Three’s Company was known for its laughter and lighthearted tone—but behind the scenes, things weren’t always so cheerful. One of the biggest turning points in the show’s history came when Suzanne Somers, who played the iconic Chrissy Snow, left the series under highly publicized and controversial circumstances.
Suzanne Somers and the Battle for Equal Pay
At the height of Three’s Company’s success, Suzanne Somers was a breakout star. Her role as the bubbly, naive Chrissy made her a household name, and her chemistry with co-stars John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt was central to the show’s charm.
But in 1980, after four seasons, Somers demanded a significant salary increase—reportedly asking for pay equal to John Ritter, the show’s lead. While her request reflected growing conversations around gender pay equity in Hollywood, the producers didn’t see it that way. When negotiations broke down, Somers was written out of the show.
A Quiet Exit and an Awkward Transition
Rather than giving Chrissy a proper sendoff, the show awkwardly kept her character “off-screen,” appearing only in short phone call segments filmed separately from the rest of the cast. Eventually, she was replaced by new characters—Cindy Snow (Chrissy’s cousin) and later Terri Alden.
While both new additions brought fresh dynamics, fans noticed the shift. The trio’s original chemistry—especially between Ritter, DeWitt, and Somers—was irreplaceable, and ratings began to dip in later seasons.
The Off-Screen Fallout
The dispute created real tension among the cast. Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers did not speak for decades, and Somers later admitted that the fallout affected her deeply. It wasn’t until many years later that reconciliation happened off-screen.
Despite the drama, Suzanne Somers used her fame to launch a successful career as a businesswoman, author, and health advocate.
A Lasting Impact
The shake-up remains one of the most talked-about moments in Three’s Company history. It highlighted growing conversations about gender equality in the entertainment industry, long before such issues became mainstream in Hollywood discussions.
More than four decades later, Chrissy Snow remains an iconic character, and Suzanne Somers’ bold stand is remembered as a pivotal moment in both television and pop culture.
Three’s Company made people laugh for years—but it also told a story about what happens when stardom, power, and principle collide behind the scenes. And it’s that blend of humor and history that makes the show unforgettable.
