The Controversial Departure
In 1980, before season 5, Suzanne made a decision that would haunt her career for years.
What happened:
The demand: Suzanne’s husband/manager Alan Hamel negotiated with ABC, asking for:
- A salary increase from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode (matching male stars like Alan Alda)
- A percentage of the show’s profits
- The ability to do outside projects
The context: Suzanne felt she deserved equal pay. The show’s success was partly due to her popularity, and male stars earned significantly more.
The fallout: ABC refused. The relationship became bitter. Rather than firing her outright, they:
- Reduced her to one minute of screen time per episode (appearing via phone calls)
- Eventually wrote her character out entirely
- Replaced her with cousins Cindy and later Terri
The freeze-out: The cast and crew turned against Suzanne. John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt stopped speaking to her entirely. She was seen as greedy and difficult—a reputation that followed her for decades.
Her perspective: Suzanne always maintained she was fighting for women’s equal pay in Hollywood. Looking back, many now see her as ahead of her time—doing what’s now common practice.
After Three’s Company
The wilderness years (1981-1987): Suzanne struggled to find work. She was seen as difficult, and Hollywood largely blacklisted her.
The comeback:
She’s the Sheriff (1987-1989): Her own sitcom, which ran for two seasons.
Step by Step (1991-1998): Suzanne’s major comeback! Playing Carol Foster, the matriarch of a blended family, she was back on top. The show ran for seven successful seasons on ABC and CBS.
ThighMaster spokesperson: In the 1990s, Suzanne became the face of the ThighMaster exercise device, selling over 10 million units. She became synonymous with fitness infomercials.
Later career:
- Talk show host (The Suzanne Show, Suzanne Somers Breaking Through)
- Author of over 27 books (health, beauty, autobiography)
- Las Vegas performer
- Health and wellness entrepreneur
- Reality TV appearances
Reinvention: Suzanne successfully reinvented herself as a health and wellness guru, author, and businesswoman. She became wealthy and successful on her own terms.
Personal Life
Marriage: Married to Alan Hamel since 1977—over 45 years. Their relationship was controversial (she was married when they met), but they proved everyone wrong with their lasting bond.
Children: One son, Bruce, from her first marriage.
Health battles:
- Breast cancer in 2000 (she chose controversial alternative treatments alongside traditional ones)
- Multiple subsequent health challenges
- Became an advocate for alternative medicine (controversially)
Reconciliation and Legacy
2012 reconciliation: After 31 years of silence, Suzanne and Joyce DeWitt finally reconciled. Suzanne had been diagnosed with cancer, and Joyce reached out. They made peace and spoke fondly of their Three’s Company days.
John Ritter’s death: Suzanne was devastated by John’s death in 2003 and regretted they never reconciled before he passed.
Her Passing
Suzanne Somers died on October 15, 2023—one day before her 77th birthday—after a long battle with breast cancer that had returned.
The tributes: The outpouring of love was immense. Joyce DeWitt spoke movingly about her. Fans celebrated both Chrissy Snow and Suzanne’s remarkable life.
What we remember: Chrissy Snow made us laugh with her innocent observations and sweet nature. Suzanne Somers showed resilience, reinventing herself multiple times and building an empire. Love her or not, she was a survivor who did things her way.
Norman Fell (Stanley Roper): The Grumpy Landlord
Born: March 24, 1924
Died: December 14, 1998 (age 74)
Norman Fell played Stanley Roper, the perpetually grumpy, sex-starved landlord who believed Jack was gay.
The Character
Stanley was the perfect sitcom landlord—cheap, suspicious, and constantly exasperated by his tenants’ antics. His frustration with his wife Helen’s lack of interest in intimacy was a running joke.
Career
Before Three’s Company: Norman was a respected character actor with decades of film and TV work, including roles in Ocean’s 11, The Graduate, and Bullitt.
Three’s Company years (1977-1979): Norman and Audra Lindley (who played Helen) had such great chemistry that ABC gave them their own spinoff.
The Ropers (1979-1980): The spinoff followed Stanley and Helen to a new apartment complex. It lasted only one season—audiences preferred them as supporting characters.
After The Ropers: Norman continued working in TV and film but never recaptured Three’s Company’s success. He appeared in various shows throughout the ’80s and early ’90s.
His Death
Norman Fell died in 1998 from cancer at age 74. He was remembered as a consummate professional and talented character actor
Audra Lindley (Helen Roper): The Long-Suffering Wife
Born: September 24, 1918
Died: October 16, 1997 (age 79)
Audra Lindley played Helen Roper, Stanley’s sharp-tongued, sex-deprived wife who often joined the tenants in teasing her husband.
The Character
Helen was hilarious—constantly making barbed comments about Stanley’s inadequacy as a husband and lover. She had great chemistry with the younger cast members.
Career
Before Three’s Company: Audra had a long, successful career in television, appearing in over 100 shows including The Odd Couple, Cannon, and MAS*H.
Three’s Company and The Ropers: Like Norman, Audra left for The Ropers spinoff. When it ended after one season, she continued working steadily.
After The Ropers: Appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including Cybill and Troop Beverly Hills (1989).
Her Death
Audra died in 1997 from leukemia at age 79. She worked almost until the end—a true professional.
Don Knotts (Ralph Furley): The Eccentric New Landlord
Born: July 21, 1924
Died: February 24, 2006 (age 81)
Don Knotts joined Three’s Company in season 4 as Ralph Furley, replacing the Ropers as the building’s new landlord.
The Legend
Don Knotts was already a comedy legend when he joined Three’s Company, famous for playing Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show (winning five Emmy Awards!).
The Character
Ralph Furley was flamboyant, fashion-challenged, and constantly trying (and failing) to be cool and appeal to women. Don brought his signature nervous energy and impeccable timing to the role.
His impact: While fans initially mourned the Ropers’ departure, Don’s brilliance won audiences over. Ralph Furley became beloved in his own right.
Career
Before Three’s Company:
- The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)
- The Don Knotts Show
- Multiple films including The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut
After Three’s Company: Don continued working in the 1990s and 2000s:
- Matlock (reuniting with Andy Griffith)
- Voice work in Disney’s Chicken Little (2005)
- Various TV guest appearances
Personal Life
Don was married three times and had two children. He was known as a kind, humble man despite his fame.
His Death
Don Knotts died in 2006 from lung cancer at age 81. He was surrounded by close friends, including Andy Griffith.
His legacy: Don is remembered as one of television’s greatest comedic actors. Barney Fife and Ralph Furley remain iconic characters.
Jenilee Harrison (Cindy Snow) & Priscilla Barnes (Terri Alden)
Jenilee Harrison (Cindy Snow)
Suzanne’s replacement (1980-1982): Jenilee played Chrissy’s cousin Cindy Snow—essentially the same character with a different name. She appeared for two seasons.
What happened after:
- Worked steadily in TV throughout the ’80s
- Appeared on Dallas and other shows
- Eventually left Hollywood
- Lives privately in California today
Priscilla Barnes (Terri Alden)
The final roommate (1981-1984): Priscilla played Terri Alden, a smart nurse—a departure from the “dumb blonde” archetype.
The challenge: Priscilla had the unenviable task of replacing Suzanne Somers. She was talented, but fans never fully embraced her.
After Three’s Company:
- Continued working in TV and film
- Notable roles in The Devil’s Rejects (2005) and other horror films
- Still acts today in her 70s
- Has spoken openly about feeling like she never got credit for her work on Three’s Company
Richard Kline (Larry Dallas): The Sleazy Best Friend
Born: April 29, 1944
Age: 80
Richard Kline played Larry Dallas, Jack’s oversexed, polyester-suited best friend who lived upstairs.
The Character
Larry was Jack’s wingman and bad influence—always chasing women, giving terrible advice, and getting Jack into trouble.
Career
After Three’s Company: Richard continued working steadily in theater (his first love) and television:
- Numerous guest appearances on TV shows
- Extensive theater work
- Teaching acting
Today
At 80, Richard still acts occasionally and teaches. He’s embraced his legacy as Larry Dallas and does nostalgia events celebrating Three’s Company.
The Show’s Legacy
Cultural Impact
Three’s Company was groundbreaking in its time:
- Dealt with then-controversial topics (living together before marriage, sexuality)
- Featured strong female characters
- Showcased physical comedy when it was becoming rare on TV
- Made audiences comfortable with unconventional living arrangements
Continued Popularity
Syndication success: Three’s Company never left the air. It’s been in continuous syndication since 1984, introducing new generations to Jack, Janet, and Chrissy.
Streaming era: The show found new life on streaming platforms, with younger audiences discovering and loving it.
Influence: Many modern sitcoms cite Three’s Company as an influence, particularly its physical comedy and “will they/won’t they” romantic tension.
Feuds, Reconciliation, and What Could Have Been
The Suzanne Somers Feud
The biggest “what if” of Three’s Company is Suzanne’s departure. Had she stayed:
- Would the show have been even bigger?
- Would the cast have remained close?
- Would they have reunited?
The reconciliation: That Suzanne and Joyce finally made peace in 2012 was beautiful. They spent the last decade of Suzanne’s life on good terms.
The tragedy: That Suzanne and John never reconciled before his death remains heartbreaking. Both later expressed regret about the rift.
Reunion Attempts
Why it never happened: There were attempts to reunite the cast over the years, but John’s death in 2003 ended those possibilities forever. Without Jack Tripper, a reunion didn’t make sense.
The Bottom Line: A Show That Made Us Laugh
Three’s Company wasn’t high art—it was a silly sitcom about roommates and misunderstandings. But it was brilliantly executed silly, with talented actors who created characters we genuinely loved.
What made it special:
✓ John Ritter’s genius: Physical comedy that rivaled the greats ✓ The chemistry: The cast worked together like magic ✓ The innocence: The show was naughty but never mean-spirited ✓ The warmth: Under the jokes, there was real affection between characters ✓ The simplicity: It was just funny—no deeper meaning necessary
What we lost:
The death of John Ritter robbed us of one of comedy’s true talents. He was gone far too soon at 54, with so much more to give.
Suzanne Somers’ passing in 2023 reminded us that this generation of stars won’t be with us forever.
What remains:
The laughter. The memories. The theme song that instantly makes us smile. Three’s Company remains a time capsule of late-’70s/early-’80s America—simpler times when a sitcom about roommates could bring families together.
Come and knock on our door anytime—Jack, Janet, and Chrissy will always be waiting.
What’s your favorite Three’s Company memory? Share in the comments!
Quick Cast Status Update
Still With Us:
- Joyce DeWitt (Janet) – 75, living privately
- Richard Kline (Larry) – 80, still acting/teaching
- Priscilla Barnes (Terri) – 69, still acting
- Jenilee Harrison (Cindy) – 66, private life
Passed Away:
- John Ritter (Jack) – Died 2003, age 54
- Norman Fell (Stanley) – Died 1998, age 74
- Audra Lindley (Helen) – Died 1997, age 79
- Don Knotts (Ralph) – Died 2006, age 81
- Suzanne Somers (Chrissy) – Died 2023, age 76