In the early 1980s, Three’s Company was one of the most popular sitcoms on television, with Suzanne Somers at the heart of its success. As Chrissy Snow, Somers became a household name and a pop culture icon. But what happened behind the scenes of this successful show was nothing short of scandalous. The actress found herself embroiled in a battle for equal pay—an issue that ultimately led to her dramatic firing. Here’s the jaw-dropping story of how Suzanne Somers was fired from Three’s Company at the height of her fame for demanding equal pay.
The Rise of Suzanne Somers: A Star Is Born
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, Three’s Company was a cultural phenomenon. The sitcom, which aired on ABC, starred John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, and Suzanne Somers. Somers, playing the ditsy but lovable Chrissy Snow, quickly became the breakout star of the show. Her role captured the audience’s hearts, and her comedic timing was impeccable.
Somers’ popularity skyrocketed, and she became one of the highest-paid actresses on television at the time. But this rapid rise also came with expectations. As her fame grew, so did her ambition. And this ambition would eventually put her at odds with the Three’s Company producers.
The Equal Pay Battle: A Game-Changer in Hollywood
In 1980, Suzanne Somers was earning significantly less than her co-stars, John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt. Although she was arguably the most popular member of the cast, her paycheck did not reflect her popularity. Somers believed that her salary should be increased to match the level of fame she had achieved. It was a common issue for actresses in the industry, but Somers decided it was time to take a stand.
Somers hired an agent and demanded a pay raise, requesting that she be paid as much as John Ritter, the lead actor. She argued that her contribution to the show was equally vital, and her rising popularity deserved to be reflected in her paycheck. Unfortunately, her request was met with resistance.
The Power Struggle: Producers Say No
The producers of Three’s Company were not thrilled by Suzanne Somers’ demand for equal pay. They were not used to actresses making such demands, and they were especially unwilling to give Somers the same salary as John Ritter. Ritter, as the lead male actor, was already considered the star of the show, and the idea of paying Somers on par with him was seen as outrageous.
Somers’ agents fought for her, but the producers made it clear that they were not willing to meet her demands. In fact, they gave her an ultimatum: either accept a reduced role or be fired. Somers, standing firm in her beliefs, chose to stand her ground.
The Fallout: Suzanne Somers Gets Fired
In a move that shocked the entertainment world, Suzanne Somers was let go from Three’s Company after the 1980 season. The producers made the decision to write her character, Chrissy Snow, out of the show. They attempted to replace her with a new character, played by Jenilee Harrison, in an effort to maintain the show’s popularity.
However, the public backlash was immediate. Fans were furious, and Somers’ firing became the subject of media frenzy. Many saw it as an example of Hollywood’s mistreatment of women, especially when it came to pay disparity. Somers’ firing made headlines across the country, and her story became a rallying cry for equal pay in the entertainment industry.
The Aftermath: What Happened to Suzanne Somers After ‘Three’s Company’?
Following her firing, Suzanne Somers went on to become a successful entrepreneur and television personality. While her acting career didn’t recover immediately, Somers reinvented herself as a businesswoman. She starred in infomercials, became the spokesperson for several products, and even authored a series of best-selling books.
Somers would later reflect on her time at Three’s Company, saying that being fired was a turning point in her life. It was a painful experience, but it also pushed her to explore new opportunities and reinvent herself in ways she hadn’t imagined.
Hollywood and Equal Pay: Still a Struggle in 2024
Suzanne Somers’ story is a powerful reminder of the struggles women have faced in Hollywood for decades. While the issue of equal pay has gained more attention in recent years, there is still a long way to go.
The entertainment industry is still rife with gender disparities, with women often being paid less than their male counterparts for similar work. Somers’ bold move in 1980 helped shine a light on this issue, but it wasn’t until much later that the conversation began to gain traction. Today, with movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up, there is a renewed focus on closing the gender pay gap in Hollywood.
What We Can Learn from Suzanne Somers’ Story
Suzanne Somers’ journey from Three’s Company to becoming a symbol of the fight for equal pay is a lesson in resilience and determination. She stood up for herself when the odds were stacked against her, and though it cost her a prominent role, it ultimately helped pave the way for future conversations about gender equality in Hollywood.
Somers’ story shows that standing up for what you believe in is never easy, but it’s necessary. Whether in the entertainment industry or in any other field, the fight for equal pay and gender equality is an ongoing battle. Suzanne Somers was one of the early voices in this fight, and her bravery in speaking out continues to inspire others.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Empowerment
The firing of Suzanne Somers from Three’s Company in 1980 over her fight for equal pay is a watershed moment in television history. At the time, it was an industry scandal, but in retrospect, it was a crucial step in the ongoing battle for gender equality in Hollywood. Somers’ bravery and determination to stand up for herself, even at the cost of her job, helped spark a conversation that would continue for decades.
Her story remains an important reminder that change is often born from adversity. In a world where pay disparities and gender inequality are still pervasive, Suzanne Somers’ bold stand for equal pay continues to resonate.
FAQs:
- Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company?
- Suzanne Somers was fired from Three’s Company after she requested a salary increase to match her co-star John Ritter’s pay. The producers refused her demand, and she was let go from the show.
- What was Suzanne Somers’ role on Three’s Company?
- Suzanne Somers played Chrissy Snow, a lovable and ditzy character on the hit sitcom Three’s Company. Her character became a fan favorite, contributing to the show’s success.
- How did Suzanne Somers’ firing affect her career?
- After being fired, Suzanne Somers transitioned into a successful career as an entrepreneur, author, and spokesperson. She also became a prominent figure in infomercials.
- Was Suzanne Somers’ firing a turning point in Hollywood?
- Yes, Suzanne Somers’ firing highlighted issues of gender inequality and pay disparity in Hollywood. Her bold move to demand equal pay paved the way for future conversations about gender equality in the entertainment industry.
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What lessons can be learned from Suzanne Somers’ story?
- Suzanne Somers’ story teaches us the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even when it’s difficult. It shows that fighting for equal pay and gender equality is crucial, and that change often comes from taking bold action.
