When Three’s Company first aired in 1977, it was an overnight sensation. With its perfect blend of physical comedy, clever writing, and charismatic leads, the show became a cornerstone of American television. At the heart of that trio was Joyce DeWitt, who played the smart, grounded, and lovable Janet Wood. But behind the scenes, the story was far more complicated—and ultimately painful.
A Star on the Rise
Joyce DeWitt had high hopes when she joined Three’s Company. The Indiana-born actress had a theater background and a serious passion for performance. For several seasons, she enjoyed the show’s success and the chemistry she shared with co-stars John Ritter and Suzanne Somers. But as the show’s popularity soared, tensions began to simmer beneath the surface.
Cracks Behind the Curtain
The turning point came during a very public contract dispute between Suzanne Somers and the show’s producers in 1980. Somers demanded a significant raise—equal to John Ritter’s salary—and a share of the show’s profits. When her request was denied, she was ultimately fired from the series.
DeWitt, while not directly involved in the dispute, was deeply affected. Unlike Somers, she did not demand more money, but she did expect fairness and respect. Instead, she watched her friend and co-star be written out and vilified. DeWitt later reflected that she felt invisible, noting how the producers focused all their attention on Ritter:
“They decided they could afford to lose one of the women—but not their leading man,” she said in a retrospective interview.
Emotional Fallout
The aftermath left DeWitt emotionally raw. Although she continued on Three’s Company for three more years, the experience had changed her. She described the environment as “toxic” and said it became harder and harder to feel joy in her work. At one point, she even skipped a rehearsal—a quiet protest against what she saw as a lack of appreciation and overwhelming stress.
When the show ended in 1984, DeWitt walked away—not just from the series, but from Hollywood entirely.
A Step Away from the Spotlight
For nearly a decade, Joyce DeWitt retreated from acting. What was meant to be a six-month break turned into more than nine years. During that time, she traveled, studied spirituality, and tried to reconnect with herself after years of professional disillusionment.
She returned to the stage in the early ’90s with the play Noises Off, and has since made sporadic appearances in theater, independent films, and television. Her credits include Hope Island, Spring Fling!, and guest appearances on shows like Cybill and The Nick at Nite Holiday Special.
In 2003, DeWitt co-produced and hosted Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three’s Company, a TV movie that chronicled the drama behind the sitcom. While she did not participate in earlier retrospectives, this project allowed her to present the story from her perspective.
Reconciling the Past
Perhaps the most surprising turn came in 2012, when DeWitt appeared on Suzanne Somers’ talk show. The two had not spoken for over three decades, following the fallout from the show. The reunion was warm, emotional, and cathartic. Both acknowledged their regrets and reflected on how young and unprepared they had been for the fame and pressure that came with Three’s Company.
Though they never fully rekindled a friendship, their televised conversation offered a sense of closure. When Somers passed away in 2023, DeWitt expressed her condolences and praised her former co-star’s strength and spirit.
A Lasting Legacy
Joyce DeWitt may have left Three’s Company with a broken heart, but she also left behind a legacy of integrity. She never chased the spotlight for its own sake. Instead, she chose to step back when fame no longer aligned with her values.
Today, DeWitt continues to perform on occasion and participates in theater projects across North America. She lives a relatively quiet life, far from the chaos of Hollywood, but with a deep appreciation for the impact her work had on generations of fans.
Her journey serves as a reminder that even in an industry fueled by glamour and attention, walking away can sometimes be the most powerful choice of all.
