🎭 A Sitcom Full of Laughter, But Off-Screen? Not So Much
When Three’s Company aired in the late ’70s and early ’80s, it became an instant hit. Fans adored the slapstick comedy, the witty one-liners, and the unforgettable trio of John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, and Suzanne Somers. But behind the scenes? The cast’s relationships were far from picture-perfect.
What caused this decades-long falling out? Let’s dive into the drama that kept the Three’s Company stars at odds for years.
📺 The Rise of Three’s Company
Before we get into the feud, let’s take a moment to appreciate how Three’s Company became a pop culture phenomenon.
🎬 The Show That Defined a Generation
Premiering in 1977, Three’s Company followed the comedic misadventures of three roommates—Jack (John Ritter), Janet (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy (Suzanne Somers). The show was filled with misunderstandings, innuendos, and hilarious scenarios that kept audiences laughing.
🏆 Ratings Gold & Cultural Impact
With its groundbreaking humor and lovable characters, Three’s Company dominated television ratings. It wasn’t just another sitcom; it became a defining show of its era. However, as the show climbed in popularity, tensions behind the scenes also started brewing.
💥 The Rift Begins – Suzanne Somers vs. The Cast & Crew
Every great TV feud has a breaking point, and for Three’s Company, it all started with a contract dispute.
💰 The Salary Dispute That Changed Everything
By 1980, Suzanne Somers had become a household name. Naturally, she wanted a salary bump—one that matched her male counterpart, John Ritter. She demanded a raise from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode, which was the same salary major male sitcom stars were getting at the time.
But ABC didn’t budge. Instead, they cut her role down, forcing her to appear in only a handful of episodes, filmed separately from her co-stars. This decision led to tensions between Somers and the rest of the cast, particularly Joyce DeWitt.
🚪 The Icy Exit – Somers Leaves the Show
When ABC refused her salary demands, Suzanne Somers was written out of the show in Season 5. Her character, Chrissy, was replaced, and the rest of the cast continued without her. But the damage had already been done.
Her exit didn’t just create tension between her and the producers—it also led to a cold war between Somers and her former castmates.
🤬 The Long Silence – John Ritter & Joyce DeWitt’s Feud with Somers
🙅♀️ Joyce DeWitt’s Anger
Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet, felt betrayed by Somers. She believed that the show’s success was a team effort, and Somers’ salary demands were selfish. DeWitt never reached out to Somers, and the two didn’t speak for over 30 years.
😡 John Ritter’s Disappointment
Although Ritter and Somers had a good on-screen dynamic, their friendship suffered after her departure. Ritter was reportedly upset about how Somers handled the situation, and their relationship was never fully repaired before his untimely passing in 2003.
💔 Decades of Silence – Could They Ever Reconcile?
For years, there was no communication between the former co-stars. Fans wondered if the wounds would ever heal.
📞 The Shocking Phone Call That Changed Everything
In 2012, after more than 30 years of not speaking, Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt finally reunited in an emotional interview on Somers’ online talk show.
Somers admitted she regretted how things ended and apologized for the hurt feelings. DeWitt, in turn, acknowledged the situation was complicated and agreed that time had allowed them to heal.
🥺 No Closure with John Ritter
Sadly, John Ritter passed away in 2003 before he and Somers could mend their friendship. However, Somers has since spoken warmly about him, expressing her admiration and regret over their lost time.
🧐 Lessons from the Three’s Company Feud
This decades-long falling out teaches us a few things:
- Money can create serious tensions – Salary disputes have ruined many friendships in Hollywood.
- Communication is key – If Somers, Ritter, and DeWitt had talked things out earlier, their friendship might have survived.
- Time heals most wounds – Even the bitterest feuds can fade over time, as seen in Somers and DeWitt’s reconciliation.
💭 Final Thoughts – A Friendship Lost, But Not Forgotten
The Three’s Company feud was one of the most famous rifts in TV history. While Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt eventually patched things up, the tension with John Ritter was never resolved before his passing.
Despite the off-screen drama, Three’s Company remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. And if there’s one thing we can take away from this story, it’s that even the biggest feuds don’t last forever.
❓ FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers left after demanding a significant salary increase, which ABC refused. She was eventually written out of the show.
2. Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers ever reconcile?
Yes, they reunited in 2012 after not speaking for over 30 years.
3. How did John Ritter feel about Suzanne Somers’ exit?
Ritter was reportedly disappointed and upset about how things played out. Unfortunately, he and Somers never reconciled before his passing.
4. Who replaced Suzanne Somers on Three’s Company?
Jenilee Harrison joined as Cindy Snow, and later Priscilla Barnes took over as Terri Alden.
5. What made Three’s Company such a hit?
Its mix of slapstick comedy, clever writing, and charming cast made it one of the most popular sitcoms of its time.
