Decades have passed since Three’s Company first lit up our screens, yet its laughter still reverberates in our hearts.
This classic sitcom, with its unforgettable characters and uproarious mix-ups, completely transformed the comedy genre. Now, Joyce DeWitt shares the secret behind what made the show such an enduring treasure.
From the zany antics of three single roommates to the unforgettable performances by John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, Three’s Company remains a cherished cornerstone of American television. It’s hard to fathom that 40 years have elapsed since the series finale aired on ABC, but the show’s humor and charm still resonate today.
To truly grasp how long ago Three’s Company became a sensation, I recently revisited its intro. The vintage scenes filmed at Santa Monica Pier during its heyday are a stark reminder of how much has changed over the years.
Tragically, neither John Ritter nor Suzanne Somers is with us anymore; both were lost far too soon. However, the spirit of the show lives on through Joyce DeWitt, now 75, who lovingly recounts her vibrant memories and cherished moments from the series.
“The most precious, unexpected experiences from working on ‘Three’s Company’ have been hearing from countless adults who say it was their safe haven during their teenage years—sometimes the only one they had,” DeWitt told US Weekly.
Starring as Janet Wood alongside Ritter and Somers, DeWitt became a television icon and a daily source of joy for millions, appearing in 171 episodes between 1976 and 1984.
“It was such a gift—truly iconic, though who would have predicted it?” DeWitt recalled in an interview with The Spec. “We were simply trying to make people laugh. In retrospect, the show was like a modern twist on a 16th-century farce—silliness running wild, even while we touched on serious issues beneath the surface.”
John Ritter once joked, “We don’t just want people to laugh—we want them to fall off their couches laughing.” According to DeWitt, the true magic of the show lay in the deep friendship and genuine love the characters had for each other, which is what truly captivated audiences.
After Three’s Company ended, DeWitt stepped away from the spotlight for over a decade before eventually returning to acting. Regardless of her later accomplishments or future plans, most people will forever associate her with that iconic show—and there’s a simple reason for that.
“It was a break from the oppressive and challenging realities they were facing in their youth,” she explains, adding, “And yes, the characters did some ridiculously funny, over-the-top things, but it was their mutual love, trust, and support that turned them into lifelong favorites.”
Unedited photos from the Three’s Company set reveal the genuine camaraderie among the cast, especially between DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, who portrayed the beloved Chrissy Snow. Both actresses delivered standout performances as young women navigating a male-dominated industry, contributing as much to the show’s success as John Ritter. Their early photos tell a story of friendship and collaboration that remains touching to this day.
Yet, beneath the laughter, tensions simmered. While Somers was celebrated for her role as “the dumbest blonde in America,” her battle for equal pay eventually sowed discord. Demanding a 500% salary increase—from $30,000 to $150,000—strained her relationship with DeWitt, and the once joyful set became fraught with conflict.
Somers, who viewed the show as a serious business endeavor, eventually clashed with her co-stars. Ultimately, she was fired but forced to complete the fifth season under bizarre conditions, filming her scenes via odd phone calls and under tight security. This escalating tension led to a heartbreaking split between Somers and DeWitt, and for over 30 years, they did not speak—a silence that made their early camaraderie seem almost unthinkable.
“They painted me as if I were trying to ruin the show,” Somers said in 2020. “So I never talked to anyone on that show again.” While some speculated that rivalry played a role in her exit, it was ultimately the contentious salary negotiations that drove them apart. Their differing circumstances—Somers as a single mother needing financial security versus DeWitt’s focus on her craft—further complicated their relationship.
“We had very different approaches to our careers,” DeWitt reflected. “I didn’t have a child to support or a business mindset, so I couldn’t fully relate to someone in that situation.”
Yet, in a heartwarming twist, the two finally reconciled in February 2012 on Somers’ talk show, Breaking Through. Their heartfelt embrace and open discussion about the past offered a glimpse of healing, with DeWitt expressing deep admiration for Somers’ accomplishments, saying, “You faced incredible challenges and achieved immeasurable things.” Their friendship was restored until Somers’ tragic passing in 2023.
In her US Weekly interview, DeWitt fondly remembered her late co-stars, honoring Somers—who succumbed to breast cancer—as “absolutely wonderful,” and paying tribute to Ritter, who passed away during heart surgery in 2003, calling him “a true gift.”
Revisiting photos from Three’s Company transports us back to a happier time filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments. These images not only celebrate the joy the cast brought to our screens but also underscore the lasting legacy they left behind.
Rest in peace, John Ritter and Suzanne Somers—forever missed, but never forgotten.