For decades, fans of the iconic sitcom *Three’s Company* have wondered about the true nature of the strained relationship between co-stars Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers.

On screen, their chemistry as Janet Wood and Chrissy Snow was undeniable, contributing to one of television’s most beloved ensembles.

Off screen, however, whispers of contract disputes, tension, and fractured friendships swirled, leaving the public to speculate on what really happened behind the scenes.

Now, at 79 years old, Joyce DeWitt has finally broken her silence, revealing the complex truth behind their fallout and the personal toll it took on her.

 

When *Three’s Company* premiered in 1977, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

The show’s premise—a man sharing an apartment with two women—was daring for its time, and the comedic tension among the characters Janet, Chrissy, and Jack (played by John Ritter) captivated millions of viewers.

Joyce DeWitt’s portrayal of Janet Wood, the sensible and grounded brunette, perfectly complemented Suzanne Somers’ bubbly and naive Chrissy Snow.

Together, with John Ritter’s physical comedy, the trio created an electric on-screen dynamic.

 

Behind the scenes, the three leads initially shared a warm camaraderie. They rehearsed together, spent downtime chatting, and celebrated the show’s soaring ratings.

Both Joyce and Suzanne publicly praised each other’s talents, and John Ritter acted as a peacemaker, helping maintain harmony on set.

It was a golden period where success seemed to strengthen their bond.

Despite the early warmth, the pressures of fame soon exposed cracks.

As the show’s popularity grew, so did media attention, public appearances, and discussions about the cast’s worth.

By the fifth season, *Three’s Company* was a ratings powerhouse, and Suzanne Somers, who had become the breakout star, sought to renegotiate her contract.

At $30,000 per episode, she believed her contributions warranted a significant increase—to $150,000 per episode plus 10% of the show’s profits.

 

Suzanne’s husband and manager, Alan Hamill, pushed aggressively for this raise, which was bold for the era and network standards.

Joyce, who had a “favored nations” clause ensuring her salary matched any increases granted to co-stars, was caught off guard.

Her philosophy was rooted in the craft of acting rather than the business side, and she worried that Suzanne’s demands could jeopardize the show’s future.

 

The network resisted Suzanne’s demands, leading to a tense standoff. Rather than renegotiating, ABC chose to marginalize Suzanne, drastically reducing her screen time and isolating her on set.

Scenes featuring her character were filmed separately, and she was often escorted by security, creating an atmosphere of division that was palpable to cast and crew alike.

The once tight-knit trio became fractured. Joyce found the new set dynamics disheartening, as trust and collaboration gave way to distance and unspoken rules.

John Ritter tried to maintain professionalism but could not fully bridge the growing gap.

The scripts changed to introduce new characters to fill the void left by Chrissy’s diminished presence.

 

Joyce and Suzanne stopped speaking altogether. For over 30 years, there was no contact—not a phone call, letter, or chance meeting.

Both women moved forward professionally, but the shadow of their unresolved conflict lingered.

Joyce often deflected questions about the feud, preferring privacy, while Suzanne spoke more openly about the business disagreements but avoided personal attacks.

 

In 2012, after decades of silence, a surprising turn occurred.

Suzanne invited Joyce to appear on her online talk show, *Breaking Through*, to finally clear the air.

Despite initial hesitation, Joyce agreed. Their reunion was genuine and heartfelt, with a warm embrace signaling the end of their long-standing silence.

During their conversation, Suzanne acknowledged her aggressive approach and expressed regret for how it affected their friendship.

Joyce shared her perspective, explaining that the real pain came from the sudden disruption of trust and collaboration on set.

Both women expressed sorrow over the lost years and the joy they missed sharing.

 

The dialogue was filled with laughter and fond memories, providing fans with a rare glimpse of closure.

The bitterness that had defined their relationship was replaced with understanding and mutual respect.

 

As Joyce approached 79, she spoke more openly about the emotional toll the feud had taken.

She revealed that the experience shattered her belief that hard work and mutual respect could protect relationships in Hollywood.

The contract dispute exposed the cutthroat nature of the industry and the fragility of friendships when money and power come into play.

 

Joyce admitted missing Suzanne—not just as Chrissy Snow but as a person she once shared laughter and camaraderie with.

The pressures of production and media attention made reaching out difficult, and the silence grew into a chasm neither knew how to cross.

Yet, Joyce’s reflections also carried gratitude. The reconciliation lifted a heavy burden, allowing her to move forward with a lighter heart.

When Suzanne passed away in 2023, Joyce’s tribute was heartfelt and unguarded, calling her a “true and beautiful friend” and expressing gratitude for their shared time.

 

The story of Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers is not simply about a contract dispute or a broken friendship.

It is a layered narrative about ambition, misunderstandings, and the complicated dynamics of fame.

Both women were shaped by an industry that often pits co-stars against each other, yet their eventual reconciliation shows the power of forgiveness and the importance of empathy.

 

Their journey reminds us that fame is fleeting, but how we treat others leaves a lasting impact.

The *Three’s Company* saga highlights how success can both unite and divide, and how the choices made under pressure can echo for decades.

For fans, *Three’s Company* will always be remembered for its humor, John Ritter’s slapstick genius, and the unforgettable chemistry of Janet, Chrissy, and Jack.

But behind the scenes, the story was equally dramatic—marked by friendship, conflict, silence, and ultimately, healing.

 

Joyce DeWitt’s candid reflections at 79 offer a profound lesson: even the most public and painful rifts can be healed with time, courage, and honesty.

Her story with Suzanne Somers transcends celebrity gossip, revealing the human side of Hollywood and the enduring power of reconciliation.

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