Nearly five decades after Three’s Company first aired, fans still smile at the mere mention of Janet Wood, the smart and grounded brunette who balanced the chaos of her eccentric roommates. Joyce DeWitt, the actress behind Janet, became a household name in the late 1970s—but her time on the show wasn’t all laughter behind the scenes. Today, DeWitt looks back on the show’s lasting legacy, the fame it brought her, and the complicated dynamics that unfolded off-camera.
The Role That Made Her a Star
When Joyce DeWitt first auditioned for Three’s Company, she was a trained theater actress with a strong stage background and minimal screen time. Her portrayal of Janet Wood—a sensible florist with a quick wit—provided a much-needed anchor in a sitcom known for its misunderstandings and farcical setups.
Fans quickly connected with Janet. She wasn’t a glamorized caricature or a ditzy blonde. She was relatable, down-to-earth, and never afraid to speak her mind. That contrast helped ground the show and gave it a dynamic energy that elevated every punchline and pratfall.
A Tense Working Environment
While the series was beloved by audiences, tensions ran high behind the scenes. Much has been written over the years about the rift between DeWitt and her co-star Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow. During the show’s fifth season, Somers demanded a significant salary increase and equal pay with co-star John Ritter. When producers declined, Somers was ultimately written out of the series.
The fallout wasn’t just contractual—it became personal. DeWitt, feeling blindsided by the demands and the media attention surrounding the conflict, distanced herself from Somers, leading to years of silence between the two actresses.
In recent interviews, DeWitt has acknowledged the difficulty of that time, admitting that the media circus and professional pressure affected their friendship. “It was heartbreaking, really. It didn’t have to go that way,” she once shared. “But we were young, and the business was ruthless.”
Reconciliation and Closure
In a moving moment that touched fans around the world, DeWitt and Somers reunited on-screen in 2012 during an emotional interview. It was the first time they had spoken in decades. Both women expressed regret over how their friendship had unraveled and offered each other understanding and forgiveness.
For fans, the reunion was more than just a feel-good story—it was closure. Seeing the two actresses who had brought so much joy to their screens find peace was a poignant reminder of the human side of show business.
DeWitt’s Life After the Laughter
After Three’s Company ended in 1984, DeWitt largely stepped away from the spotlight. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she didn’t chase the fame that followed. Instead, she traveled, focused on philanthropic work, and returned to theater—her original passion.
In recent years, she’s taken on selective acting roles and continues to appear at fan conventions. DeWitt has also spoken publicly about the importance of artists maintaining their integrity and mental health in an industry that often forgets its stars once the cameras stop rolling.
Despite the ups and downs, she remains proud of her work on Three’s Company. “We made people laugh,” she often says. “And in a world that was often heavy, laughter mattered.”
The Legacy of Janet Wood
Janet was more than just a sitcom character—she was a symbol of strength, intelligence, and female friendship. While the world was busy laughing at Jack’s missteps and Chrissy’s one-liners, it was Janet who gave the show emotional weight.
Joyce DeWitt’s performance gave generations of viewers someone they could look up to. In an era dominated by exaggerated archetypes, she created a woman who felt honest and authentic.
Today, as Three’s Company continues to be discovered by new audiences, DeWitt’s work remains as relevant and impactful as ever. Her journey—both on and off the screen—is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of time to heal even the deepest divides.
