Decades may have passed since Three’s Company graced our screens, but its laughter still echoes in our hearts.
With unforgettable characters and side-splitting misunderstandings, this classic sitcom revolutionized the genre. Now, Joyce DeWitt reveals what really made the show a timeless treasure…
The comedic escapades of three single roommates, coupled with the memorable performances of John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, have solidified Three’s Company as a cherished classic in American television history. It is astonishing to reflect that it has been 40 years since the series concluded on ABC, yet its appeal and humor continue to resonate with audiences today.
To emphasize the passage of time since Three’s Company first captivated viewers, I recently viewed the opening sequence. The scenes featuring Santa Monica Pier during the show’s heyday serve as a poignant reminder of the significant changes that have occurred since those moments were captured.
Regrettably, both John Ritter and Suzanne Somers are no longer with us, having left us far too early. However, Joyce DeWitt, now 75, keeps the essence of Three’s Company alive by sharing her lively anecdotes and treasured memories from the iconic series.
“The most dear, precious, tender – and utterly unexpected – experiences that have come from working in ‘Three’s Company’ are the many, many adults who have told me that ‘Three’s Company’ was a safe haven they could count on during their teen years – for some, the only safe haven,” Joyce DeWitt expressed in an interview with US Weekly.
Starring as Janet Wood alongside John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, DeWitt became a television icon and she was such a day brightener for millions.
She appeared in 171 episodes of the show between 1976 and 1984.
It was an extraordinary experience. Truly, it was remarkable. Yet, who could have anticipated such an outcome? Joyce DeWitt shared with The Spec. “Our primary goal was simply to entertain and elicit laughter. Upon reflection, the show aimed to create a modern interpretation of a 16th-century farce. It revolved around the theme of unrestrained absurdity. While we occasionally addressed serious topics, those elements were always subtly woven into the narrative.”
“John Ritter often remarked, ‘We don’t want our audience to merely laugh; we want them to be doubled over with laughter,’” she continued. “The underlying theme was always the profound friendship and affection among the characters. That connection is what resonated with the audience.”
Following the conclusion of Three’s Company, DeWitt withdrew from the public eye for more than ten years before returning to her acting career.
Regardless of her achievements or future endeavors, the overwhelming majority of people will forever associate her with that legendary series. DeWitt attributes this connection to a straightforward reason.
“It served as a ‘time out’ from the oppressive, challenging, and difficult situations they were facing in their youth,” DeWitt explains, adding:
“Additionally, they mention that the characters engaged in foolish, outrageous antics that brought them joy. However, it was the love, trust, and support shared among the characters that cultivated lifelong fans.”
Unedited photographs from the set of Three’s Company reveal the strong bond among the cast, particularly evident in the images featuring Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, who portrayed the cherished character Chrissy Snow.
Both actresses delivered memorable performances, skillfully depicting young women navigating the challenges of a male-dominated entertainment industry. Their contributions to the show’s success were on par with those of John Ritter, and in those early moments captured in photographs, their smiles reflect a narrative of friendship and teamwork.
However, beneath the surface of their camaraderie, underlying tensions existed. While Somers was recognized for her portrayal of “the dumbest blonde in America,” her pursuit of equal compensation led to growing discord. As she sought a substantial salary increase—from $30,000 to $150,000—her relationship with DeWitt became increasingly strained. The atmosphere on set, once characterized by joy, began to shift towards conflict.
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Somers consistently regarded the production as a professional endeavor among dedicated actors, and she became aware that her perspective irritated her fellow cast members.
Ultimately, Somers was dismissed from the show but was required to complete the fifth season under unusual conditions. Separated from her colleagues, she recorded her scenes via peculiar phone calls, accompanied by security personnel. The atmosphere grew increasingly strained, culminating in a poignant rift between Somers and DeWitt.
For more than three decades, they remained estranged, a prolonged silence that appeared difficult to comprehend when reflecting on their initial camaraderie.
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In 2020, Somers remarked, “They portrayed me as if I were attempting to sabotage the show. Consequently, I never communicated with anyone from that show again. Not once.”
There were speculations that the rivalry with DeWitt played a role in Somers’ departure; however, it was primarily the salary discussions that created a divide between them.
The contrast in their situations—Somers as a single mother seeking financial stability and DeWitt concentrating on her artistic pursuits—added further complexity to their relationship.
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DeWitt remarked on the contrasting paths they took in their careers, stating, “Our approaches were markedly different.” She noted that their individual needs diverged significantly, as she did not have the responsibility of raising a child alone and lacked a business acumen, which made it challenging for her to comprehend Somers’s perspective.
In a heartwarming turn of events, the two women reconnected in February 2012 during Somers’ talk show, Breaking Through. Their reunion signified a resolution of past conflicts.
The former co-stars embraced warmly, and their candid discussion about previous experiences revealed a sense of healing between them.
DeWitt conveyed her profound admiration for Somers’s achievements, stating, “You faced immense challenges, and while they were daunting, your subsequent accomplishments are beyond measure.” This encounter underscored the resilience of their relationship and the significance of reconciliation. The two actresses maintained their friendship until Somers’s untimely death in 2023.
In an interview with US Weekly, DeWitt expressed her deep admiration for her late co-stars, acknowledging the significant influence they had on her life. While reminiscing about Somers, who succumbed to breast cancer, DeWitt characterized her as “absolutely wonderful.”
She also paid tribute to Ritter, who passed away in 2003 during heart surgery, referring to him as “a true gift.”
As we look back at the photographs from Three’s Company, we are reminded of a different, more joyful era—one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and memorable experiences. These images from the set not only commemorate the happiness the cast shared with audiences but also underscore the lasting legacy they have created.
RIP John Ritter and Suzanne Somers – gone but never forgotten!
Thanks for the good memories – share this article if you agree.