Joyce DeWitt turns 76 this year, and while she’s mostly remembered as Janet Wood on Three’s Company, there’s much more to her story than the beloved sitcom. Behind the scenes, she’s lived a life filled with artistic passion, unexpected detours, and personal choices that defied Hollywood norms.
Whether you’ve followed her since the ’70s or are just now discovering her legacy, here are five things you likely never knew about DeWitt, the woman who kept Jack and Chrissy in line while winning over millions of viewers every week.
Joyce DeWitt had a theater dream long before TV fame
Before sitcom stardom, DeWitt was already in love with the stage. She first performed at 13, later competing in high school speech tournaments and working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Her journey led her to Ball State University and, eventually, UCLA, where she earned a master’s in theater.
Her devotion to acting never waned. Even after stepping away from television, she regularly returned to live theater. DeWitt has often said that while TV gave her fame, the stage gave her joy.
She almost played Fonzie’s girl
In a funny twist of fate, DeWitt once auditioned to be one of Fonzie’s girlfriends on Happy Days. Producers turned her down, saying she looked too young and too short. Ironically, Henry Winkler Fonzie is only two inches taller than her at 5 ‘6″.
The rejection didn’t hold her back. Just weeks later, she was cast as Janet Wood on Three’s Company, a role that would define her career and make her a household name. Sometimes, missing out on one role can lead to the one you were truly meant to play.
Her favorite episode featured John Ritter’s dance
DeWitt has often said that her favorite Three’s Company episode was “Up in the Air,” which aired in 1982. The storyline involved a fancy party, some champagne, and a hilarious dance number by John Ritter that earned him an Emmy nomination.
Not all episodes were as enjoyable for her. She admitted that “Janet Wigs Out” wasn’t her favorite, as it portrayed her character in a way she didn’t agree with. Still, her love and respect for her co-stars, especially Ritter, remained a highlight of her Three’s Company years.
She accidentally became a Hosiery icon
Fans of Three’s Company might remember DeWitt’s polished look, but she also had one golden rule of no bare legs on set. She always wore tights or pantyhose, a decision that eventually caught the attention of major brands.
DeWitt’s consistent style brought about an opportunity that showcased her as an ambassador for L’eggs pantyhose. She appeared in many commercials and served as an understated fashion icon for the women of her time. It is a lesser-documented part of her career that combined image and influence in an unexpected way.
She broke away from Hollywood to travel the world
After Three’s Company ended in 1984, DeWitt did not immediately jump into another TV show or film. Instead, she retreated from the spotlight to travel, give herself time to think, and re-find herself. She ended up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a long way from Hollywood hustle.
Though she returned to acting occasionally, mainly in regional theater and indie films, she maintained a slow, intentional pace. Her most recent role was as Nana in the 2022 movie Ask Me to Dance. Today, DeWitt continues to perform when she wants, on her own terms.