Joyce DeWitt’s Candid Confession Confirms What We Always Suspected

Decades may have flown by since *Three’s Company* lit up our screens, but its laughter continues to resonate in our hearts.

With memorable characters and hilarious misunderstandings, this iconic sitcom transformed the landscape of comedy. Now, Joyce DeWitt shares the secrets behind what makes the show a cherished classic…

From the comedic escapades of three single roommates to the unforgettable performances of John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, *Three’s Company* remains a cherished cornerstone of American television. It’s hard to believe that 40 years have passed since the series finale aired on ABC, yet its charm and humor still resonate with audiences today.

To illustrate just how long ago *Three’s Company* captured hearts, I recently watched the opening sequence. The scenes of Santa Monica Pier during the show’s heyday remind me of the significant changes that have unfolded since those days.

Sadly, we lost both John Ritter and Suzanne Somers far too soon. However, Joyce DeWitt, now 75, keeps the spirit of *Three’s Company* alive by sharing her vibrant stories and cherished memories of the beloved series.

“The most dear, precious, tender – and utterly unexpected – experiences that have come from working on *Three’s Company* are the many adults who have told me that it was a safe haven they could count on during their teen years – for some, the only safe haven,” Joyce DeWitt shared with *US Weekly*.

Starring as Janet Wood alongside John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, DeWitt became a television icon, bringing joy to millions with her vibrant presence.

She appeared in 171 episodes of the show from 1976 to 1984.

“It was such a gift. I mean, it was iconic. But who would have thought it?” Joyce DeWitt told *The Spec*. “All we were trying to do was make people laugh. When I reflect on it, the show was really an attempt to create a contemporary version of a 16th-century farce. It was all about silliness running wild. We tackled serious issues at times, but that was always lurking beneath the surface.”

“John Ritter used to say, ‘We don’t want people to just laugh but to fall over their couches laughing,’” she added. “The true heart of the show was the depth of friendship and the love these characters had for each other. That’s what truly drew people in.”

After *Three’s Company* wrapped up, DeWitt stepped away from the spotlight for over a decade before making her return to acting.

Yet, regardless of her accomplishments or future plans, most people will always associate her with that iconic show. DeWitt believes there’s a simple reason for this connection.

“It was a ‘time out’ from the oppressive, challenging, difficult circumstances they were navigating in their young lives,” she explains. “And, oh by the way, they enjoyed the characters doing stupid, crazy things that made them laugh. But it was really the love, trust, and support among the characters that created lifelong fans

Unedited photos from the *Three’s Company* set capture the camaraderie among the cast, particularly in images of Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, who portrayed the beloved Chrissy Snow.

Both actresses delivered memorable performances, showcasing young women navigating a male-dominated industry. They played a crucial role in the show’s success, just like John Ritter. In those early days, their smiles in photos convey a genuine story of friendship and collaboration.

However, beneath the laughter, tensions simmered. While Somers was celebrated for her role as “the dumbest blonde in America,” her fight for equal pay began to create divisions that would deepen over time. As she demanded a staggering 500% salary increase—from $30,000 to $150,000—her relationship with DeWitt became strained. The set, once filled with joy, became a landscape of conflict.

Somers had always viewed the show as a business among serious actors, which sometimes rubbed her co-stars the wrong way.

Ultimately, she was fired but had to finish the fifth season under unusual circumstances. Isolated from her castmates, she filmed her scenes through bizarre phone calls, escorted by security. As tensions escalated, it led to a heartbreaking rift between Somers and DeWitt.

For over 30 years, they didn’t speak, a silence that felt stark when reflecting on their early years together.

“They painted me as if I was trying to ruin the show,” Somers recounted in 2020. “So, I never talked to anybody on that show ever again. Ever again.”

While some speculated that DeWitt’s rivalry contributed to Somers’ departure, it was ultimately the salary negotiations that created a divide between them.

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 on her relationship with Somers after the show. “We had very different needs. I did not have a child to support on my own, and I didn’t have a business head, so I couldn’t fully understand someone who did.”

In a beautiful turn of events, the two finally reunited in February 2012 on Somers’ talk show, *Breaking Through*. It was evident that they had buried the hatchet.

The former co-stars shared a heartfelt hug, and their open conversation about the past offered a glimpse of healing.

DeWitt expressed her deep respect for Somers’s achievements, saying, “You went up against ruthlessness, and it came down, but what you’ve gone on to do is immeasurable.” This moment underscored the strength of their journey and the power of reconciliation. The two actresses remained friends until Somers’s tragic passing in 2023.

In her interview with *US Weekly*, DeWitt spoke warmly of her late co-stars, paying tribute to their lasting impact. Reflecting on Somers, who passed away from breast cancer, DeWitt described her as “absolutely wonderful.”

She also honored Ritter, who died in 2003 during heart surgery, calling him “a true gift.”

As we revisit the photos from *Three’s Company*, we’re transported back to a different, happier time—one filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments. These images not only celebrate the joy the cast brought to our screens but also highlight the enduring legacy they’ve left behind.

RIP John Ritter and Suzanne Somers—gone but never forgotten!

Thank you for the wonderful memories. Share this article if you agree!