For millions of fans, Joyce DeWitt will forever be remembered as Janet Wood—the grounded, witty, and often underappreciated roommate who kept the chaotic household of Three’s Company together. While Jack and Chrissy often stumbled into wild situations, Janet was the voice of reason, giving the sitcom its much-needed balance.
DeWitt was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and raised in Speedway, Indiana. She studied theater at Ball State University and later earned a master’s degree in acting from UCLA. When she landed the role of Janet in 1977, she was still a relative newcomer to Hollywood. Overnight, she became one of the most recognizable faces on television.
Despite her fame, DeWitt was never entirely comfortable with the spotlight. After Three’s Company ended in 1984, she largely stepped away from television and film. Instead, she focused on stage productions, starring in plays like Noises Off, Gypsy, and Love Letters. She has always described theater as her “first love,” where she felt most connected to her craft and her audience.
Unlike some of her co-stars, DeWitt avoided the tabloid spotlight and kept her private life remarkably quiet. She rarely granted interviews and preferred to live outside the Hollywood bubble. Still, she occasionally resurfaced for special reunions or charity events, reminding fans of the warmth and intelligence she brought to Janet.
Today, Joyce DeWitt remains admired not only for her role in one of TV’s most iconic sitcoms but also for her refusal to let fame define her. She has lived her career on her own terms—something rare in Hollywood—and continues to be celebrated for her contributions both on stage and off.
