Joyce DeWitt’s honest confession confirms what we all knew

Decades may have passed since Three’s Company first hit our screens, but the laughter, charm, and timeless appeal of this classic sitcom remain as strong as ever.

With its unforgettable characters and comedic misunderstandings, Three’s Company redefined the sitcom genre, and now, in a heartfelt reflection, Joyce DeWitt shares what truly made the show a lasting treasure.

From the hilarious escapades of three single roommates to the iconic performances of John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, Three’s Company holds a special place in 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 opening sequence, featuring the Santa Monica Pier in its prime, takes us back to a different era. Sadly, both John Ritter and Suzanne Somers have passed away, taken far too soon. However, Joyce DeWitt, now 75, keeps the spirit of Three’s Company alive by sharing cherished memories of her time on the show.

In an emotional interview, DeWitt reflected on the deep impact the sitcom had on its viewers: “The most precious and unexpected gift from working on Three’s Company are the many adults who told me it was their safe haven during their teen years—sometimes the only safe haven,” she shared with 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 said in an interview with The Spec. “All we wanted 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 characters’ deep friendship and love that endeared them to viewers.

After Three’s Company ended, DeWitt stepped out of the spotlight for over a decade, but her bond with the show and its fans never faded. For many, the show was more than just entertainment—it provided a refuge from life’s challenges. “It was a ‘time out’ from the difficult circumstances they were navigating in their young lives,” DeWitt explained. “The love, trust, and support among the characters made them lifelong fans.”

Behind the scenes, the camaraderie between the cast was palpable, especially in photos of DeWitt and Somers, who played the bubbly Chrissy Snow. However, tensions simmered beneath the surface, particularly when Somers fought for equal pay.

Celebrated for her role as the “dumb blonde,” Somers sought a 500% pay increase—from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode—which led to friction with the producers and cast. Ultimately, Somers was fired, and her final scenes were filmed in isolation, delivered via phone calls and guarded by security. This strained her once-close relationship with DeWitt, leaving them estranged for over 30 years.

For decades, DeWitt and Somers didn’t speak. Somers reflected in 2020, “They painted me as the one trying to ruin the show. So, I never talked to anyone from the show ever again.”

Though rumors circulated that DeWitt had played a role in Somers’ departure, it was Somers’ contract negotiations that sparked the rift. Their differing priorities—Somers as a single mother seeking financial security and DeWitt focused on her craft—widened the gap between them.

In 2012, however, the two actresses reunited on Somers’ talk show Breaking Through, sharing a heartfelt hug and reflecting on the past. DeWitt praised Somers, saying, “You went up against ruthlessness, and it came down, but what you’ve gone on to do is immeasurable.” Their reconciliation marked a powerful moment of healing, and the two remained friends until Somers’ passing in 2023.

In tribute to her late co-stars, DeWitt spoke fondly of both Somers and Ritter. She described Somers, who passed away from breast cancer, as “absolutely wonderful,” and remembered Ritter, who died unexpectedly in 2003 from a heart condition, as “a true gift.”

Looking back at the photos and memories from the set of Three’s Company, we are reminded of a simpler time filled with laughter, friendship, and iconic moments. These images not only capture the joy 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 memories—share this article if Three’s Company still holds a special place in your heart.