Beloved Three’s Company star Suzanne Somers passed away after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy cherished by millions. Her role on the iconic show turned her into a household name, but behind the scenes, not everything was as perfect as it seemed. Suzanne and her co-star Joyce DeWitt had a tumultuous relationship that took years to mend.
Early Life and Struggles
Suzanne Somers, born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, faced significant challenges from an early age. Growing up with an alcoholic father who called her “stupid” and “worthless,” Suzanne endured years of verbal abuse. Eventually, she found the strength to leave her difficult home environment.
Years later, her father asked for forgiveness, and Suzanne believed the hardships she faced made her stronger.
Rise to Fame
Suzanne’s life took a turn when she attended Lone Mountain College, now the University of San Francisco. She had to drop out after becoming pregnant, leading to her marriage and the birth of her son, Bruce Jr. An accident involving her son led to Suzanne undergoing therapy, where she realized her low self-esteem issues.
Her break came with a small role in George Lucas’ film American Graffiti. This led to an appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where she read poetry to a national audience. Soon after, she was cast as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company, skyrocketing her to fame.
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Controversy and Firing
At the height of her career, Suzanne demanded a 500% raise, equal to her male co-star John Ritter’s salary. Instead of a raise, she was fired, a move meant to send a message to other women in the industry.
Reflecting on the event, Suzanne admitted she fell into deep grief and hid away for a year. The firing made it difficult for her to find work, and she was even banned from talking to anyone on set while finishing the fifth season.
Feud with Joyce DeWitt
The relationship between Suzanne and Joyce DeWitt soured, leading to decades of estrangement. Joyce admitted they had different career needs and approaches.
After 30 years, the two reunited on Suzanne’s talk show, Breaking Through, where they discussed their differences and reflected on their careers. Joyce acknowledged Suzanne’s resilience and accomplishments, while Suzanne confessed to possibly annoying her co-stars.
Final Reconciliation and Legacy
Following Suzanne’s passing, Joyce DeWitt expressed her grief and paid tribute to her. She acknowledged the close bond within Suzanne’s family and wished them comfort during their difficult time.
Joyce believed Suzanne was greeted by angels and hoped this thought would help heal her family’s hearts. The reconciliation between Suzanne and Joyce serves as a reminder of the power of forgiveness and understanding.
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