Joyce DeWitt, best known for her role as Janet Wood on the hit sitcom Three’s Company, became a television icon during the show’s successful run in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With her charming personality, impeccable comedic timing, and down-to-earth demeanor, DeWitt’s portrayal of Janet made her one of the most beloved characters on American television. While her role on Three’s Company is what catapulted her to fame, DeWitt’s career extends far beyond this iconic series, showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft as an actress.
This article explores Joyce DeWitt’s life and career, from her early beginnings in theater to her rise to television stardom and her lasting influence on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Joyce Anne DeWitt was born on April 23, 1949, in Wheeling, West Virginia, but was raised in Speedway, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. The fourth of four children born to Paul and Norma DeWitt, Joyce grew up in a close-knit family with a strong emphasis on education and creativity. From an early age, DeWitt exhibited a love for performing, often participating in school plays and community theater productions. Her passion for acting only grew as she got older, and she dreamed of pursuing a career in the performing arts.
DeWitt attended Speedway Senior High School, where she continued to participate in drama clubs and theater productions. After graduating, she went on to Indiana University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theater. Her academic achievements, combined with her dedication to honing her craft, led her to pursue a master’s degree in theater from the prestigious UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. This formal training gave DeWitt a strong foundation in acting and prepared her for the competitive world of professional performance.
While studying at UCLA, DeWitt worked various jobs to support herself, including as a secretary, while continuing to audition for acting roles. Her tenacity and commitment to her career soon paid off, as she began landing small roles in television shows that would set the stage for her eventual breakthrough.
Breaking into Television
Joyce DeWitt’s early acting career was filled with small guest roles on popular television shows of the 1970s. One of her first appearances was in the police procedural drama Baretta in 1975, where she played a guest role. Her work on Baretta showcased her talent and gave her exposure in the television industry. It wasn’t long before DeWitt caught the attention of casting directors, and in 1976, she landed the role that would change her life: Janet Wood on Three’s Company.
Three’s Company: Janet Wood and Television Stardom
In 1977, Joyce DeWitt was cast as Janet Wood in Three’s Company, a sitcom that would become one of the most popular and influential shows of its time. Created by Don Nicholl, Michael Ross, and Bernie West, and based on the British series Man About the House, Three’s Company revolved around the comedic misadventures of three roommates: Janet, Chrissy Snow (played by Suzanne Somers), and Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter). The show’s premise involved Jack pretending to be gay to keep their landlord, Mr. Roper (played by Norman Fell), from objecting to a man living with two single women.
Janet Wood, played by DeWitt, was the sensible and level-headed roommate, acting as the anchor amidst the chaotic and often absurd situations that the trio found themselves in. While Chrissy was portrayed as the naive and ditzy character, and Jack as the bumbling, comedic center, Janet brought a sense of balance and practicality to the group. DeWitt’s portrayal of Janet as a strong, intelligent, and independent woman helped elevate the show beyond mere slapstick comedy. She was often the “straight man” to the comedic antics of Jack and Chrissy, but her character was far from humorless. DeWitt infused Janet with warmth, wit, and a quiet strength that made her a fan favorite.
DeWitt’s chemistry with her co-stars, especially John Ritter, was one of the driving forces behind the show’s success. The dynamic between Janet, Jack, and Chrissy (and later, Cindy Snow and Terri Alden after Suzanne Somers’ departure) was central to the show’s appeal. The trio’s lighthearted banter and physical comedy, combined with Three’s Company’s trademark misunderstandings and double entendres, made the show a hit with audiences.
Three’s Company quickly became one of the top-rated sitcoms on television, running for eight seasons from 1977 to 1984. During its peak, the show was a cultural phenomenon, and DeWitt became a household name. Her portrayal of Janet Wood helped to break the mold of the typical female sitcom character, as Janet was portrayed as both funny and capable—a woman who could hold her own in a comedic setting while still being a relatable figure to viewers.
Challenges and Suzanne Somers Controversy
While Three’s Company was a massive success, it was not without its behind-the-scenes challenges. One of the most notable controversies during the show’s run was the departure of Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow. In 1980, Somers asked for a significant salary increase, seeking pay parity with John Ritter, the show’s male lead. When her request was denied, Somers walked off the show and was eventually written out of the series.
This controversy placed Joyce DeWitt in a difficult position, as she and Somers had developed a close friendship during the early seasons of the show. DeWitt chose not to publicly side with Somers during the salary dispute, which led to a falling out between the two actresses. For years, DeWitt and Somers did not speak to each other, though both have since expressed regret over the rift. In 2012, DeWitt and Somers famously reunited on Somers’ talk show, where they publicly reconciled and discussed the events that had led to their estrangement.
Despite the challenges behind the scenes, DeWitt remained a dedicated performer on Three’s Company, and she continued to deliver strong performances throughout the remainder of the series. Even after Somers’ departure, DeWitt’s character remained central to the show’s comedic heart, and she helped to ensure that the series continued to thrive.
Post-Three’s Company Career
After Three’s Company ended in 1984, Joyce DeWitt took a step back from the spotlight. Unlike many actors who immediately jump into new projects after the conclusion of a hit series, DeWitt chose to take a break from television and focus on her personal life and stage work. She spent much of the 1980s and 1990s performing in regional theater productions, returning to her roots as a stage actress.
DeWitt appeared in a number of stage productions across the country, including performances in Noises Off, Anything Goes, and South Pacific. Her love of theater allowed her to explore different types of roles and demonstrate her versatility as an actress. While she never returned to a long-running television series after Three’s Company, her work in theater earned her critical acclaim and the respect of her peers.
DeWitt occasionally returned to television and film for guest appearances and small roles. She appeared in the 1995 television movie Spring Fling!, as well as guest spots on shows such as Cybill and Twitch City. DeWitt has also appeared in independent films, including The Savant (2013) and Rock Story (2015), further showcasing her range as an actress.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Throughout her career, Joyce DeWitt has remained a private person, rarely seeking the limelight outside of her work. Despite her fame, she has largely avoided the tabloid culture that often accompanies celebrity life. DeWitt has dedicated much of her time to philanthropic causes, particularly those related to hunger relief and homelessness. She has worked with organizations such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame Foundation and the Thalians, a mental health charity.
DeWitt’s commitment to giving back to her community reflects her down-to-earth nature and desire to use her platform for positive change. While she may be best known for her work on Three’s Company, her legacy extends beyond her acting career, as she continues to make a difference through her charitable efforts.
Legacy and Influence
Joyce DeWitt’s portrayal of Janet Wood on Three’s Company has left an enduring mark on television history. Her ability to balance physical comedy with warmth and intelligence made her character stand out in a genre often dominated by male comedians. Janet Wood was a strong, independent woman who could be funny, smart, and relatable all at once, and DeWitt’s performance helped redefine the role of women in sitcoms.
DeWitt’s work on Three’s Company continues to resonate with audiences, as the show remains popular in reruns and streaming platforms. Her performance, alongside those of John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, created a dynamic trio that remains one of the most beloved ensembles in television comedy.
Joyce DeWitt’s career is a testament to her dedication to her craft, her commitment to quality performances, and her lasting influence on the world of entertainment. She remains a beloved figure in television history, celebrated for her work as Janet Wood and for her contributions to the world of comedy.