Why Suzanne Somers Left Three’s Company (And Who Took Over as the Third Roommate)
Suzanne Somers was Three’s Company’s breakout star, charming audiences with her bubbly personality and comedic timing as Chrissy Snow. However, after five seasons, she suddenly left the show, sparking controversy and speculation.
So, why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company? Was it a behind-the-scenes feud, a salary dispute, or something else entirely? And who replaced her after she walked away?
Let’s dive into the real story behind her departure and what happened next!
📺 The Rise of Suzanne Somers on Three’s Company
How Chrissy Snow Became a Fan Favorite
When Three’s Company premiered in 1977, it quickly became one of the most popular sitcoms on television. Suzanne Somers played Chrissy Snow, a sweet, naive, and hilariously ditzy blonde who shared an apartment with Jack Tripper (John Ritter) and Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt).
Her comedic timing and on-screen charisma made her a household name. Fans adored her, and she became one of the most recognizable TV stars of the late ’70s.
The Show’s Success & Somers’ Growing Popularity
As Three’s Company soared in the ratings, Suzanne Somers became more than just a sitcom star—she became a pop culture icon. She graced magazine covers, appeared in commercials, and even launched a successful fitness career.
But behind the scenes, tension was brewing.
💰 The Salary Dispute That Changed Everything
Suzanne Somers Wanted Equal Pay
By Season 5, Suzanne Somers was undeniably a key part of Three’s Company’s success. However, when she discovered that John Ritter was earning significantly more than she was, she decided to negotiate for equal pay.
At the time, Ritter was making $150,000 per episode, while Somers was only earning $30,000 per episode—just one-fifth of his salary. She demanded a raise to $150,000 to match Ritter’s pay.
ABC’s Response to Her Demands
Instead of negotiating, ABC executives stood firm. They refused to meet her salary request and even cut her screen time, reducing her role to brief phone call appearances before eventually writing her off the show entirely.
The Fallout & Her Forced Exit
Suzanne Somers’ departure was not amicable. Her co-stars, John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, were reportedly upset with her salary demands, believing she was being greedy and jeopardizing the show’s future.
ABC officially fired her after Season 5, and just like that, Chrissy Snow was gone.
👀 Who Took Over as the Third Roommate?
With Suzanne Somers gone, the show had to find a replacement quickly. But instead of just one new character, Three’s Company introduced multiple new roommates over the next few seasons.
Cindy Snow (Played by Jenilee Harrison)
The first attempt at replacing Chrissy was Cindy Snow, played by Jenilee Harrison. Cindy was introduced as Chrissy’s cousin, but her character never quite captured the same charm and comedic magic that Somers brought to the role.
Cindy was clumsy and sweet but lacked the ditzy, lovable energy that made Chrissy so iconic. After a short stint on the show, Cindy was phased out.
Terri Alden (Played by Priscilla Barnes)
After Cindy’s brief run, the show introduced a more permanent replacement—Terri Alden, played by Priscilla Barnes.
Terri was a smart and sophisticated nurse, bringing a different dynamic to the trio. While she had comedic moments, she was more grounded compared to Chrissy and Cindy.
Many fans felt that Three’s Company lost some of its original charm without Suzanne Somers, but the show continued until 1984, lasting three more seasons after her departure.
🎭 Life After Three’s Company
Suzanne Somers’ Career After Leaving the Show
Though her exit was controversial, Suzanne Somers didn’t disappear from Hollywood. In fact, she built an even bigger career after Three’s Company.
She became a best-selling author, launched a fitness empire, and starred in another hit sitcom, Step by Step, in the 1990s. Her career thrived, proving that walking away from Three’s Company wasn’t the end of her success—it was just the beginning of a new chapter.
Did She Ever Reconcile with Her Co-Stars?
For years, Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt didn’t speak. Their fallout over the salary dispute led to decades of silence between them. However, in 2012, the two reunited on Somers’ talk show, where they finally put their differences behind them.
She also had a heartfelt reconciliation with John Ritter before his passing in 2003.
📢 Why Suzanne Somers’ Exit Still Matters Today
Fighting for Equal Pay in Hollywood
Suzanne Somers’ departure from Three’s Company was one of the first high-profile cases of a woman demanding equal pay in Hollywood. While it cost her a role on the show, her bold move paved the way for future actresses to fight for fair wages.
Did Three’s Company Ever Recover?
While Three’s Company remained popular after her departure, many fans felt it lost its magic without Chrissy Snow. The show wrapped up in 1984, but it remains a classic in TV history.
📌 Conclusion
Suzanne Somers’ exit from Three’s Company was a major turning point in TV history. What seemed like a simple sitcom casting change was actually a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood’s fight for equal pay.
Though she left under difficult circumstances, her career flourished, proving that standing up for yourself—no matter the cost—can lead to even greater success.
And while Three’s Company introduced new roommates, Chrissy Snow’s legacy remains unforgettable.
❓ FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company?
She left due to a salary dispute. She demanded equal pay with John Ritter, but ABC refused, leading to her being fired.
2. Who replaced Suzanne Somers on Three’s Company?
She was first replaced by Jenilee Harrison as Cindy Snow, and later by Priscilla Barnes as Terri Alden.
3. Did Suzanne Somers ever make a return to the show?
No, she never returned after her departure in Season 5.
4. Did Suzanne Somers regret leaving Three’s Company?
While she admitted it was a tough decision, she believed fighting for equal pay was the right thing to do.
5. What did Suzanne Somers do after Three’s Company?
She became a fitness mogul, best-selling author, and starred in another hit sitcom, Step by Step.
