When it comes to iconic television shows of the 1970s, Three’s Company stands out as one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. Featuring a stellar cast, including Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers, and John Ritter, the show was a massive hit and became a cultural phenomenon. But behind the laughter and lighthearted moments, there was a significant rift between two of its biggest stars—Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers.
This article delves into the real reasons behind the fall-out between these two talented actresses, exploring the tensions, misunderstandings, and personal grievances that led to them no longer speaking to each other. The story behind their strained relationship has been the subject of rumors for years, but now, we’re going to uncover the truth.
The Glorious Rise of ‘Three’s Company’
Before we dive into the drama, it’s essential to understand the context of Three’s Company’s success. The show premiered in 1977 and quickly became a fan favorite. Set in a California apartment complex, the sitcom featured Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter), who lived with two female roommates, Chrissy Snow (played by Suzanne Somers) and Janet Wood (played by Joyce DeWitt). The trio’s comedic situations, often revolving around misunderstandings and awkward situations, captivated viewers, and the chemistry between the cast members helped elevate the show.
The On-Screen Chemistry Between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers
Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers shared undeniable chemistry on-screen. Their characters, Janet and Chrissy, were portrayed as close friends, with a playful rivalry often providing much of the humor. While the dynamic between the two was integral to the show’s success, things weren’t always as friendly behind the scenes.
Despite their on-screen camaraderie, there were growing tensions between the two actresses that would eventually come to a head. But what caused the rift? To understand this, we need to explore the backstory of their professional lives during the show’s run.
Suzanne Somers’ Pay Dispute and the Tensions Begin
The turning point in the relationship between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers began with Somers’ salary dispute. By the middle of the show’s run, Somers had become one of the most recognizable stars of the series, and she sought a significant pay raise to reflect her increased popularity. However, the producers weren’t willing to meet her demands, leading Somers to make a bold move.
Somers, in her quest for better pay, decided to leave the show temporarily to negotiate her contract. While she was away, producers cast a new character, Terri Alden, played by Priscilla Barnes, as a replacement. Somers’ absence created a void, and some felt that her absence disrupted the dynamic between the characters, particularly Janet, played by DeWitt.
Joyce DeWitt’s Loyalty and Disappointment
For Joyce DeWitt, this was a critical moment. DeWitt had always been a loyal cast member, and she felt conflicted by Somers’ actions. She was disappointed by Somers’ decision to leave, as it felt like an abandonment of the cast and the show’s success. DeWitt, in interviews, has stated that she felt Somers was more focused on her personal career rather than the collective effort of the show.
While DeWitt was incredibly professional, this situation started to create a divide between the two. What initially began as professional tension began spilling over into their personal lives.
The Final Straw: The Public Feud
After Somers returned to the show, tensions between her and DeWitt continued to grow. It reached a point where their relationship was becoming increasingly strained, with reports of public arguments between the two actresses. DeWitt reportedly became frustrated by Somers’ increasingly demanding attitude, while Somers felt that DeWitt was not supportive of her career decisions.
In a particularly intense interview, Somers publicly accused DeWitt of being unsupportive and claimed that their relationship had soured beyond repair. This led to a public feud that shocked fans and created a buzz around the show. The two actresses, who had once shared such great on-screen chemistry, were now involved in a bitter feud that no one saw coming.
Why Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers Stop Talking?
The ultimate reason behind their lack of communication can be boiled down to a series of unresolved issues—professional jealousy, personal grievances, and differing priorities. Somers had ambitions beyond the show, including writing books and pursuing other acting projects, while DeWitt remained focused on the success of Three’s Company.
As their relationship soured, DeWitt and Somers stopped speaking entirely. Despite their time on the same show and the bond they once shared, their professional differences, personal ambitions, and a lack of resolution led to a permanent split.
The Impact on Their Careers and the Show
While the rift between DeWitt and Somers made headlines, it also had an impact on the show itself. Three’s Company was never quite the same after Somers’ departure, and her character, Chrissy Snow, was written out of the storyline in an abrupt and unceremonious way. The addition of Priscilla Barnes’ character, Terri, was an attempt to fill the void left by Somers, but it never quite captured the same magic that Chrissy and Janet shared.
Joyce DeWitt also faced challenges after the show ended. While she continued to work in television and film, she never achieved the same level of fame she had enjoyed on Three’s Company. Similarly, Suzanne Somers went on to have a successful career, particularly with her ventures in the health and wellness industry, but she, too, never fully regained the same TV stardom she had achieved in the late 1970s.
What Happened to Their Relationship Over the Years?
As time went on, both actresses eventually found a sense of peace. In later years, there were occasional reports of reconciliation, with DeWitt and Somers acknowledging their shared history and mutual respect for each other’s talents. However, their relationship remained complicated, and they never fully mended their past grievances.
While they may have both moved on from the drama of their Three’s Company days, the relationship between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers remains a pivotal chapter in the history of the show.
Conclusion
The fall-out between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers is a reminder of the complexities that often exist behind the scenes of successful television shows. While their on-screen friendship was a beloved part of Three’s Company, the personal and professional tensions between the two actresses created a rift that lasted for decades. Despite their differing paths, their shared legacy on the show continues to resonate with fans to this day.
FAQs
1. What caused Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers to stop talking?
Their relationship soured due to professional jealousy, salary disputes, and personal grievances that were never fully addressed.
2. Did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’ because of Joyce DeWitt?
No, Suzanne Somers left to negotiate a pay raise, which led to a temporary absence and a replacement by Priscilla Barnes.
3. Did Joyce DeWitt ever speak publicly about her feud with Suzanne Somers?
Yes, DeWitt expressed her disappointment and frustration with Somers’ decision to leave the show, which contributed to the tensions between them.
4. Did DeWitt and Somers ever reconcile?
There were reports of reconciliation in later years, but they never fully repaired their relationship.
5. How did the rift affect ‘Three’s Company’?
The show’s dynamic changed after Somers’ departure, and the addition of Priscilla Barnes as Terri never fully replaced the chemistry between Janet and Chrissy.
