Introduction
Three’s Company is an iconic American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1976 to 1984. It follows the lives of three friends, Jack Tripper, Laura Peterson, and Suzanne Somers, as they navigate life in their apartment complex. One of the most memorable characters on the show was Suzanne Somers, who played the sassy and independent Lauren Sandoval. However, in real life, the actress faced several challenges that ultimately led to her termination from the show.
Suzanne Somers’ Rise to Fame
Before becoming famous for her role as Lauren Sandoval on Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers was a struggling actress who appeared in several TV shows and commercials. In 1976, she auditioned for the role of Laura Peterson and was rejected. However, when actress Audra McDonald dropped out of the show after just one season, the producers decided to recast the role of Laura with Suzanne Somers.
Suzanne’s popularity quickly grew, and she became a fan favorite for her funny and feisty personality. She also developed a close friendship with her co-stars, Jack Tripper (Anthony Daniels) and Laura Peterson (Lisa Robertson). Together, they brought a level of chemistry and energy to the show that kept audiences coming back for more.
Suzanne’s Personal Life and Career Struggles
However, Suzanne Somers’ personal life and career struggles began to take their toll on her performance on Three’s Company. In 1980, she divorced her first husband, Bruce Somers, and was later involved in a highly publicized affair with actor Mark Harmon. The scandal caused a rift between Suzanne and her co-stars, particularly Laura Robertson, who had been her close friend for years.
Suzanne’s acting career also suffered during this time. She appeared in several TV shows and films, but none were as successful as Three’s Company. Her personal life and professional struggles led to a decline in her popularity, and ratings for the show began to drop.
The Final Straw: Suzanne’s Termination from Three’s Company
Despite efforts by the producers to revive the show, Suzanne Somers was ultimately terminated from Three’s Company after the final season in 1984. The exact reason for her firing is not entirely clear, but it is believed that the combination of declining ratings and Suzanne’s personal life and career struggles made her a liability to the show’s producers.
Lessons Learned from Suzanne’s Experience
Suzanne Somers’ experience on Three’s Company serves as a cautionary tale for actors and actresses. While fame and success can be rewarding, personal life and career struggles can take their toll on one’s performance and ultimately lead to professional consequences.
FAQs
1. Why was Suzanne Somers fired from Three’s Company?
It is believed that the combination of declining ratings and Suzanne’s personal life and career struggles made her a liability to the show’s producers.
2. Did Suzanne Somers have any relationship with Mark Harmon after their affair?
No, there was no relationship between Suzanne Somers and Mark Harmon after their affair. In fact, they did not speak for several years until his death in 2016.
3. How successful was Suzanne’s acting career after Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers continued to act in TV shows and movies after Three’s Company, but her success was not as significant as it had been during the show’s run.
Conclusion
Suzanne Somers’ experience on Three’s Company serves as a cautionary tale for actors and actresses. While fame and success can be rewarding, personal life and career struggles can take their toll on one’s performance and ultimately lead to professional consequences. By maintaining a healthy work-life balance and building strong relationships with co-workers and colleagues, individuals can increase their chances of success in their careers.
