“Come and knock on our door…” If you’re a fan of classic TV, you know exactly what that means. ‘Three’s Company’ wasn’t just a sitcom; it was a pop culture phenomenon that left audiences laughing for years. But behind the hilarious misunderstandings and slapstick comedy, the cast had their fair share of behind-the-scenes drama, controversies, and untold stories.
So, what really happened behind the camera? Let’s dive into the secrets, surprises, and shocking moments surrounding the ‘Three’s Company’ cast.
📺 The Rise of ‘Three’s Company’: How It Became a TV Sensation
‘Three’s Company’ first aired in 1977 and quickly became a top-rated sitcom. The show followed three roommates—Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers)—as they navigated life, love, and hilarious misunderstandings in their Santa Monica apartment.
🏆 Instant Hit: Why Viewers Loved It
The show’s mix of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and lighthearted humor made it an instant success. But it wasn’t just the funny scripts—it was the chemistry between the cast that made the series unforgettable.
🔄 Based on a British Show?
Many fans don’t know that ‘Three’s Company’ was actually inspired by a British sitcom called ‘Man About the House’. Producers adapted the storyline for American audiences, and it worked like magic!
😲 The Real-Life Drama Behind the Laughs
While the show was fun on-screen, things behind the scenes weren’t always so smooth.
💰 Suzanne Somers’ Salary Dispute: The Fight That Changed Everything
In the early seasons, Suzanne Somers was the breakout star of the show. Her portrayal of the ditzy but lovable Chrissy Snow made her a fan favorite. But by season five, she demanded a pay raise from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode, matching John Ritter’s salary.
Producers refused, and Somers was fired from the show. The fallout led to:
✅ A massive behind-the-scenes feud with co-stars.
✅ Her character being written off in an awkward way (phone calls from Chrissy instead of on-screen appearances).
✅ A major shift in the show’s dynamic, leading to a decline in ratings.
😢 John Ritter: The Heart of the Show & His Tragic Death
John Ritter was the undeniable star of ‘Three’s Company’. His flawless comedic timing, charming personality, and physical humor made Jack Tripper a household name.
💔 A Devastating Loss
Ritter tragically passed away in 2003 at just 54 years old due to an undiagnosed heart condition called aortic dissection. His sudden death left fans and Hollywood heartbroken.
🎬 His Lasting Legacy
Even after ‘Three’s Company,’ Ritter starred in shows like ‘8 Simple Rules’, proving his comedic genius wasn’t just a fluke. Today, he’s still remembered as one of TV’s greatest comedy legends.
👭 The Feud Between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers
For decades, rumors swirled about a bitter feud between Joyce DeWitt (Janet) and Suzanne Somers (Chrissy). But was it true?
🗣️ Years of Silence
After Somers’ firing, she and DeWitt didn’t speak for over 30 years! DeWitt felt betrayed by Somers’ salary demands, which led to tension on set.
❤️ A Long-Awaited Reunion
In 2012, the two finally reconciled on Somers’ talk show, putting their feud to rest. They even shared memories about their time on ‘Three’s Company’—a moment that brought nostalgic joy to fans.
🤯 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Fans Never Knew
Even after all these years, there are still shocking facts about ‘Three’s Company’ that fans might not know.
🎭 The Role of Jack Tripper Almost Went to Someone Else
John Ritter wasn’t the first choice for Jack! Actor Billy Crystal was considered for the role before Ritter got the part. Can you imagine ‘Three’s Company’ without him?
🚪 The Mysterious Fourth Roommate
Before Chrissy was written out, producers introduced new roommates to replace her, including Cindy Snow (Jenilee Harrison) and Terri Alden (Priscilla Barnes). However, none of them could recapture the same magic.
💡 The Show Almost Had a Different Title
Can you believe ‘Three’s Company’ was almost called ‘Three’s a Crowd’? That title was later used for a spin-off featuring Jack’s post-roommate life.
🎤 Where Are They Now? The Cast’s Lives After ‘Three’s Company’
Many of the show’s stars went on to have interesting careers after their time on ‘Three’s Company’.
🌟 Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood)
After the show ended, Joyce took a step back from Hollywood but still made guest appearances on TV.
💪 Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow)
Suzanne Somers reinvented herself as a fitness and wellness guru, starring in infomercials for the ThighMaster and writing best-selling books.
🎥 Richard Kline (Larry Dallas)
Larry, Jack’s smooth-talking best friend, continued acting in Broadway and TV roles.
🏡 Don Knotts (Mr. Furley)
Comedy legend Don Knotts played the quirky landlord, and after ‘Three’s Company,’ he continued working until his passing in 2006.
✨ The Legacy of ‘Three’s Company’ Today
Even decades later, ‘Three’s Company’ remains a beloved classic. Thanks to reruns and streaming, new generations continue to fall in love with Jack, Janet, and Chrissy’s hilarious antics.
The show paved the way for modern sitcoms, proving that physical comedy and clever writing never go out of style.
Final Thoughts
‘Three’s Company’ wasn’t just a sitcom—it was a cultural phenomenon. While behind-the-scenes drama may have rocked the cast, their on-screen magic created one of the greatest TV shows of all time.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the show, one thing’s for sure: ‘Three’s Company’ will always have a place in our hearts.
❓ FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from ‘Three’s Company’?
She demanded a massive pay raise, which led to tensions with producers and her eventual firing.
2. Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers ever make up?
Yes! They finally reconciled in 2012 after over 30 years of not speaking.
3. What happened to John Ritter?
He tragically passed away in 2003 from an undiagnosed heart condition called aortic dissection.
4. Was ‘Three’s Company’ based on another show?
Yes! It was adapted from the British sitcom ‘Man About the House.’
5. Can I still watch ‘Three’s Company’ today?
Absolutely! The show is available on various streaming platforms and continues to entertain audiences worldwide.
