Three’s Company was one of the most popular sitcoms of its time, and it aired for 8 seasons from 1977 to 1984. The series was about three roommates, one man and two women, living in Santa Monica. Due to the nature of their unique living arrangements, there were often misunderstandings that had fans laughing out loud, and the premise was actually considered quite controversial at the time.
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.
As with any television series of such acclaim, there’s quite a bit of background information surrounding Three’s Company to which even seasoned fans may not be privy. From Priscilla Barnes’ hair color to John Ritter’s surprising cameo, it’s time to catch up with everyone’s favorite Santa Monica-based roommates.
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.
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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 were undeniable, and the producers knew they had made the right decision when it came to casting.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Ritter, DeWitt, and Somers Were Meant To Sing The Opening Theme
The phrase “come and knock on our door” was and continues to be a huge part of Baby Boomer vernacular, but it may not have been quite as memorable had the initial pitch of forcing the stars of the show to sing it gone through.
According to legendary television songwriter and composer of the Three’s Company theme Joe Raposo in a behind-the-scenes novel appropriately titled Come and Knock on Our Door: A Hers And Hers And His Guide To Three’s Company, the show’s producers entertained the idea of having the cast sing at least part of the theme. However, in his own words, the cast “…tried,” but “they didn’t even come close.”
Larry Was Not Supposed To Be A Regular
Fans love Jack’s best friend Larry 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.
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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.
Stanley Roper Was Based On A Real Person
Norman Fell was a natural at playing Stanley Roper, the money-minded 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 very highly of himself, 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.
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 felt that Somers was the lady for the job, and they hired her that day. Just in time, too, as production started the very next day.
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 in 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 1960s, they only used one camera to film, and 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.
The Toddler In The Season Six Intro Was Actually John Ritter’s Son
Introduced during the series’ sixth season, the intro featuring the characters goofing around at the Los Angeles Zoo is perhaps its most memorable. Interestingly enough, during Joyce DeWitt’s spotlight, she’s seen petting a goat before being approached by a small child. That child was actually cast member John Ritter’s then one-year-old son.
In a 2010 interview with The Huffington Post, Jason Ritter admits that he doesn’t actually remember the event, but, allegedly, he slipped away from his mother and wandered into the shot, and producers liked the take enough to add it in.
Priscilla Barnes Did Not Enjoy Her Time On The Show
When Suzanne Somers left Three’s Company in 1981, it left a significant hole that needed to be filled in the apartment, and 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. According to CNN, 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.
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.
Yet, the third time is 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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