10 Things Fans Never Knew About Three’s Company

Three’s Company was one of the most popular sitcoms of its time as it aired for 8 seasons from 1977 to 1984. The series was about three roommates, one man and two women, which was controversial at the time, living in Santa Monica. Due to the nature of their unique living arrangements, there were often misunderstandings that had fans laughing out loud.

It has been over 25 years since the series that captured everyone’s heart went off the air. This proves what an iconic sitcom Three’s Company was, as we are still talking about all these years later. While many fans might believe they know all there is to know about the goofy comedy, the series had a few mysteries. Here are 10 things fans never knew about Three’s Company:

10 The Three Main Characters Met On The First Day of Shooting

Suzanne Somers, John Ritter, and Joyce DeWitt had such great chemistry on set even at the very beginning of the series. Fans would never be able to tell that the first time the three main cast members met was on the first day of shooting.

The three were thrown together on the first day of production and luckily for everyone involved with Three’s Company, the talented actors were able to pull it off. Somers, Ritter, and DeWitt’s chemistry was undeniable, and the producers knew they had made the right decision when it came to casting.

9 The Opening Credits Woman Was Suzanne Somers

When fans think of Suzanne Somers, they think of her platinum blonde hair. Chrissy and Suzanne Somers were both known for their showstopping blonde hue, but the talented actress looks stunning as a brunette as well.

In the opening credits of Three’s Company, Jack is seen riding his bike along a pathway by the beach. He loses his balance and falls off his bike when a beautiful brunette catches his eye. And who might this dazzling dark-haired lady be? The woman was none other than Suzanne Somers in a wig.

8 Billy Crystal Was Almost Jack Tripper

Fans could not imagine anyone other than John Ritter being the goofy Jack Tripper that they all came to know and love. But John Ritter almost wasn’t didn’t get the part, as Billy Crystal was up for the role of the male roommate.

Luckily for fans of both John Ritter and Billy Crystal, everything worked out in the end. Ritter was perfect for the role of Jack and Billy Crystal went on to have a successful starring in iconic roles such as Harry Burns in When Harry Met Sally and Miracle Max in The Princess Bride. 

7 Somers Left Due to Unequal Pay

Suzanne Somers, Joyce DeWitt, and John Ritter made such a perfect team that fans were heartbroken when Somers left the series in 1981. When fans find out why Somers left the show, no doubt they will all be on her side.

Somers was ahead of her time. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was common for male actors to get paid more than their female costars. While Suzanne Somers was only making $30,000 per episode, John Ritter was raking in the big bucks, earning $150,000 per episode. When Somers demanded equal pay, they found a way to write her off the series. That didn’t keep her down though as she went on to have a successful career in Hollywood, starring in another sitcom called Step by Step. However… there could be more to it than that.

6 Larry Was Not Supposed To Be A Regular

Fans love Larry, Jack’s best friend, since he often had some of the funniest lines as the lady’s man. Three’s Company would not have been the same without Larry. But originally Larry was not supposed to be a regular on the sitcom.

The original plan for Larry was to be a one time character. Fans adored him right away though, and Richard Cline, the actor who plays Larry, and John Ritter had such great chemistry that the producers decided to keep him on as a regular. Fans can all agree that the producers made the right choice on this one.

5 Stanley Roper Was Based On A Real Person

Norman Fell was a natural at playing Stanley Roper, the money-obsessed landlord of Jack, Janet, and Chrissy. Fans especially loved the laughs they got from the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Roper. Norman Fell might fit the role so well since he based the character on someone he knew in real life.

Norman Fell stated the man he based his character on thought he was the cat’s meow, feeling he was attractive and that people were looking at him because of how well-kept he was. Norman didn’t make it sound like he was the biggest fan of the inspiration, but fans are happy the two met as Norman Fell was the best Stanley Roper they could ask for.

4 Suzanne Somers Got The Part At The Last Minute

The three castmates first met on the very first day of shooting and one of the reasons why was that the role of Chrissy was not cast until the day before the first day of production. The producers still had not found their perfect Chrissy and the deadline was rapidly approaching.

The production team desperately went through audition tapes and they stumbled upon Suzanne Somer’s audition. Network executive, Fred Silverman, knew Somers was the lady for the job and they hired her that day. Just in time, as production started the very next day.

3 Don Knotts Was Intimidated

Don Knotts was already a well-known actor before he landed the role of Mr. Furley on Three’s Company. He had starred in The Andy Griffith Show as deputy sheriff Barney Fife the 1960s. Most fans would be surprised to know that the comedic actor who was already successful was intimidated by Three’s Company. 

Don Knotts might have already starred in a sitcom before, but in the 1960’s they only used one camera to film. Three’s Company used three cameras. This new working environment made Knotts nervous, but his nerves quickly subsided when he received a standing ovation for his first performance on Three’s Company.

2 Priscilla Barnes Did Not Enjoy Her Time On The Show

When Suzanne Somers left the series in 1981, it left an empty bed that needed to be filled in the apartment. Priscilla Barnes was just the person to occupy the space. She starred as Terri Alden, the nurse who became Janet and Jack’s new roommate.

Barnes was on the series for its final three seasons. Many would think this must have been a great time and terrific opportunity for the actress, but things were not as nice as they seemed. Priscilla Barnes has stated that the producers were controlling, and she often got in trouble for small things such as her hair being too blonde.

1 There Were Three Pilots Made

Three’s Company was a huge hit and it seemed as if the show was an easy success as it aired for 8 seasons and people are still talking about the series 25 years later. But there is no reward if there is no hard work.

You know what they say, third times the charm, and this was the case for Three’s Company. They produced two other pilot episodes before they got it right on their third attempt. All that work paid off though, as the series went on to win several prestigious awards such as Primetime Emmy’s and Golden Globes.

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