'Three's Company' was TV comedy gold that worked because of the cast
The initial core cast featured John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, and Suzanne Somers. However, following Somers' departure from the series in 1980, her character underwent two subsequent replacements. The program garnered immense popularity, spawning two spin-offs that upheld its 'comedy gold' success. We are now approaching nearly four decades since the final season aired. Let's explore the current whereabouts of the original cast members, with a respectful acknowledgment of those who have regrettably died in the years since the show aired.
John Ritter as Jack Tripper
John Ritter took on the pivotal role of the male roommate in the series. Following the conclusion of 'Three's Company' in 1983, Ritter continued his journey in the television realm by headlining one of its brief spin-offs, 'Three's a Crowd'. The entertainment industry lost John Ritter in 2003, who died of heart complications at 54 years of age.
Joyce DeWitt as Janet Wood
Joyce DeWitt, renowned for her portrayal of Janet Wood on 'Three's Company', stands as the sole surviving original cast member. DeWitt graced the screen in 171 episodes. Transitioning to recent years, she has delved into a variety of feature films, such as 2018's 'The Savant' and 2022's 'Ask Me to Dance'. In June 2023, at the age of 74, DeWitt took center stage in the Davisson Brothers Band's music video for the track 'Home'.
Suzanne Somers as Christmas 'Chrissy' Snow
As the ultimate and notably eccentric member of the original primary cast, Suzanne Somers embodied the character of Christmas "Chrissy" Snow on 'Three's Company'. Post the fifth season, contractual discussions between Somers and network executives disintegrated, culminating in her dismissal from the show. The American luminary died on October 15 at the age of 76, just a day shy of her 77th birthday, concluding a valiant 50-year struggle against aggressive breast cancer.
Norman Fell as Stanley Roper
A foundational member of the 'Three's Company' main cast, Norman Fell, the renowned actor, left an indelible mark on Hollywood with an iconic career spanning over 150 TV shows and films since the 1950s. Among his notable roles, Fell was a significant presence in the original Frank Sinatra-led 'Ocean's 11' film in 1960. At the age of 74, he faced a diagnosis of bone marrow cancer, and tragically, within three weeks of this discovery in 1998, Norman Fell died, leaving behind a rich legacy in the entertainment industry.
Audra Lindley as Helen Roper
Audra Lindley, who portrayed the on-screen wife of Norman Fell, continued their TV matrimony in the spin-off show 'The Ropers'. Following the conclusions of 'Three's Company' and 'The Ropers', Lindley made occasional appearances in films until 1997. Unfortunately, in that same year, she died of complications arising from leukemia, marking her passing at the age of 79.
Richard Kline as Larry Dallas
The charming, used car salesman and best buddy to Larry Tripper on 'Three's Company', Larry Dallas, was brought to life by actor Richard Kline. He graced the screen in 110 episodes from 1977 to 1984 and made appearances in spin-offs like 'The Ropers' (1979) and 'Three's a Crowd' (1985). Kline had a comeback with Westport Country Playhouse, taking the stage in the comic satire 'Straight White Men' from May 24 to June 5, 2022.
