Jenilee Harrison, beloved for her role as Cindy Snow on Three’s Company, recently shared a defining career anecdote. Despite posing for Playboy in June 1987, Harrison made headlines by insisting on keeping her clothes on—a bold move that reflected her commitment to personal boundaries and integrity. Her candid revelations remind fans of her strength, both on and off screen.
The celebrated actress, now cohost of the podcast Stall Talk, explained that appearing in the magazine wasn’t about conforming to expectations but about mastering her own narrative. Her story echoes a similar sentiment found in Jenilee’s reflections on replacing Suzanne Somers, which give further insight into her early career resilience.
Jenilee Harrison On Her Terms In Playboy
Originally posted by Fox News, Harrison recalled arriving at the Playboy shoot only to discover the photographer expected her to pose nude. She calmly referenced her contract—she would appear, but fully clothed. Her insistence stunned the crew into pause as they regrouped to adjust wardrobe. Harrison’s calm resolve in that moment reflects a larger theme in her career: control over her own image.
Even as a sex symbol in the 1980s, Harrison resisted being typecast merely for her looks. She emphasized she wanted recognition for her talent and hard work, not just her physical appearance. This personal insight sheds light on her transition from Three’s Company to major roles, a journey echoed in a classic interview about her early TV success.
Reflecting On A Legacy Beyond Glamour
Beyond the Playboy story, Harrison’s career spans memorable turns on Dallas, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote. In her new podcast, Stall Talk, she shares her experiences with women from boomers to Gen Z, reinforcing her role today as a thoughtful commentator, not just a former sitcom star.
Harrison’s steadfast self-presentation on that shoot speaks volumes about navigating fame with dignity. She has returned time and again to themes of empowerment, whether playing Cindy Snow or mentoring through stories on her podcast. For another nostalgic look at her journey, revisit her Dallas era as Jamie Ewing.