Three’s Company is one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1970s and 1980s, known for its quirky humor, lovable characters, and light-hearted premise. But beyond the laughs and the memorable episodes, there’s a darker side to the show’s legacy: the decades-long feud between its stars. So, what happened to make these close-knit co-stars become bitter enemies? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the drama behind the Three’s Company fallout, exploring the reasons for the animosity, the history of their disputes, and where the stars stand today.
The Rise of Three’s Company
When Three’s Company first aired in 1977, it became an instant hit. The show followed the hilarious adventures of Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter), Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers), and Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), who all shared an apartment in Santa Monica. The sitcom’s premise – a man living with two women – was both edgy and humorous for its time.
The chemistry between the cast members helped the show skyrocket in popularity, making John Ritter, Suzanne Somers, and Joyce DeWitt household names. They became one of TV’s most beloved trios, but behind the camera, things were starting to unravel.
The Tension Between Suzanne Somers and the Cast
One of the major turning points in the Three’s Company saga was the growing tension between Suzanne Somers (Chrissy) and the other cast members. Although Somers’ character was a fan favorite, she began to clash with the show’s producers and co-stars. So, what sparked the conflict?
The Pay Dispute: A Breaking Point
In the late 1970s, Suzanne Somers was negotiating her salary for the next season of Three’s Company. She wanted a raise, demanding that she be paid as much as John Ritter, who was considered the show’s lead. However, the producers weren’t willing to meet her demands.
Somers had already signed a contract that paid her less than her male counterpart, and she felt she deserved equal pay for her work. This wage gap issue became a major bone of contention between Somers and the producers. As the tension rose, Somers was written out of the show for part of Season 6, further fueling the drama.
The Departure of Suzanne Somers
The situation escalated when Suzanne Somers made the decision to leave the show. While some sources suggest that she was fired due to her demands for higher pay, others claim that Somers was not happy with how her character was being written. Regardless of the reasons, her departure marked a huge shift for Three’s Company and caused a ripple effect in the relationships between the cast members.
Somers’ exit left a hole in the cast dynamic, but it also deepened the rift between her and her former colleagues. In interviews, both John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt expressed their frustration with Somers’ behavior during this time. The tension between them was palpable, and it was clear that the friendship they once shared was shattered.
The Aftermath: The Bitter Feud Between Somers and DeWitt
As Suzanne Somers left Three’s Company, Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet, remained a constant on the show. But the fallout from Somers’ departure would continue to affect DeWitt’s relationship with her former co-star.
Joyce DeWitt’s Loyalty to the Cast
Unlike Somers, Joyce DeWitt maintained her loyalty to the show’s producers and her fellow cast members. She was reportedly displeased with Somers’ demands and was upset by the way Somers handled her exit. DeWitt felt that Somers had let her personal ambitions get in the way of the show’s success, and their friendship became strained.
DeWitt would later express in interviews that she felt betrayed by Somers and her behavior during the contract dispute. For DeWitt, the decision to stand by the producers was a matter of professional ethics. However, this stance only deepened the divide between her and Somers.
Somers’ Resentment of DeWitt
From Somers’ perspective, DeWitt’s refusal to support her in her battle for a pay raise was a huge betrayal. Somers later admitted in interviews that she felt hurt by the lack of solidarity from her former co-stars. She believed that they could have fought together for better working conditions and higher pay.
This tension between the two women festered over the years, with Somers and DeWitt rarely speaking to each other after the show. In fact, it wasn’t until much later that they would publicly acknowledge the feud and even attempt to reconcile.
John Ritter’s Role in the Drama
John Ritter, who played the lovable and often hapless Jack Tripper, was caught in the middle of the feud. As the star of the show, Ritter had his own unique perspective on the situation.
Ritter’s Friendship With Both Women
John Ritter had a close relationship with both Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt, but his role as the mediator between the two was difficult. In interviews, Ritter expressed frustration at the constant tension on set and the strain it placed on their professional relationship. Ritter, ever the diplomat, tried to maintain peace, but the rift between Somers and DeWitt was too deep to repair during the show’s run.
Ritter’s Untimely Death
In 2003, John Ritter tragically passed away, which added another layer of complexity to the relationships among the surviving cast members. After Ritter’s death, Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt found themselves reflecting on their past conflicts, but their relationship remained fractured.
Attempts at Reconciliation
Despite years of animosity, both Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt have made attempts to heal their fractured relationship. After a long period of silence, the two women publicly acknowledged their past issues, and in some interviews, they expressed regret over how things ended.
The Reunion on The View
In 2014, Somers and DeWitt appeared together on The View to discuss their years-long feud. While they didn’t fully reconcile, their public conversation opened the door for healing. Both women admitted that they missed their former co-star John Ritter and that their issues had been blown out of proportion over the years.
Can Forgiveness Ever Happen?
While Somers and DeWitt’s relationship remains complicated, the passage of time has allowed them to reflect on their shared history. In recent years, they have both expressed that they’re open to forgiveness, even if full reconciliation is unlikely. The wounds run deep, but there is a sense that both women now understand each other’s perspectives more clearly than ever before.
Where Are the Cast Members Now?
Today, the Three’s Company stars are in different places in their careers and personal lives. Suzanne Somers continues to be a public figure, known for her work as an actress, author, and health advocate. Joyce DeWitt, while less in the spotlight, continues to act and maintain a quieter, more private life.
The lingering effects of the Three’s Company feud have faded over the years, but the drama behind the scenes remains a significant part of the show’s legacy. While the show itself continues to be beloved by fans, the unresolved issues between the cast members remind us that even in Hollywood, friendships can be fragile.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Three’s Company
The story of Three’s Company is more than just one of comedic success. It’s a story of ambition, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships. The decades-long falling out between Suzanne Somers, Joyce DeWitt, and John Ritter will forever be intertwined with the show’s legacy. While time has healed some wounds, the drama behind the scenes remains a poignant reminder that success on-screen doesn’t always equate to harmony off-screen.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company? Suzanne Somers left the show due to a contract dispute, demanding higher pay to match John Ritter’s salary. The tension between her and the producers eventually led to her departure.
2. Did Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt ever reconcile? While there were attempts at reconciliation, such as their appearance on The View, the two women’s relationship remains complicated, and they have not fully reconciled.
3. How did John Ritter feel about the feud between his co-stars? John Ritter was caught between his two co-stars and tried to mediate their differences. He expressed frustration with the tension but remained close with both Somers and DeWitt.
4. What caused the feud between Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt? The feud was mainly caused by Somers’ demands for a higher salary and her eventual departure from the show. DeWitt’s loyalty to the producers and lack of support for Somers deepened the rift.
5. What are the cast members of Three’s Company doing now? Suzanne Somers continues to work as an actress, author, and health advocate, while Joyce DeWitt acts sporadically and leads a more private life.
