Three’s Company’s final episode aired 40 years ago, after which the show was discontinued due to declining ratings. The team attempted to salvage this with guest stars like Roy Clark and Howard Rusell but to no avail. Despite this rocky start, Three’s Company boasts a loyal fanbase and a legacy that actress Joyce DeWitt says is built on the show acting as a safe escape.
Regardless, the show was a staple for many households and teens, which is why Joyce DeWitt called it a safe haven in a recent interview. Joyce, who played Janet Wood in the series, said she often meets adults today who tell her the series affected their lives positively.
Joyce DeWitt explains why the legacy of ‘Three’s Company’ remains strong, and has her still receiving mail from fans to this day
Joyce admitted that she still receives letters and comments even though the show ended in 1984, and they have mostly been heartwarming. She could tell that, for these fans, Three’s Company was a break from the tumultuous experience of adolescence, with loads of laughter as a cherry on top.
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The sitcom was about three roommates—Jack Tripper, Joyce’s Wood, and Chrissy Snow—who all live together in Santa Monica, California. Although the trio were hilarious and did a lot of stupid things, their support for one another stole young viewers’ hearts. Joyce is grateful to have been part of the iconic classic that still resonates for generations.
Life after ‘Three’s Company’
Four decades later, life has changed for Joyce and her two co-stars, Suzanne Somers and John Ritter. Sadly, Somers died of breast cancer last year, while Ritter died in the early 2000s due to heart surgery. She paid tribute to them, calling Somers a wonderful person to work with, and Ritter a true gift.
After Three’s Company, Joyce appeared on Finder of Lost Lives and then took a lengthy hiatus from acting before returning in 1991. She also co-produced the NBC television film Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three’s Company, where actress Melanie Paxson portrayed her. Joyce has appeared in a few more productions, including 2022’s Ask Me To Dance.