Three’s Company, one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1970s and 1980s, remains beloved by many for its wacky humor and memorable characters. But was there more to the show than just comedic timing and outrageous situations? In particular, did the cast use a special trick to warn them when Suzanne Somers, one of the show’s most famous stars, was about to appear on screen?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into this behind-the-scenes question, exploring what might have been going on and uncovering the truth about this rumored “trick” to signal Suzanne Somers’ scenes. Let’s find out if Three’s Company really had a covert system in place for this!
What Was the ‘Trick’ All About?
If you’ve ever watched Three’s Company, you know that Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow, was a central figure on the show. Known for her bubbly personality and her ability to get herself into the craziest situations, Somers became a fan favorite almost overnight. However, there have been long-standing rumors that the production crew used a special “trick” to alert the cast when Somers was about to appear on screen.
So, what exactly was this trick? Was it a secret signal or a particular method used by the crew to notify the cast? Let’s explore.
The History of Suzanne Somers on Three’s Company
Before we dive into the rumored “trick,” let’s take a quick look at Suzanne Somers’ role on Three’s Company. Somers joined the show in 1977, playing Chrissy Snow, the beautiful but somewhat ditsy roommate of Jack Tripper and Janet Wood. Chrissy quickly became one of the most recognizable TV characters of the era, thanks to Somers’ charm and comedic timing.
Her character’s role, however, wasn’t always smooth sailing. Behind the scenes, there were tensions regarding her contract and pay, which eventually led to Somers’ departure from the show in 1981. Despite her departure, the rumors about the show’s production quirks persisted, and one of the most persistent of these was the idea that there was some kind of covert signaling system in place for her scenes.
The Origins of the ‘Warning’ Trick
It’s important to understand the context of Three’s Company at the time. The sitcom was famous for its slapstick humor, misunderstandings, and physical comedy. The cast, including Suzanne Somers, was often involved in hilarious scenarios that required perfect timing. The show’s dynamic centered around the interactions between Chrissy, Jack, and Janet, and the situations that arose from their shared apartment.
As rumors spread, some fans and even cast members began speculating that a trick was used to warn the others when Somers was about to appear in a scene. This was said to be a precautionary measure because of the behind-the-scenes drama. But what was the trick, exactly?
Was It a Signal or a System?
According to some insiders and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, it’s said that a signal or subtle cue was used to prepare the cast for scenes involving Suzanne Somers. One common theory is that the crew used a certain word, gesture, or even a specific piece of music to indicate when Suzanne Somers’ character was about to make an entrance.
This trick, however, wasn’t necessarily a reflection of any animosity between the cast members. Instead, it was rumored to be more of a logistical necessity to ensure everything ran smoothly during production. Given the tension between Somers and the producers at certain points, a nonverbal cue could have been used as a way to make everyone aware that they needed to be in top form for her scenes.
What Did the Cast Think of the Trick?
While there’s no concrete evidence that a “trick” was used on every episode, there are interviews from the cast that suggest certain dynamics on set that could have given rise to such rumors. John Ritter, who played Jack Tripper, was famously known for his impeccable comedic timing and physical humor. Suzanne Somers, on the other hand, was more known for her charming and sometimes ditzy character. This difference in comedic style might have contributed to the theory of a special system to prepare for Suzanne’s scenes.
As for Joyce DeWitt (Janet), she was the calm and grounded counterpart to Chrissy’s bubbly and chaotic persona. Given their different acting styles, the idea of a “warning” signal could have made sense to those who noticed a need for perfect timing between the actors.
Did Suzanne Somers Know About the Trick?
Another interesting aspect of this rumor is whether Suzanne Somers herself was aware of the alleged trick. Given that the show’s production had its ups and downs, especially in terms of her pay dispute and eventual departure, it seems unlikely that she would have had any issues with a signaling system in place. In fact, it could have even been something that helped her keep pace with the show’s fast-moving humor.
However, whether Somers was directly involved in this system remains uncertain. The trick, if it existed, may have been a behind-the-scenes measure orchestrated by the crew and other cast members to ensure everything flowed smoothly.
The Myth or the Truth?
In the end, the question remains: Did Three’s Company really use a trick to warn the cast about Suzanne Somers’ scenes? While there are rumors and anecdotes that point to such a system being in place, there is no solid proof that it was used on a regular basis. It’s possible that, at certain points, cast members needed extra cues to ensure perfect timing, but the trick may have been more of an informal practice rather than an official procedure.
Nonetheless, this adds an extra layer of intrigue to the behind-the-scenes history of Three’s Company. Whether it was a sign of professional respect, a way to ease tensions, or simply a practical method to improve performance, it’s fascinating to consider how these dynamics shaped the show.
The Lasting Impact of Three’s Company
Whether or not the “warning trick” was real, Three’s Company had a lasting impact on TV sitcoms, thanks to its slapstick humor, love triangle dynamics, and unforgettable cast. Suzanne Somers’ portrayal of Chrissy Snow helped define an era, and while her time on the show was marred by off-screen drama, her character remains one of the most iconic of television history.
Even today, fans still debate various behind-the-scenes stories, including this one about a secret signaling trick. While the truth may never be fully confirmed, it only adds to the mystery and legacy of Three’s Company.
Conclusion
Three’s Company remains one of television’s most beloved sitcoms, and while there are many rumors surrounding its production, the idea of a secret trick to warn the cast about Suzanne Somers’ scenes adds an interesting layer to the show’s history. Whether it was true or not, the dynamic between the cast members, particularly with Somers, played a significant role in making the show a hit. It’s clear that the behind-the-scenes drama only added to the intrigue and charm of the sitcom that still holds a special place in the hearts of fans.
FAQs
1. Was Suzanne Somers difficult to work with on Three’s Company?
While there were contract disputes and tensions between Somers and the producers, there’s no evidence that she was difficult to work with. In fact, many of her co-stars have spoken positively about her comedic talent.
2. What caused Suzanne Somers to leave Three’s Company?
Somers left the show in 1981 after a public pay dispute with the producers. She was seeking a salary increase but was unable to come to terms with the network, leading to her departure.
3. Was there really a signal used to warn the cast of Suzanne Somers’ scenes?
While some rumors suggest there was a secret trick or signal, there’s no definitive proof that this was a standard practice on the show. It may have been more of a behind-the-scenes rumor.
4. How did John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt react to Suzanne Somers leaving the show?
John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt were both saddened by Suzanne Somers’ departure, as her character was an integral part of the show’s chemistry. However, the show continued with new characters, and the remaining cast adapted to the changes.
5. What was the impact of Suzanne Somers on Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers helped define the character of Chrissy Snow, adding humor and charm to the show. Her departure left a significant gap, but the show continued successfully for a while longer, though it never quite recaptured the same magic.
