For millions of viewers in the early 1980s, Terri Alden’s arrival on Three’s Company brought a fresh spark to the beloved sitcom. But behind the laughter and perfectly timed punchlines, life on set was far from joyful for the actress portraying her.
When Priscilla Barnes joined the hit ABC comedy in 1981 as a replacement roommate following the departure of Suzanne Somers, she quickly became a familiar face in American households. Yet, what looked like a dream opportunity from the outside would later become one of the most emotionally draining chapters of her career.
In a revealing 1998 appearance on E! True Hollywood Story, Barnes didn’t mince words — famously describing her three seasons on the sitcom as the “three worst years” of her life.
According to Barnes, the discomfort began almost immediately after filming her first few episodes. She reportedly felt out of place on set due to underlying tension among cast members and the overall atmosphere behind the scenes. The situation became so overwhelming that she even asked producers to release her from her contract — a request that was ultimately denied.
In later interviews, the actress hinted at strict creative control and an inflexible production environment that left little room for personal expression. Reflecting on the experience years later, Barnes explained that even minor details — like her hairstyle — were heavily scrutinized by executives, contributing to her growing frustration.
Despite her personal struggles, Barnes remained with the show until its finale in 1984, appearing in more than 70 episodes and helping maintain the series’ popularity during its later seasons. Ironically, the role that brought her nationwide recognition also became one she remembers with the least fondness.
Today, Three’s Company remains a classic of American television — but for Priscilla Barnes, the sitcom’s legacy is far more complicated than the cheerful reruns might suggest.