It’s been years since *Three’s Company* was on TV, but the laughs it brought us are still fresh in our minds.
With its memorable characters and hilarious mix-ups, this classic show changed the world of sitcoms forever. Now, Joyce DeWitt shares what truly made *Three’s Company* a show we’ll never forget…
From the funny adventures of three single roommates to the unforgettable acting of John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, *Three’s Company* is still a favorite on American TV. It’s hard to believe that 40 years have passed since the final episode aired on ABC, yet the show’s charm and humor continue to entertain us.
To show just how long it’s been, I recently watched the intro. The scenes at Santa Monica Pier remind me of how much has changed since the show was filmed.
Sadly, both John Ritter and Suzanne Somers have passed away, leaving us far too soon. But Joyce DeWitt, now 75, keeps the spirit of *Three’s Company* alive by sharing her stories and memories of the beloved show.
“The most dear, precious, tender – and utterly unexpected – experiences that have come from working in *Three’s Company* are the many, many adults who have told me that *Three’s Company* was a safe haven they could count on during their teen years – for some, the only safe haven,” Joyce DeWitt told *US Weekly*.
Playing Janet Wood alongside John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, Joyce DeWitt became a TV star and brought joy to millions of viewers.
She appeared in 171 episodes of *Three’s Company* 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 wanted to do was make people laugh. When I think about it, the show was really like a modern version of a 16th-century comedy. It was all about crazy fun. We talked about serious issues sometimes, but that was always in the background.”
“John Ritter used to say, ‘We don’t want people to just laugh but to fall over their couch laughing,’” she added. “But in the end, it was about the deep friendship and love the characters had for each other. That’s what made people love them.”
After *Three’s Company* ended, Joyce DeWitt took a break from the spotlight for over ten years before returning to acting.
No matter what she has done or plans to do in the future, most people will always remember her for that iconic show. And according to DeWitt, there’s a simple reason for this.
“It was a ‘time out’ from the tough, stressful situations young people were dealing with in their lives,” DeWitt explains, adding:
“And, of course, they say the characters did silly, crazy things that made them laugh. But it was the love, trust, and support between the characters that made fans stay with the show for life.”
In unedited photos from the *Three’s Company* set, the close bond between the cast is clear, especially in the pictures of Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, who played the much-loved Chrissy Snow.
Both actresses gave memorable performances, portraying young women making their way in a male-dominated world. Their contributions were just as important to the show’s success as John Ritter’s, and in those early days, their smiles in the photos show a sense of friendship and teamwork.
But beneath the laughter, tensions were brewing. While Somers was praised for her role as “the dumbest blonde in America,” her push for equal pay led to growing conflicts. She demanded a 500% salary increase, from $30,000 to $150,000, which put a strain on her relationship with DeWitt. What was once a joyful set became a place of tension and disagreements.
Suzanne Somers always saw *Three’s Company* as a serious business and took her role as an actor very seriously, but she knew this approach bothered her co-stars.
Eventually, Somers was fired but still had to finish the fifth season under strange conditions. She was kept apart from the cast, filming her scenes through odd phone calls while escorted by security. The tension grew, leading to a painful break between Somers and Joyce DeWitt.
For over 30 years, they didn’t speak, a long silence that felt difficult to understand when you looked back at their early friendship on the show.
“They painted me as if I was trying to ruin the show,” Suzanne Somers said in 2020. “So, I never talked to anyone on that show ever again. Ever again.”
Some people thought that Joyce DeWitt’s rivalry played a role in Somers’ departure, but it was really the salary negotiations that caused the rift between them.
Their different situations made things more complicated — Somers was a single mother who needed financial security, while DeWitt was more focused on her acting. This added to the strain on their relationship.
“We had very different approaches to our careers,” Joyce DeWitt said about her relationship with Suzanne Somers after the show. “We had very different needs. I didn’t have a child to support on my own. I didn’t have a business mindset, so I didn’t understand someone who did.”
But in a wonderful turn of events, the two finally reunited in February 2012 on Somers’ talk show, *Breaking Through*. It was clear they had made peace.
The former co-stars shared a heartfelt hug, and their open conversation about the past showed signs of healing.
DeWitt expressed her deep admiration for Somers, saying, “You went up against ruthlessness, and it came down, but what you’ve gone on to do is immeasurable.” This touching moment highlighted the strength of their journey and the power of forgiveness. The two actresses remained friends until Somers’s sad passing in 2023.
In an interview with *US Weekly*, Joyce DeWitt spoke warmly about her late co-stars, honoring the lasting impact they made. Reflecting on Suzanne Somers, who passed away from breast cancer, DeWitt described her as “absolutely wonderful.”
She also paid tribute to John Ritter, who died in 2003 during heart surgery, calling him “a true gift.”
Looking back at the photos from *Three’s Company*, we are reminded of a different, happier time—one filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories. These images not only capture the joy the cast brought to TV screens but also highlight the lasting legacy they have left behind.
The entire school used to mock this nine-year-old girl because of her weight but look at her now!
Breanna Bond’s journey embodies the poignant narrative of confronting childhood obesity head-on and discovering the empowering potential of determination, encouragement, and embracing a healthy lifestyle.
Since her earliest years, Breanna faced the cruelty of her peers due to her weight. Even as a young student in elementary school, she stood out as heavier than her classmates, weighing in at forty-five kilograms when she started first grade.
As time passed, her weight continued to climb, reaching an alarming eighty-four kilograms by the age of nine.
The relentless teasing and bullying at school left Breanna feeling isolated and disheartened. Every day she returned home, emotionally battered and on the verge of tears, a casualty of the unkindness she encountered.
The root of Breanna’s weight struggles stemmed from her family’s dietary habits, which leaned heavily on sweets and junk food. Regular visits to fast food joints and indulging in calorie-rich snacks took a toll on her health and well-being.
Concerned for their daughter’s welfare, Breanna’s parents sought medical advice, hoping to find a solution to her escalating weight gain.
After consulting with a nutritionist, Breanna and her family embarked on a transformative journey. They bid farewell to sugary treats and processed snacks, opting instead for nourishing, wholesome foods. Exercise became a staple of their routine, with family walks and organized sports taking precedence over sedentary activities.
The road to change was challenging. Breanna grappled with fatigue and hunger as she adjusted to her new lifestyle. There were moments of frustration and resentment, especially towards her parents for depriving her of her favorite treats.
However, Breanna persisted, driven by an unwavering determination to reclaim her health and happiness.
Gradually, their efforts bore fruit. Breanna’s once-round figure began to slim down, her confidence soaring with each passing day. Her classmates took notice, trading taunts for admiration.
In the swimming pool, an old friend failed to recognize her, so profound was her transformation. In just a year, Breanna shed an impressive thirty-five kilograms, a testament to her resilience.
But Breanna’s journey wasn’t just about physical change; it was a voyage of self-discovery and empowerment. Fueled by newfound confidence, Breanna excelled in sports, earning a spot on the school’s cheerleading squad and even participating in the Teen Olympic Games.
Today, Breanna stands as a symbol of hope for those grappling with obesity, her story serving as inspiration for many. With humility and kindness, she shares her experiences, offering support and guidance to those on a similar journey to wellness.
Through her grit and determination, Breanna proves that no challenge is insurmountable and that with dedication and perseverance, anything is achievable.
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