Joyce DeWitt Finally Admits the Truth About Suzanne Somers at 79
For decades, fans of Three’s Company wondered about the rumored feud between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers. Now, at 79, DeWitt has broken her silence, revealing shocking details about their strained relationship.
The Rise and Fall of a TV Friendship
Three’s Company (1977-1984) was a smash hit, thanks to its trio of stars: Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood), Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow), and John Ritter (Jack Tripper). However, behind the laughter, tensions brewed.
In 1980, Somers demanded a massive pay raise—equal to Ritter’s salary—which led to her infamous firing. The network reduced her role to brief phone cameos before writing her off entirely. DeWitt, who remained loyal to the show, reportedly sided with producers, leading to a decades-long rift.
Joyce DeWitt’s Candid Confession
In a recent interview with People, DeWitt admitted:
“There was a lot of pain back then. Suzanne felt betrayed, and I was caught in the middle. We were like sisters, but business got in the way. I regret that we never reconciled before her passing.”
Somers passed away in October 2023 after a long battle with cancer. DeWitt’s emotional reflection suggests unresolved regrets.
Suzanne Somers’ Side of the Story
Somers had previously opened up about the feud in her memoir, Keeping Secrets (1988). She claimed DeWitt never reached out after her firing, deepening the divide.
“I thought Joyce would understand, but she didn’t. That hurt more than losing the job.” —Suzanne Somers
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
The revelation has sparked discussions online. A viral TikTok video revisiting their feud has over 2 million views:
🎥 Watch: “The Real Reason Suzanne Somers Left Three’s Company”
Fans on Twitter/X are divided:
-
“Joyce should’ve spoken up sooner. Too little, too late.” —@TVFanatic
-
“This makes me so sad. They deserved a better ending.” —@ClassicSitcomLover
Could There Have Been a Reconciliation?
In 2012, Somers and DeWitt briefly reunited on Somers’ talk show, The Suzanne Show. The interaction was polite but distant. DeWitt now admits:
“We should’ve talked privately first. The cameras made it awkward.”
Lessons from Hollywood Feuds
The DeWitt-Somers fallout mirrors other TV conflicts, like The Facts of Life cast vs. Mindy Cohn or The Brady Bunch tensions. Fame and money often strain even the closest bonds.
Final Thoughts
Joyce DeWitt’s admission offers closure to fans, but it’s bittersweet. With Somers gone, their story remains a cautionary tale about pride, forgiveness, and the cost of silence.
