situation unfolded.
- John Ritter stayed largely neutral, wanting to avoid conflict with the network.
- Joyce DeWitt, however, clashed with Somers, believing that her demand for higher pay risked ruining the show.
For decades, DeWitt and Somers didn’t speak, their friendship seemingly shattered by the fallout.
The Fallout: Suzanne Somers’ Hollywood Blacklisting
After leaving Three’s Company, Somers faced an unofficial Hollywood blacklist.
- Studios saw her as a “troublemaker” and refused to cast her in major roles.
- Casting directors avoided hiring her, fearing she would demand equal pay elsewhere.
- The entertainment industry effectively shut her out, forcing her to rebuild her career from scratch.
But if producers thought they had silenced her, they were wrong.
Suzanne Somers’ Big Comeback
Refusing to fade into obscurity, Somers reinvented herself. She pivoted to entrepreneurship, acting, and writing, proving that one setback wouldn’t define her career.
- She launched the ThighMaster, turning it into a multimillion-dollar fitness empire.
- She wrote best-selling books on health, beauty, and aging.
- She returned to television, starring in Step by Step and multiple talk shows.
Instead of being just an actress, she became a brand, turning her Hollywood exile into a massive success story.
The Legacy of Suzanne Somers’ Fight for Equal Pay
What happened to Suzanne Somers in 1980 wasn’t just about her—it was about a larger fight for women in Hollywood.
Today, actresses like Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, and Patricia Arquette continue to advocate for equal pay, following in Somers’ footsteps. While she didn’t win her battle at the time, her courage helped pave the way for important conversations about pay disparity in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Suzanne Somers’ story is a classic Hollywood cautionary tale—but also a testament to resilience. She was fired at the height of her fame for daring to demand equal pay, blacklisted from the industry, and left to fend for herself. Yet, she didn’t let it break her. Instead, she built an empire, proving that sometimes, losing a battle means winning the war.
Her story is more relevant than ever, reminding us that the fight for fair pay is far from over.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from ‘Three’s Company’?
Suzanne Somers was fired because she demanded equal pay with her male co-star, John Ritter. The producers refused her request, cut her screen time, and ultimately wrote her off the show.
2. Did Suzanne Somers ever reconcile with John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt?
Yes. While she and Joyce DeWitt didn’t speak for decades, they reunited in 2012 for an emotional conversation. She also reconnected with John Ritter before his passing in 2003.
3. How much was Suzanne Somers making compared to John Ritter?
Suzanne Somers was making $30,000 per episode, while John Ritter was earning $150,000 per episode—five times her salary.
4. What did Suzanne Somers do after leaving ‘Three’s Company’?
After being blacklisted in Hollywood, she reinvented herself as an entrepreneur, launching the ThighMaster, writing best-selling books, and starring in new TV roles.
5. How did Suzanne Somers’ firing impact Hollywood?
Her firing highlighted gender pay disparities in Hollywood. Today, actresses continue to fight for equal pay, inspired by pioneers like Somers.
