The iconic 1970s and 80s sitcom *Three's Company* remains a beloved staple of television history, but decades after its finale, the lives of its stars have seen dramatic highs and heartbreaking lows. As of December 15, 2025, a significant portion of the main cast has passed away, lending a poignant new layer to the show's legacy, yet recent events—including a major 2024 reunion—have brought the remaining stars back into the spotlight to honor their late co-star. This article takes a deep dive into the full ensemble, revealing where the living actors are now and detailing the tragic fates of those we’ve lost. The show, which aired from 1977 to 1984, centered on Jack Tripper (John Ritter) pretending to be gay so he could share an apartment with two female roommates, Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers), a premise adapted from the British series *Man About the House*. The chemistry and physical comedy of the main trio defined an era of American television.
The Core Trio: Biographies and Post-Show Careers
The dynamic between the three roommates was the undeniable engine of the show, but it was also the source of one of television's most famous contract disputes. Their lives after the show took drastically different paths, marked by immense success, personal tragedy, and a complex relationship history.John Ritter (Jack Tripper)
- Role on Show: Jack Tripper, the clumsy, perpetually hungry culinary student who pretends to be gay to live with two women.
- Born: September 17, 1948, in Burbank, California.
- Died: September 11, 2003, in Burbank, California (age 54).
- Cause of Death: Aortic dissection, misdiagnosed as a heart attack.
- Post-*Three's Company* Career: Ritter enjoyed a successful and versatile career, starring in films like *Problem Child* and the TV series *Hearts Afire*. His final major role was the lead in the sitcom *8 Simple Rules*, which was tragically cut short by his death. He won an Emmy for his role as Jack Tripper.
Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow)
- Role on Show: Christmas "Chrissy" Snow, the ditzy, blonde secretary known for her wide-eyed innocence and hilarious one-liners.
- Born: October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California.
- Died: October 15, 2023, in Palm Springs, California (age 76).
- Cause of Death: Breast cancer.
- Post-*Three's Company* Career: Somers became a massive celebrity entrepreneur after being fired from the show in 1980 following a high-profile contract dispute where she demanded equal pay to John Ritter. She became famous as the spokesperson for the ThighMaster and later found success in her own sitcom, *Step by Step*, and as an author advocating for alternative health treatments.
Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood)
- Role on Show: Janet Wood, the sensible, dark-haired florist (later computer programmer) who often served as the grounded foil to Jack and Chrissy.
- Born: April 23, 1949, in Wheeling, West Virginia.
- Current Status: Alive and 76 years old (as of December 2025).
- Post-*Three's Company* Career: DeWitt largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight after the series ended, focusing on regional theater and occasional television guest roles. She has been a strong supporter of the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, which was established after her co-star's sudden death.
The Heartbreaking 2023 Loss and The Poignant 2024 Reunion
The lives of the *Three's Company* cast have been defined by a complex mix of professional feuds, personal tragedy, and, ultimately, reconciliation. The most recent news highlights both the final goodbye to one of its biggest stars and a touching moment of unity.Suzanne Somers' Passing and Legacy
The world mourned the loss of Suzanne Somers, who passed away on October 15, 2023, just one day before her 77th birthday. Her death closed the door on the possibility of a full, live reunion of the original three stars. Her departure from the show in 1980 due to a contract dispute—where she requested a salary comparable to John Ritter's—was a major event in television history, highlighting early struggles for equal pay in Hollywood. Despite the professional rift, Somers and Joyce DeWitt eventually reconciled, speaking for the first time in 20 years in 2012.The 2024 Reunion at the John Ritter Foundation
In a powerful testament to the enduring bond forged on the set, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers (posthumously) were brought together again in May 2024. DeWitt attended the annual A Night at Sardi’s benefit for the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, an organization dedicated to preventing the kind of tragedy that took Ritter's life. Somers was honored at the event, with her husband, Alan Hamel, accepting an award in her name. This event marked a beautiful, if bittersweet, moment of the surviving cast members coming together to honor the man who was the heart of the show.The Supporting Cast: Where Are The Ropers, Furley, and The Others Now?
While the main trio got the most attention, the surrounding cast provided essential topical authority and comedic context, from the dirty-minded landlord to the suave salesman.Don Knotts (Ralph Furley)
Don Knotts, famous for his role as Barney Fife on *The Andy Griffith Show*, joined *Three's Company* in 1979 as the new, zany, leisure-suit-wearing landlord, Ralph Furley, after the Ropers departed. Knotts was a comedy legend who continued to work in film and television after the show, including a recurring role on *Matlock*. He passed away on February 24, 2006, at the age of 81.Norman Fell and Audra Lindley (The Ropers)
Norman Fell and Audra Lindley played Stanley and Helen Roper, the original, prudish, and often arguing landlords. They were so popular that they spun off into their own short-lived series, *The Ropers*.- Norman Fell (Stanley Roper) passed away on December 14, 1998, at the age of 74.
- Audra Lindley (Helen Roper) passed away on October 16, 1997, at the age of 79.
Richard Kline (Larry Dallas)
Richard Kline played Larry Dallas, the smooth-talking, womanizing neighbor and Jack’s best friend. Kline is one of the few surviving major cast members. After *Three's Company*, he had a prolific career in television and theatre, becoming a respected director in the industry. He has remained active in recent years, often appearing at fan conventions and retrospectives about the classic sitcom.The Second Roommates: Cindy and Terri
After Suzanne Somers' departure, the show introduced two new roommates, maintaining the "three's a crowd" dynamic:- Jenilee Harrison (Cindy Snow): Chrissy's cousin, who was equally clumsy and ditzy, joined the show briefly. Harrison is still alive and has largely stepped away from acting, focusing on charity work and personal life.
- Priscilla Barnes (Terri Alden): The intelligent, cynical nurse who replaced Cindy. Barnes is also still alive and has continued to work in film and television, with notable roles in films like *Licence to Kill* and the TV series *Jane the Virgin*.
The Enduring Legacy of the Sitcom
The enduring popularity of *Three's Company* lies in its simple, farce-driven premise and the incredible physical comedy, particularly from John Ritter. The show tackled social issues of cohabitation and gender roles, albeit through a comedic lens, making it a cultural touchstone of its time. The recent deaths of Suzanne Somers and John Ritter serve as a powerful reminder of the show's age, but the efforts of the remaining cast, like Joyce DeWitt, to keep the memory of their co-stars alive through foundations and reunions, ensure that the spirit of apartment 201 lives on. The complex history of the show—the contract disputes, the feuds, the laughter, and the tears—is a microcosm of Hollywood itself, leaving fans with a legacy that is both hilarious and deeply poignant.Detail Author:
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