📺 The ‘Three’s Company’ Feud That Lasted Over 30 Years
Fans of Three’s Company remember the hilarious chemistry between Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers). However, off-screen, the two actresses had a bitter falling-out that lasted more than three decades.
What led to this shocking Hollywood feud? And why did it take them over 30 years to reconcile? Let’s break it down.
🎬 The Rise of ‘Three’s Company’
📢 A Sitcom That Defined an Era
Premiering in 1977, Three’s Company was an instant hit. The show followed the comedic misadventures of three roommates—Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers).
💰 Suzanne Somers’ Rise to Stardom
With her bubbly personality and signature blonde pigtails, Suzanne Somers quickly became the breakout star of the show. She was America’s sweetheart, and as her popularity soared, so did her demands.
🔥 The Salary Dispute That Started It All
💸 Somers’ Bold Move for Equal Pay
By the start of season five, Somers realized she was earning significantly less than her male co-star, John Ritter. She demanded a pay raise—from $30,000 per episode to $150,000, matching Ritter’s salary.
🚨 Producers’ Harsh Response
Producers refused to meet her demands, and the negotiations quickly turned ugly. Instead of a raise, Somers was offered a modest $5,000 increase. Feeling undervalued, she stood her ground.
🚪 Suzanne Somers Was Fired
After missing a few episodes due to the contract dispute, Somers was officially fired from Three’s Company in 1981. Her character was written out, and she never returned.
🤔 Why Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers Stop Talking?
🗣️ DeWitt’s Perspective: A Betrayal of the Cast
Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet, believed Somers’ demands were selfish. She felt that Somers had put her personal gain above the show’s integrity and abandoned the cast in the process.
DeWitt also took issue with the way Somers handled negotiations—by refusing to show up for filming while demanding more money.
🎤 Somers’ Side of the Story
On the other hand, Somers argued that she was standing up for fair pay, not just for herself but for all women in Hollywood. She claimed that DeWitt and Ritter never supported her fight, leaving her isolated in the battle for equal wages.
🚫 Complete Silence for 30+ Years
After Somers’ departure, DeWitt and Somers never spoke again. They avoided each other at industry events and never publicly discussed their falling-out—until decades later.
🎥 The Emotional Reunion – How They Finally Made Amends
💬 A Long-Awaited Conversation
In 2012, after 31 years of silence, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers finally sat down together for a heart-to-heart conversation.
Somers invited DeWitt onto her online talk show, Suzanne Somers: Breaking Through. For the first time in over three decades, the two actresses talked openly about their feud.
😢 Tears, Laughter, and Closure
During the interview, they expressed regret over the lost years. DeWitt admitted she was hurt by the way things ended but never harbored true resentment. Somers acknowledged that she felt abandoned by the cast but now understood their perspective.
By the end of the emotional conversation, the two hugged it out and put their past behind them.
🏆 The Legacy of ‘Three’s Company’ Lives On
Despite the drama behind the scenes, Three’s Company remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. The reunion of DeWitt and Somers was a reminder that time heals old wounds, and even the biggest Hollywood feuds can find resolution.
🔚 Conclusion
The falling-out between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers wasn’t just about money—it was about loyalty, misunderstanding, and the pressures of Hollywood. Their 30-year feud serves as a lesson in the complexities of friendships, especially in the entertainment industry.
Fortunately, both women were able to put the past behind them, proving that even after decades of silence, reconciliation is always possible.
❓ FAQs About Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers’ Feud
1. Why did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers stop talking?
The two actresses stopped talking due to Somers’ salary dispute, which led to her firing from Three’s Company. DeWitt felt betrayed by how Somers handled the situation.
2. When did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers reunite?
They reconciled in 2012 during an emotional conversation on Somers’ talk show, Breaking Through.
3. Did John Ritter take sides in the feud?
John Ritter remained neutral in the dispute. He continued working on the show after Somers left but never publicly criticized either of his co-stars.
4. Are Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers friends now?
Yes! After their reunion in 2012, they mended their friendship and spoke fondly of each other.
5. Did Suzanne Somers regret her actions?
Suzanne Somers has said she doesn’t regret standing up for equal pay but does regret how the situation affected her relationships with her co-stars.
