Joyce DeWitt, the beloved star of the cult TV show Three’s Company, took the entertainment world by storm. Now 74 years old, DeWitt looks just as amazing as she did decades ago. But what led her to leave Hollywood and why did she and co-star Suzanne Somers not speak for 30 years? Here’s everything you need to know about Joyce DeWitt, including her last meeting with fellow Three’s Company star John Ritter before his untimely passing.
The Early Years
Joyce DeWitt’s passion for performing began at a young age. Even before starting school, she knew that she wanted to be on stage, playing roles typically reserved for men. She started acting at 13 and continued to pursue her passion throughout high school and college. After graduating from Ball State University, DeWitt set her sights on New York City and the world of theater.
Starring in ‘Three’s Company’
While DeWitt had dreams of working on Broadway, fate had different plans for her. After completing her Master of Fine Arts at UCLA, she found herself auditioning for a new TV comedy series called Three’s Company. Little did she know that this show would become a cult classic and mark a significant turning point in her career. Starring as Janet Wood alongside John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, DeWitt became a television icon, appearing in 171 episodes of the show.
Taking a Break from Hollywood
When Three’s Company was canceled in 1984, DeWitt felt it was the perfect time to step away from the spotlight. Despite her success on the show, she didn’t find her identity or self-worth solely in her character, Janet. DeWitt decided to take a hiatus to reflect and refocus. Initially, she planned to take a brief break, but it ended up lasting over a decade, during which she explored her spiritual side and studied with various teachers around the world.
Reconnecting with Suzanne Somers
During her Hollywood hiatus, DeWitt lost touch with co-star Suzanne Somers for more than 30 years. Their different approaches to their careers and personal lives created a divide between them. However, in 2012, they reunited on Somers’ talk show, and it was a special moment for both of them. DeWitt reflected on the differences and acknowledged that they had each followed their own paths.
Fond Memories of John Ritter
While DeWitt drifted apart from Somers, her friendship with John Ritter remained strong. Ritter, who continued acting until his sudden passing in 2003, was a dear friend and co-star of DeWitt’s. She shared a heartwarming memory of their last meeting before his passing. They had planned to attend multiple events together, and moments before DeWitt left her hotel room, Ritter called and excitedly organized their night. Unfortunately, a month later, Ritter passed away.
Her Stage Debut and Continued Success
After her decade-long hiatus, DeWitt returned to the screen in 1995, taking on minor roles in various TV series and movies. However, her true passion was always theater. In 2011, she made her stage debut in New York City with the off-Broadway production “Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage.” DeWitt felt a connection to her role, similar to her beloved character Janet from Three’s Company. She continued working on several projects, including films and stage productions.
Joyce DeWitt Today
At 74 years old, DeWitt shows no signs of slowing down. She still loves her work both on-screen and on the stage. Despite not having any children and not being married, DeWitt is content and grateful for the opportunities she has had. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has a net worth of around $4 million. When asked what she’s most proud of in her career, DeWitt humbly credits Three’s Company for allowing her to bring joy and laughter to people’s lives.
Joyce DeWitt is an inspiration to us all, proving that age is just a number and that following your passions can lead to a fulfilling and successful life. Let’s continue to celebrate her legacy and share this article with fellow Three’s Company fans.
