Surprising Stories from the Set of Three’s Company

This article was originally published at Lizanest.com

Three’s Company thrived on misunderstandings, physical comedy, and just enough scandal to keep audiences hooked. Beneath the slammed doors and double entendres was a show shaped by casting shake-ups, backstage tension, and constant network scrutiny.

From contract disputes and creative clashes to last-minute rewrites and unexpected loyalty among cast members, the series had as much drama behind the scenes as it did in the apartment.

These fascinating facts reveal how a risky premise became a massive hit and why Three’s Company remains one of television’s most talked-about sitcoms.

#1: Suzanne Somers Secretly Appeared in the Opening Credits in a Wig

In the early seasons of Three’s Company, the opening credits feature a brunette walking along the beach who distracts Jack Tripper and causes him to crash his bike. Many viewers assumed she was just an extra, but she wasn’t.

The woman was actually Suzanne Somers wearing a wig. The producers used her in disguise so they wouldn’t have to hire another actress, and the quick shot helped keep the moment playful and anonymous. It’s a blink-and-you-miss-it detail that longtime fans still enjoy spotting.

#2: Don Knotts Was Nervous About Three’s Company Until the Audience Erupted

According to the biography Andy and Don by Daniel de Visé, Don Knotts was extremely nervous on his first day on the Three’s Company set. He had never worked on a three-camera sitcom before, since The Andy Griffith Show used a single-camera format.

Knotts also worried about fitting in, later admitting, “They were all much younger than me… and they were all good.” His fears disappeared instantly when he walked on set and the studio audience gave him a ten-minute standing ovation, warmly welcoming him to the show.

#3: Norman Fell Hesitated to Leave Three’s Company for The Ropers

At the end of season three, Mr. Roper announces that he has sold the apartment building and that he and Helen are moving away. On screen, Mrs. Roper seems unsure about the change, a hesitation that mirrored real life in an unexpected way.

Audra Lindley was enthusiastic about starring in a spin-off, but Norman Fell was reluctant to leave Three’s Company. He worried about walking away from a hit series and took nearly six months to agree. Only after much persuasion did he finally commit to The Ropers.

#4: Larry Dallas Was Meant to Be a One-Time Character

Richard Kline was originally hired to play Larry Dallas for just a single guest appearance on Three’s Company. The character wasn’t intended to stick around or become part of the show’s regular world.

Once filming began, producers noticed Kline’s easy chemistry with John Ritter. Larry’s sleazy charm played perfectly off Jack’s frantic energy, and audiences responded immediately.

As a result, Larry was brought back repeatedly and eventually became a familiar, recurring presence on the series.