When you think of the beloved TV show Three’s Company, it’s hard not to picture the hilarious trio: John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, and Suzanne Somers. The show was a massive success during its run in the late 70s and early 80s, becoming one of the most iconic sitcoms of its time. But what many don’t realize is that behind the scenes, things weren’t as cheerful as they appeared on screen. Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow, faced a wave of resentment from her castmates, and it had nothing to do with money. Let’s dive into the untold story of what caused this tension and how it all unfolded.
The Rise of ‘Three’s Company’ and Suzanne Somers’ Role
When Three’s Company first hit the small screen in 1977, Suzanne Somers was cast as Chrissy Snow, the bubbly, blonde, and slightly ditsy roommate. Her character was a fan favorite, contributing heavily to the show’s success. But while the show was soaring in popularity, Somers found herself dealing with a growing sense of frustration and tension behind the scenes.
As her character became a major draw for the show, Somers was in the spotlight, but the spotlight wasn’t the only thing heating up.
Tensions Begin: What Sparked the Resentment?
At the heart of the drama was not money or fame – but the attention Somers was receiving. Suzanne Somers was, without a doubt, the breakout star of Three’s Company. Her comedic timing, charm, and physical appeal made her a household name almost overnight. However, this didn’t sit well with her co-stars, especially Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet Wood, and John Ritter, who portrayed Jack Tripper.
The Struggle for Equal Attention
In the world of television, it’s not uncommon for actors to want their share of the limelight. As Somers’ popularity grew, she began getting more attention from the media, which ultimately caused tension with her co-stars. According to Somers herself, there was a feeling of resentment from DeWitt and Ritter, who felt that Somers was receiving disproportionate attention.
While the show was about a group of roommates, Somers’ character often stole the show. This imbalance led to feelings of exclusion from her fellow cast members, as they felt their contributions weren’t being recognized in the same way.
Suzanne’s Growing Frustration with the Show
Despite the success of Three’s Company, Somers felt as though her talent wasn’t being fully appreciated. As the show’s star, she was negotiating for a salary increase. At the time, it was widely known that she was underpaid compared to her male co-stars, despite the fact that she was one of the main reasons for the show’s success.
The Pay Dispute That Amplified the Tension
The salary dispute was certainly a major point of contention. However, the true source of resentment wasn’t just about the money – it was about the way the castmates treated each other behind closed doors. Somers was seeking a pay raise that reflected her star power, but her co-stars didn’t feel as though the pay disparity should be addressed in this way. This created a rift that went beyond simple contract negotiations.
The Castmates’ Reaction to Suzanne’s Demands
As Somers became more vocal about her dissatisfaction with her pay, it was clear that the castmates were feeling uncomfortable. They were caught in the middle of a high-stakes contract negotiation, and instead of supporting her, they distanced themselves from Somers. The atmosphere on set grew increasingly tense, with Somers feeling alienated from the rest of the cast.
John Ritter’s Dilemma: A Friend Torn Between Business and Loyalty
John Ritter, in particular, found himself torn between his loyalty to Somers and his role as the show’s lead actor. He had a deep friendship with Somers, but at the same time, he didn’t want the drama to interfere with the show’s success. This created a difficult situation where Ritter couldn’t fully support Somers’ demands without jeopardizing the dynamics on set.
The Fallout: Suzanne’s Departure from ‘Three’s Company’
Eventually, the tension between Somers and her castmates became unbearable. In 1981, after three successful seasons, Somers was written off the show following her contract dispute. She left Three’s Company due to the ongoing tensions, and her character, Chrissy Snow, was replaced with a new roommate, Cindy Snow.
The Public Reaction to Her Departure
The public’s reaction to Somers leaving the show was mixed. Fans were disappointed by her exit, but many still remained loyal to the show. In retrospect, Somers’ departure marked the beginning of a shift in the show’s dynamics, with the chemistry among the cast never quite the same after her departure.
The Fallout for the Remaining Cast
For DeWitt and Ritter, the show had to continue without Somers. But their strained relationships with her were evident during interviews and behind the scenes. Even though both actors were professional in their roles, there was an unspoken tension that lingered. DeWitt, in particular, seemed to harbor resentment towards Somers for taking the spotlight.
Suzanne Somers Reflects on the Experience
In later years, Somers has openly discussed the behind-the-scenes drama and how it affected her emotionally. She admitted that she felt misunderstood and isolated during the height of the show’s success. Despite the hardships, Somers made it clear that her resentment toward her co-stars was never about the money – it was about respect and recognition.
Lessons Learned from the ‘Three’s Company’ Drama
The experience of Three’s Company taught Suzanne Somers valuable lessons about the entertainment industry, the importance of self-worth, and the complexities of professional relationships. She has since rebuilt her career, focusing on personal projects and writing books, while maintaining her positive image as a trailblazer in Hollywood.
The Impact on ‘Three’s Company’ and Its Legacy
Even though Somers left Three’s Company under difficult circumstances, her time on the show left an indelible mark on the series. Her character, Chrissy Snow, remains an iconic part of television history, and fans continue to appreciate the show for its memorable characters and hilarious moments.
The End of an Era: What Could Have Been
The question remains: what could have been if Somers had stayed on Three’s Company longer? While the show continued for several more seasons, its success never quite reached the heights it had with Somers at the helm. Still, the drama behind the scenes gave the show a real sense of unpredictability that only made its legacy more intriguing.
Conclusion
The story of Suzanne Somers’ time on Three’s Company is a testament to the complexities of working in the entertainment industry. While the show brought immense success to all involved, it also highlighted the struggles that come with fame, money, and personal egos. The resentment Somers faced from her co-stars had nothing to do with money, but rather the recognition and respect that she felt she deserved. Despite the tension, Somers carved out a successful career beyond Three’s Company, proving that even the toughest of challenges can lead to personal growth and triumph.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company?
Somers left Three’s Company due to a contract dispute, as she was seeking a salary increase that reflected her star power. Tension grew between her and her co-stars, leading to her exit after the third season.
2. Did Suzanne Somers’ departure hurt the show?
While Three’s Company continued for two more seasons after Somers left, the dynamic of the show was never quite the same, and many fans felt her absence.
3. Was the tension on Three’s Company about money?
No, the tension was not solely about money. It was more about Somers receiving disproportionate attention and recognition compared to her co-stars, leading to feelings of resentment.
4. How did Suzanne Somers feel about her co-stars after leaving the show?
Somers admitted feeling isolated and misunderstood during her time on Three’s Company. In later years, she reflected on the experience but expressed that it helped her grow both personally and professionally.
5. What impact did Suzanne Somers have on Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers was a major part of the show’s success, with her character Chrissy Snow becoming an iconic figure. Her departure marked a turning point for the series, although it remained popular for several more years.
