Decades may have passed since Three’s Company first graced our screens, but the laughter and charm of this classic sitcom continue to live on in our hearts.
With its unforgettable characters and hilarious misunderstandings, Three’s Company redefined the sitcom genre. Now, in a heartfelt reflection, Joyce DeWitt reveals what truly made the show a timeless treasure.
From the comedic antics of three single roommates to the iconic performances of John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, Three’s Company remains a beloved part of American television history. It’s hard to believe that 40 years have passed since the series finale aired on ABC, yet its humor and warmth still resonate with audiences today.
Watching the show’s intro, with its shots of the Santa Monica Pier during its prime, reminds us just how much has changed since those days. Sadly, both John Ritter and Suzanne Somers are no longer with us, taken far too soon. However, Joyce DeWitt, now 75, continues to keep the spirit of Three’s Companyalive, sharing cherished memories from her time on the show.
In a moving interview, DeWitt reflected on the impact Three’s Company had on its viewers: “The most dear, precious, tender—and utterly unexpected—experiences that have come from working on Three’s Company are the many adults who told me it was a safe haven for them during their teen years—sometimes the only safe haven,” she told US Weekly.
As Janet Wood, DeWitt became a television icon alongside Ritter and Somers, bringing joy to millions of viewers across 171 episodes from 1976 to 1984. “It was such a gift. It became iconic, but who would have thought it?” DeWitt shared with The Spec. “All we were trying to do was make people laugh. The show was a contemporary take on a 16th-century farce—silliness running wild, even as we touched on serious issues underneath.”
John Ritter had a simple philosophy for the show: “We didn’t want people to just laugh; we wanted them to fall off their couches laughing,” DeWitt recalled. But beyond the humor, it was the depth of friendship and love between the characters that endeared them to viewers.
After Three’s Company ended, DeWitt stepped away from the spotlight for over a decade, but her connection to the show remained strong. For many fans, the show was more than entertainment—it was a reprieve from life’s challenges. “It was a ‘time out’ from the difficult circumstances they were navigating in their young lives,” DeWitt explained. “It was the love, trust, and support among the characters that made them lifelong fans.”
Behind the scenes, the camaraderie between the cast members was evident, especially in photos of DeWitt and Somers, who played the bubbly Chrissy Snow. Both women contributed immensely to the show’s success, though tensions eventually simmered beneath the surface.
While Somers was celebrated for her role as the “dumb blonde,” her fight for equal pay created friction. Seeking a 500% salary increase—from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode—Somers’ demands strained her relationship with DeWitt. Somers was ultimately fired and filmed her final season in isolation, delivering her lines via phone calls, guarded by security. This fractured the once-tight bond between the two actresses, leaving them estranged for over 30 years.
For decades, Somers and DeWitt did not speak, with Somers recalling in 2020, “They painted me as the one trying to ruin the show. So, I never talked to anyone from the show ever again.”
Despite speculation that DeWitt’s rivalry played a role in Somers’ departure, it was Somers’ salary negotiations that caused the rift. Their differing circumstances—Somers as a single mother seeking financial security, and DeWitt focusing on her craft—created further complications.
However, in a beautiful twist, the two finally reconciled in 2012 on Somers’ talk show Breaking Through. Their reunion was emotional, with the former co-stars sharing a heartfelt hug and reflecting on the past. DeWitt expressed admiration for Somers, saying, “You went up against ruthlessness, and it came down, but what you’ve gone on to do is immeasurable.” It was a moment of healing, marking the end of a long chapter of hurt. The two remained friends until Somers’ passing in 2023.
In a tribute to her late co-stars, DeWitt spoke fondly of both Somers and Ritter. Reflecting on Somers, who passed away from breast cancer, she described her as “absolutely wonderful.” She also remembered Ritter, who died unexpectedly in 2003 during heart surgery, as “a true gift.”
As we revisit the photos and memories from the set of Three’s Company, we are transported to a different time—a time filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments. These images not only capture the joy that the cast brought to millions of viewers but also highlight the enduring legacy they’ve left behind.
Rest in peace, John Ritter and Suzanne Somers. Gone but never forgotten.
Thanks for the good memories—share this article if Three’s Company still holds a special place in your heart.
