Three’s Company, a sitcom that ran from 1977 to 1984, was known for its outrageous misunderstandings, quirky characters, and comedic situations. But behind the laughter and clever storylines, there were plenty of off-camera moments that had cast and crew cracking up. Let’s take a deep dive into the funny side of Three’s Company, where we’ll uncover hilarious moments, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and some unforgettable gags that didn’t make it to the airwaves. Ready to laugh? Let’s go!
The Iconic Slapstick Humor of Three’s Company
If you’ve ever watched Three’s Company, you’re familiar with the slapstick comedy that was a staple of the show. Think of Jack Tripper’s pratfalls, Chrissy Snow’s hilarious blunders, and Janet Wood’s no-nonsense attitude in the middle of chaos. While these moments were part of the show’s charm, the bloopers and gags during filming were often just as funny – if not more so.
Jack Tripper’s Physical Comedy: More Than Just a Fall
John Ritter, who played the lovable Jack Tripper, was a master of physical comedy. His ability to tumble, slip, and slide with perfect timing made him the heart of the show’s slapstick humor. But what many fans didn’t see were the countless takes of Ritter trying to land the perfect fall. It wasn’t uncommon for him to tumble, only for something to go hilariously wrong, like tripping over his own feet or accidentally slamming into a piece of furniture. These bloopers were often so funny that the crew would laugh out loud, breaking character, and making it difficult for everyone to get through the scene.
The Legendary “Jack’s Falls” Compilation
One of the most memorable moments from behind the scenes is the creation of the infamous “Jack’s Falls” compilation. John Ritter’s physical comedy often had the crew rolling on the floor with laughter. In one particularly memorable scene, Ritter attempted to fall into a chair but missed entirely, landing on the floor in a heap. It was one of those perfect “fail” moments that had the entire set in stitches. This moment became so iconic that it was eventually compiled into a reel, which is still shared among fans of the show.
The Cast’s Chemistry: A Recipe for Comedic Gold
What made Three’s Company stand out wasn’t just the ridiculous situations but also the electric chemistry between the lead actors: John Ritter, Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow), and Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood). While their on-screen dynamic was key to the show’s success, behind the scenes, they were just as playful and spontaneous, constantly joking around and keeping the set light-hearted.
John Ritter and Suzanne Somers: Pranks and Practical Jokes
Off-camera, Ritter and Somers had a playful rapport that was filled with pranks and practical jokes. Suzanne Somers once revealed that Ritter would often sneak up behind her and grab her in a playful bear hug, catching her completely off guard. Somers, who had a sharp sense of humor, would always respond with a quick-witted remark, keeping the laughter going. These impromptu jokes helped foster the light-hearted spirit that fans loved so much.
The Time John Ritter Almost Got Fired for a Prank
One prank went a little too far, though. During one particularly hectic scene, Ritter decided to hide in a wardrobe and pop out to surprise Somers. Unfortunately, the wardrobe malfunctioned, and Ritter was stuck inside for much longer than anticipated. The cast and crew were frantically searching for him, convinced he had gone missing. When he finally emerged, everyone was so relieved they couldn’t help but laugh. However, this little stunt almost got him into hot water with the producers!
Janet and Chrissy’s Unlikely Friendship: Laughter Between Takes
While Three’s Company was primarily known for the antics of Jack, Chrissy, and Janet, it was the genuine friendship between Janet (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy (Suzanne Somers) that added heart to the show. Off-camera, the two actresses were known to be inseparable, sharing jokes, supporting each other, and causing a lot of laughter behind the scenes.
The Impromptu Dance Off: Chrissy and Janet’s Funniest Moment
In one particularly funny incident, Somers and DeWitt decided to have an impromptu dance-off during a break between filming. With the music blasting in the background, the two actresses broke into silly, spontaneous dance moves that were completely out of sync with the music. The crew couldn’t stop laughing as both actresses went all out, showcasing their goofier side and reminding everyone that they were just as fun off-screen as on.
The Role of the Crew: Comedy Beyond the Actors
While the actors were the faces of Three’s Company, the crew also played an important role in creating the show’s comedic atmosphere. From the camera operators to the sound engineers, everyone was in on the joke.
The Gag Reels: A Glimpse into the Fun Side of Production
The gag reels from the Three’s Company set are legendary. There are numerous clips of cast members flubbing lines, forgetting their cues, or bursting into laughter mid-scene. Some of the funniest moments were unscripted, as the actors’ personalities and friendships naturally led to moments of hilarity. These gag reels became a staple feature on DVD releases, providing fans with a sneak peek into the fun behind the scenes.
The Crew’s Secret Pranks on the Cast
The crew didn’t just stand by as passive observers; they were active participants in the comedy. From switching props to throwing in random sound effects during serious scenes, the crew often played pranks on the actors. In one hilarious incident, a sound engineer added a loud “boing” noise every time Ritter tripped over something, much to the amusement of the cast. These small, behind-the-scenes jokes kept the set lively and filled with laughter.
Bloopers and Blunders: When Things Went Wrong
No sitcom would be complete without its bloopers. And Three’s Company certainly had its fair share of funny moments that never made it to air.
The Chair Incident: A Legendary Bloopers Moment
In one memorable blooper, Ritter tried to sit on a chair, but the chair collapsed under him. He fell to the ground in such a dramatic fashion that the entire crew broke out in laughter. What made this moment even funnier was Ritter’s quick recovery. Instead of just rolling with the fall, he turned it into a whole routine, pretending to adjust his suit as if nothing had happened. This impromptu bit became a favorite on the blooper reel.
Chrissy’s Funny Line Flub: The Misquote That Took Over the Set
Suzanne Somers once flubbed a line so spectacularly that it had everyone in stitches. During one scene, she accidentally mixed up her lines and instead of saying something about “waiting for Jack,” she ended up saying, “waiting for the pizza delivery.” The cast couldn’t stop laughing, and they kept referencing it during the rest of the day’s shoot.
H2: Conclusion: Laughter Behind the Camera
Three’s Company wasn’t just a sitcom; it was a place of non-stop laughter, both on-screen and off. The cast, crew, and even the crew’s playful pranks made the set an environment filled with joy and humor. Whether it was John Ritter’s slapstick falls, Suzanne Somers’ witty quips, or Joyce DeWitt’s hilarious dance moves, Three’s Company was a sitcom that had the perfect blend of talent, chemistry, and fun. It’s no wonder that it’s still a beloved classic that brings smiles and laughter to new generations.
FAQs
1. What was the funniest behind-the-scenes moment on Three’s Company?
One of the funniest moments was when John Ritter fell out of a wardrobe during a prank, leaving the cast and crew in hysterics.
2. Did the cast of Three’s Company get along off-camera?
Yes! The cast had great chemistry and often shared laughs between takes. Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt, in particular, were very close friends.
3. Was John Ritter known for physical comedy?
Absolutely! John Ritter was a master of slapstick humor, often doing pratfalls and tumbles that had the entire crew laughing.
4. Were there many bloopers on Three’s Company?
Yes, there were many! The blooper reels were filled with funny moments, like missed lines, accidental falls, and unscripted laughs.
5. How did the crew contribute to the humor on set?
The crew often played pranks on the actors, added funny sound effects, and even switched props to keep the atmosphere light
