Suzanne Somers was one of the brightest stars on Three’s Company, playing the lovable and quirky Chrissy Snow. Her comedic timing, bubbly personality, and signature charm made her a fan favorite from the start. However, after five successful seasons, Somers abruptly left the series, leaving viewers shocked and producers scrambling to fill the void. Behind her exit was a story that changed how Hollywood viewed women in television.
In 1980, at the height of the show’s success, Suzanne Somers requested a salary increase. She was reportedly earning $30,000 per episode and asked for $150,000 — the same amount her co-star John Ritter was receiving. Somers also wanted a share of the show’s profits, arguing that her role was just as crucial to the series’ popularity.
The network rejected her demands, and the negotiations quickly turned sour. After she missed several tapings during the dispute, producers reduced her screen time to short scenes filmed separately from the rest of the cast. Eventually, she was written out of the show entirely, with her character replaced by Chrissy’s cousin Cindy Snow, played by Jenilee Harrison.
Somers later reflected on the experience as a defining moment in her career. Though the industry labeled her “difficult” at the time, her stand for equal pay became a milestone in the broader conversation about gender equality in Hollywood. In later interviews, Somers said the fallout was painful but necessary — and ultimately paved the way for greater opportunities outside of network sitcoms.
Despite her departure, Three’s Company continued for several more seasons. But many fans agree the show never fully recaptured the original magic that Somers helped create. Her exit not only marked the end of an era but also ignited a conversation that would echo through the entertainment world for decades.
