The Rise of ‘Three’s Company’ and Its All-Star Cast
When Three’s Company premiered in 1977, it quickly became a TV phenomenon. The sitcom starred:
- John Ritter as Jack Tripper, the lovable goofball pretending to be gay so he could live with two female roommates.
- Joyce DeWitt as Janet Wood, the sensible and intelligent roommate.
- Suzanne Somers as Chrissy Snow, the ditzy yet charming blonde bombshell.
The chemistry between the three leads made the show a massive success, but off-camera, trouble was brewing—especially when it came to Somers.
Suzanne Somers’ Fight for Equal Pay
By season 5, Three’s Company had become one of the biggest hits on television, bringing in millions for ABC. However, John Ritter was making $150,000 per episode, while Somers—despite being equally popular—was only earning $30,000 per episode.
Somers, encouraged by her husband Alan Hamel, decided to ask for a significant raise to match Ritter’s salary. But instead of negotiations, ABC retaliated by cutting her screen time and ultimately firing her from the show.
While this was the beginning of the end, the final blow came in the form of a single photo shoot that permanently destroyed the cast’s relationship.
The Controversial Photo Shoot That Changed Everything
After Somers was sidelined by ABC, she still had one obligation left—a cast photo shoot for promotional materials.
But tensions were at an all-time high.
What Happened at the Photo Shoot?
- Somers was told she wasn’t allowed to pose with Ritter and DeWitt.
- Instead, she was forced to take solo pictures, while Ritter and DeWitt took theirs together.
- ABC then used these separate images to create a group photo, making it look as if Somers had been included when she wasn’t even in the room with them.
The move was humiliating for Somers, and it sent a clear message: she was no longer part of the Three’s Company family.
The Fallout: A Friendship Destroyed
While Somers was furious at ABC executives, she was equally upset with Joyce DeWitt and John Ritter.
- Joyce DeWitt completely cut off Somers, believing she was acting selfishly.
- John Ritter, while more sympathetic, chose to stay neutral, which upset Somers even more.
For over 30 years, Somers and DeWitt never spoke again, their friendship completely shattered by the controversy.
Joyce DeWitt’s Perspective on the Incident
Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet, saw the situation differently.
- She believed Somers had put money over friendship, demanding a raise when everyone else was content.
- She felt betrayed and disrespected by the way Somers handled things publicly.
- In her eyes, Somers had damaged the integrity of the show and made it all about herself.
DeWitt didn’t speak to Somers for three decades—until one surprising moment changed everything.
Reunion After 30 Years: When DeWitt and Somers Finally Reconciled
In 2012, Suzanne Somers invited Joyce DeWitt to her talk show, where they finally ended their feud.
Key Moments from Their Emotional Reunion
- Somers apologized for how things unfolded.
- DeWitt acknowledged that Hollywood politics had driven a wedge between them.
- They hugged and expressed regret over losing 30 years of friendship.
Though it took decades, the two finally found closure, proving that time can heal even the deepest wounds.
How ‘Three’s Company’ Ended After the Photo Shoot Scandal
After Somers’ departure, the show struggled to maintain its magic.
- New roommates were introduced, but none could replace Chrissy Snow.
- John Ritter remained the central star, but the charm of the original trio was lost.
- The show was canceled in 1984, marking the end of an era.
Without Somers, the chemistry that made Three’s Company special was gone forever.
Suzanne Somers’ Life After ‘Three’s Company’
Though she was blacklisted from Hollywood for years, Suzanne Somers reinvented herself in multiple ways:
- She became a fitness mogul with the ThighMaster, making over $100 million.
- She authored best-selling books on health, beauty, and aging.
- She starred in ‘Step by Step’, proving she could make a TV comeback.
Getting fired from Three’s Company may have seemed like a career-ending move, but for Somers, it was just the beginning of something bigger.
Conclusion
The infamous Three’s Company photo shoot was more than just a publicity stunt—it was the final nail in the coffin for the beloved sitcom.
- It symbolized the breakdown of friendships, the power struggles behind the scenes, and the toxic nature of Hollywood politics.
- It showed how one picture can tell a thousand words, even if those words are filled with betrayal.
- It was a turning point in Suzanne Somers’ life, leading her down a new path of success.
Though the show ended in controversy, its legacy lives on as one of TV’s greatest sitcoms—and one of its most dramatic behind-the-scenes stories.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’?
She asked for a raise to match John Ritter’s salary. ABC refused, cut her screen time, and ultimately fired her.
2. What happened at the controversial ‘Three’s Company’ photo shoot?
Somers was separated from her co-stars and had to take solo pictures. ABC edited the images to make it look like she was still part of the cast.
3. Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers ever reconcile?
Yes! After 30 years of not speaking, they finally reconciled in 2012 during a televised reunion.
4. How did John Ritter feel about Suzanne Somers’ exit?
He initially stayed neutral but later expressed regret over how things ended.
5. What was Suzanne Somers’ career like after ‘Three’s Company’?
She became a fitness mogul, bestselling author, and TV star, turning her firing into a multi-million dollar empire.
