“Three’s Company” is a name that instantly evokes memories of the 1970s and 1980s. The beloved sitcom, which aired from 1977 to 1984, became a household favorite for its comedic antics and memorable characters. The show starred three young adults—John Ritter, Suzanne Somers, and Joyce DeWitt—who shared an apartment in a quirky setup that provided plenty of laughs and misunderstandings.
But behind the scenes, the story wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, the drama between the stars of the show would eventually become as famous as the series itself. What started as a tight-knit cast soon descended into a decades-long feud that captivated the public. So, what exactly went wrong? Let’s dive into the reasons behind the falling out of the Three’s Company stars.
The Rise of Three’s Company: A Groundbreaking Show
Before we can truly understand the falling out, it’s important to remember why “Three’s Company” was such a game-changer. The show was based on a British sitcom, Man About the House, and revolved around Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers), and Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), who navigated the ups and downs of living together under one roof.
Breaking Boundaries with Humor and Sexual Tension
The sitcom’s success was rooted in its ability to balance slapstick humor with a sense of sexual tension that was groundbreaking for its time. Jack’s “pretend gay” persona to appease the landlord, Mr. Roper, became one of the show’s most memorable plot points. The chemistry between the lead actors seemed effortless, drawing fans in week after week.
Early Tensions: The Start of the Rift
Despite the apparent harmony on screen, tensions began to build behind the scenes. One of the earliest signs of trouble was Suzanne Somers’ desire for a pay raise. As the star of the show, she felt that her role as Chrissy Snow deserved more financial recognition. While John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt were more content with their salaries, Somers pushed for a larger share, citing her importance to the show’s success.
The Show’s Pressure on the Cast
The stress of being on a hit show, coupled with long working hours and the pressures of fame, began to erode the relationships between the stars. There were also rumors about Somers wanting to pursue other projects, which created further tension.
The Turning Point: Suzanne Somers’ Departure
In 1981, Suzanne Somers made the decision to leave the show. She had been demanding a substantial raise for her role, but the producers refused. After some unsuccessful attempts to renegotiate her contract, Somers was written off the show. Her departure was not only a blow to the cast but also to the show’s dynamic, which was never quite the same after her exit.
Suzanne Somers vs. The Show’s Producers
Somers’ departure left a bitter taste in her mouth. She claimed she was fired for asking for a fair wage, and she became vocal about how the producers mistreated her. While she was no longer a part of the show, the animosity between her and the rest of the cast would continue for years.
The Fallout: John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt’s Strained Relationship with Somers
After Somers left, the relationship between her and her former co-stars was never the same. In interviews, both John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt expressed their disappointment with Somers’ decision to leave the show in such a public manner. DeWitt, in particular, felt that Somers’ actions were selfish, leaving her and Ritter to carry the show without her.
The Silent War: Media Coverage and Public Feuds
The media played a huge role in perpetuating the conflict. Tabloid headlines and interviews painted Somers as a diva, while Ritter and DeWitt were portrayed as the more professional team. Somers, in turn, felt betrayed by her former colleagues, and a silent war of words continued for decades.
The Long Road to Reconciliation
Years passed, and the cast went their separate ways, but the tension lingered. In 1999, when John Ritter tragically passed away, the dynamic between the former cast members shifted. Somers expressed her sorrow over Ritter’s death, and DeWitt followed suit, but the relationship between the three stars remained complicated.
Suzanne Somers Breaks the Silence
It wasn’t until years later, in a 2004 interview, that Suzanne Somers opened up about her feelings toward her former co-stars. She revealed that she had made attempts to reconnect with DeWitt and Ritter but was met with resistance. Somers admitted that the wounds were deep, but she was hopeful that time would heal the rift.
John Ritter’s Role in the Feud: The Peacemaker Who Was Never Able to Fully Heal the Rift
John Ritter, who was beloved by both fans and his co-stars, was often seen as the glue holding the show—and the friendships—together. His death left a void that neither Somers nor DeWitt could fill, and it was clear that Ritter’s desire for peace never truly came to fruition. Despite his efforts to stay neutral and bring everyone together, the rift persisted even after his passing.
The Legacy of Three’s Company: A Cautionary Tale
The story of Three’s Company is not just a tale of sitcom stardom; it’s also a cautionary tale of the perils of fame, egos, and miscommunication. The tensions that plagued the cast for years serve as a reminder that even the closest relationships can fall apart under the weight of external pressures.
Lessons Learned: Friendship vs. Professionalism
While the show’s success remained undeniable, the personal relationships between the stars of Three’s Company never recovered to their former glory. Their story serves as a reminder that friendships can be fragile, especially in the cutthroat world of entertainment.
Conclusion: A Bitter Yet Unforgettable Chapter in TV History
The decades-long falling out between the stars of Three’s Company is a tragic yet fascinating part of TV history. What began as a groundbreaking show with a talented cast ended up being marred by tension, egos, and the pressures of fame. The legacy of this beloved sitcom is not only shaped by its cultural impact but also by the fractured relationships of its stars.
Despite the drama, “Three’s Company” remains one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, and its stars will always be remembered for their contributions to television. However, the off-screen drama serves as a reminder that the glitz and glamour of Hollywood don’t always guarantee harmony.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers left Three’s Company after she was denied a significant pay raise and was written off the show. Her departure was the result of tensions between her and the producers, which were exacerbated by her desire for more recognition and pay.
2. What caused the feud between the Three’s Company cast members?
The feud primarily stemmed from Suzanne Somers’ demands for a pay raise, which led to her exit from the show. Her strained relationships with co-stars John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt also contributed to the ongoing tension.
3. Did Suzanne Somers ever reconcile with her former co-stars?
While Suzanne Somers expressed regret over her falling out with John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, full reconciliation never occurred. The bitterness lasted for decades, and despite attempts to mend the relationships, the rift remained.
4. How did John Ritter’s death impact the Three’s Company cast?
John Ritter’s death in 2003 was a turning point for the cast. While it prompted some expressions of sorrow from Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt, the deep-seated tension between them persisted.
5. What is the legacy of Three’s Company today?
Despite the off-screen drama, Three’s Company remains a cultural icon and one of the most memorable sitcoms in television history. The show’s groundbreaking humor and the complex relationships of its stars continue to be remembered by fans worldwide.
