What Made ‘Three’s Company’ Star Joyce DeWitt Remember The Time She & John Ritter Made ‘Fools of Ourselves’?

The Legacy of ‘Three’s Company’

Before diving into Joyce DeWitt’s hilarious memory, let’s take a quick trip back to where it all started. Three’s Company, which aired from 1977 to 1984, wasn’t just another sitcom — it was the sitcom that captured the wild charm of the late ’70s and early ’80s. The show followed three roommates — Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers) — navigating friendship, misunderstandings, and endless comedic chaos in sunny Santa Monica.

But what truly made Three’s Company shine was its chemistry. The cast wasn’t just performing lines — they were living them. And at the center of that connection were John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, whose comedic timing and genuine friendship made television history.

A Friendship Beyond the Cameras

While their on-screen characters shared playful banter and affectionate teasing, John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt were equally close behind the scenes. Their dynamic was built on mutual respect, shared humor, and a love for physical comedy.

According to interviews over the years, the two often rehearsed long hours together, perfecting scenes that looked effortless on screen. But sometimes, their commitment to comedy led to hilarious — and embarrassing — moments that they never forgot.

When Comedy Took Over the Set

During one unforgettable day of filming, Joyce DeWitt recalled a moment where she and John Ritter completely lost control. It wasn’t part of the script. It wasn’t planned. It was pure, spontaneous laughter — and chaos.

In her own words, DeWitt said that she and Ritter had been filming a particularly goofy scene that went sideways fast. Something about Ritter’s facial expressions — that combination of innocence and absurdity he was famous for — broke her composure. Within seconds, both stars were laughing so uncontrollably that the entire production ground to a halt.

“We Made Absolute Fools of Ourselves”

DeWitt later admitted, with a smile, that the two of them “made complete fools” of themselves that day. The cameras were rolling, the audience was watching, and neither of them could pull it together.

John Ritter, ever the clown, only made things worse — doubling down with exaggerated gestures and ridiculous expressions. The director eventually had to call for a break because both actors were laughing too hard to speak their lines.

“It was one of those moments,” DeWitt recalled, “where you know you’re supposed to be professional — but the laughter just takes over. You can’t stop it. You just surrender to it.”

The Magic of John Ritter’s Humor

Anyone who ever worked with John Ritter knew one thing: his humor was infectious. He had that rare gift of making everyone around him feel lighter.

He wasn’t just funny because of the script — he was the comedy. His timing, his physicality, and his warm-hearted goofiness made him one of the most beloved sitcom stars of all time. For Joyce DeWitt, moments like this were reminders of why working with Ritter was so special.

“He could make you break character just by raising an eyebrow,” DeWitt once said. “And the worst part? He knew it — and he’d do it on purpose.”

Why That Memory Stuck With Joyce DeWitt

So, what made this particular moment unforgettable? It wasn’t just the laughter — it was the connection.

In that scene, Joyce DeWitt and John Ritter weren’t just acting; they were being themselves — two friends who loved what they did and loved doing it together. For DeWitt, it symbolized everything Three’s Company stood for: warmth, laughter, and human imperfection.

It wasn’t about being polished or perfect. It was about real joy. And that’s what made that day — and that memory — so powerful.

The Chemistry That Made ‘Three’s Company’ Iconic

Audiences could feel the camaraderie between Ritter and DeWitt. Their relationship gave Three’s Company emotional depth beyond its slapstick setup.

Where Jack Tripper was chaotic, Janet Wood was grounded. Where Jack was all charm and physical comedy, Janet was the voice of reason — but with an equally sharp wit. Together, they were the show’s heart.

That balance, combined with their genuine friendship off-screen, gave every episode a spark of authenticity.

A Look Behind the Sitcom Curtain

Sitcoms in the late ’70s weren’t easy to make. They relied heavily on timing, live audience reactions, and the chemistry of their ensemble cast. Mistakes were common, and bloopers often became part of the show’s charm.

For Joyce and John, those slip-ups weren’t just mishaps — they were golden opportunities for laughter. “If we tripped or missed a cue, John would just turn it into a joke,” DeWitt explained in one interview. “He was fearless that way.”

Joyce DeWitt’s Enduring Respect for Ritter

Years after Three’s Company ended, Joyce DeWitt continued to speak about John Ritter with admiration and love. Even after his untimely death in 2003, she kept his memory alive through interviews and reunions.

“He was the best kind of person,” she once said. “Funny, kind, and full of heart. Working with him wasn’t just a job — it was a gift.”

Her story about “making fools of ourselves” wasn’t just about laughter. It was about the bond that made those moments so genuine — and the kind of friendship that doesn’t fade, even decades later.

What This Moment Teaches Us About Comedy

If there’s one thing this story reveals, it’s that true comedy isn’t scripted. It happens in the spaces between — in those moments when people let go, laugh at themselves, and connect.

The fact that Joyce DeWitt still remembers that day shows just how real it was. It wasn’t about perfection. It was about authenticity, something that Three’s Company always captured so beautifully.

Fans Still Can’t Get Enough

Even today, fans rewatch episodes of Three’s Company and laugh like it’s the first time. The chemistry, the timing, the ridiculous misunderstandings — they all hold up decades later.

When fans hear DeWitt’s story, it’s a reminder that those laughs weren’t fake. They were real. The cast was having just as much fun as the audience.

Why ‘Three’s Company’ Still Matters

In an era filled with digital humor and scripted reality, Three’s Company remains a masterclass in old-school comedy. It showed that you don’t need fancy effects or edgy jokes to be timeless — you just need great characters, strong chemistry, and honest laughter.

The story of Joyce DeWitt and John Ritter making “fools” of themselves isn’t just a behind-the-scenes anecdote. It’s a piece of television history that reminds us why this show — and these actors — will always be beloved.

Conclusion: The Joy of Being Human

At its core, Joyce DeWitt’s story isn’t about embarrassment. It’s about joy. It’s about what happens when two talented people drop their guard, forget the cameras, and just be human for a moment.

That’s what made Three’s Company magic — and why fans still remember it with a smile. Because sometimes, the best comedy doesn’t come from the script. It comes from the heart.

FAQs

1. Who were the main stars of ‘Three’s Company’?
The main cast included John Ritter as Jack Tripper, Joyce DeWitt as Janet Wood, and Suzanne Somers as Chrissy Snow.

2. What episode did Joyce DeWitt and John Ritter “make fools of themselves” in?
While DeWitt didn’t name the exact episode, she recalled it happening during one of their more physical comedy scenes where both couldn’t stop laughing.

3. Did Joyce DeWitt and John Ritter stay friends after the show ended?
Yes, they maintained a warm friendship long after Three’s Company wrapped. DeWitt has often spoken fondly of Ritter in interviews.

4. What made John Ritter such a beloved comedy actor?
Ritter’s charm, expressive physical humor, and ability to make everyone on set laugh made him a standout star — both on and off camera.

5. Why is ‘Three’s Company’ still popular today?
Because it captured universal humor — misunderstandings, relationships, and human flaws — in a way that still feels fresh and relatable today.