In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Three’s Company was one of the most popular sitcoms on television, dominating the primetime ratings. At its peak, the show featured Suzanne Somers in her iconic role as Chrissy Snow, a sweet and somewhat naïve blonde, who quickly became a fan favorite. However, behind the scenes, a fierce battle over pay equality was brewing, and it would ultimately lead to Somers’ shocking departure from the series.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the incredible story of Suzanne Somers’ firing from Three’s Company—how her request for equal pay sparked controversy, the aftermath of her firing, and its lasting impact on Hollywood’s gender pay gap.
The Rise of Suzanne Somers and ‘Three’s Company’
The Early Days of ‘Three’s Company’
Three’s Company premiered in 1977, introducing viewers to a quirky sitcom about three roommates navigating their hilarious, often absurd lives. Suzanne Somers played the charming Chrissy Snow, who, alongside her two roommates—Jack Tripper (John Ritter) and Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt)—became a household name.
As the series gained popularity, Somers’ character became the breakout star. She was young, attractive, and captured the public’s attention with her comedic timing and playful innocence. By 1980, the show was a massive success, and Somers was at the peak of her career.
The Salary Disparity: The First Signs of Trouble
Despite the immense popularity of her character, Suzanne Somers began to notice a disturbing trend. While her male co-star, John Ritter, was earning significantly more than she was, she was expected to continue working without a raise. This pay disparity became the catalyst for the events that would unfold in the following years.
In an era where gender pay inequality was still rampant, Somers was frustrated by the fact that she was a leading face of the show yet not compensated equally to her male counterpart. She began demanding a raise, pushing for $150,000 per episode, which was more than double what she was making at the time.
The Shocking Firing: A Stand for Equal Pay
Somers’ Bold Request for Pay Equity
In the fall of 1980, Suzanne Somers decided to take a bold stand. She asked for a significant pay raise to match her co-star’s salary and reflect her growing popularity. She wanted to be paid what she felt was fair given her prominence on the show. Somers didn’t just ask for a raise—she made it clear that she expected equal pay for equal work.
However, Somers’ request was met with resistance from the producers of Three’s Company, particularly Norman Lear, the show’s creator. In her interviews, Somers later revealed that her producers were not only unwilling to meet her demands but also used her raise as an opportunity to diminish her role on the show.
The Producers’ Response: ‘Three’s Company’ Without Chrissy
The producers of Three’s Company were notorious for their tough stance on actor contracts, and when Somers didn’t back down on her request, they fired her. In a dramatic and highly publicized move, Somers was written off the show and her character, Chrissy, was abruptly replaced.
The reasoning behind her firing was officially related to her contract dispute, but many believe that the real reason was her bold stand for equal pay. This moment in television history was a major turning point, showing how the entertainment industry treated female actors differently from their male counterparts.
The Aftermath: Replacing Chrissy Snow
In the wake of Somers’ departure, Three’s Company introduced two new female characters—Cindy Snow (played by Jenilee Harrison) and later Terri Alden (played by Priscilla Barnes). Both were brought in to fill the void left by Chrissy’s absence, but neither could match the chemistry Somers had brought to the show.
Meanwhile, Somers’ absence from Three’s Company was a major blow for the show, both in terms of ratings and fan reaction. The show eventually had to adapt to its new dynamic, but it was clear that the absence of its original star affected its success.
The Cultural Impact of Suzanne Somers’ Firing
A Groundbreaking Moment for Women’s Rights in Hollywood
Suzanne Somers’ firing for asking for equal pay made waves throughout the entertainment industry and beyond. It was one of the first high-profile instances where a woman in Hollywood took a stand for gender pay equality and was punished for it. Her firing highlighted the deep-rooted gender disparities that existed in television, film, and entertainment at large.
This event also shed light on the broader issue of wage inequality in the workplace, sparking conversations that continue to this day. Somers’ stand for equal pay was ahead of its time, and while it cost her a beloved role, it also paved the way for future female actors to demand fair compensation.
Somers’ Career After ‘Three’s Company’
After her departure from Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers continued her career in Hollywood, though it was not without its challenges. While she faced difficulty finding leading roles, she eventually found success in other ventures, including her work as an author, entrepreneur, and TV personality.
Her career did take a hit after Three’s Company, but she remained a vocal advocate for gender equality and was outspoken about her experiences. In her later years, Somers became an icon not just for her acting career, but for her advocacy for women’s rights in the workplace.
The Ongoing Struggle for Equal Pay
While Suzanne Somers’ brave stand in the 1980s brought attention to gender pay disparity, it would be several decades before equal pay became a hot topic in Hollywood and beyond. Today, discussions around equal pay in Hollywood continue, with many female actors still fighting for the same compensation as their male counterparts.
In recent years, movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up have fueled the conversation, encouraging women to stand up for their rights and push for equal pay across industries.
Conclusion: Suzanne Somers’ Legacy
Suzanne Somers may have been fired from Three’s Company, but her impact on the fight for equal pay in Hollywood has endured. Her courageous act of standing up for herself not only brought attention to the gender pay gap in entertainment but also gave rise to broader conversations about equality in the workplace.
While Three’s Company moved on without Chrissy Snow, Somers became a symbol of empowerment for women in entertainment and beyond. Her firing in 1980 was a pivotal moment in the history of TV and the ongoing battle for gender equality, showing how far we’ve come—and how much further we have to go.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company? Suzanne Somers was fired from Three’s Company after demanding equal pay for her role. She asked for a raise to match her co-star’s salary, but when the producers refused, she was let go.
2. What was the impact of Suzanne Somers’ firing on Three’s Company? After Somers’ departure, Three’s Company struggled with ratings and fan reception. The show introduced new characters, but none could replace the dynamic chemistry Somers brought to the show.
3. Did Suzanne Somers ever return to Three’s Company? No, Suzanne Somers did not return to Three’s Company. Her character was written off, and the show continued with new female characters.
4. How did Suzanne Somers’ firing impact gender equality in Hollywood? Suzanne Somers’ firing brought attention to the gender pay gap in Hollywood and sparked conversations about wage inequality. Her bravery in standing up for herself helped lay the foundation for future generations of women in entertainment to fight for equal pay.
5. What is Suzanne Somers’ legacy? Suzanne Somers’ legacy goes beyond her acting career. She became an advocate for women’s rights, especially in the entertainment industry, and remains a symbol of courage in the fight for equal pay.
