Suzanne Somers was the golden girl of sitcoms in the late 70s. Her portrayal of the bubbly blonde secretary Chrissy Snow on ‘Three’s Company’ skyrocketed her to stardom.
However, behind the scenes, a simmering dispute over equal pay was about to erupt, forever altering the course of Somers’ career and sparking a conversation about gender equality in Hollywood.
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Suzanne Somers’ Revolutionary Act Of Demanding Equal Pay
Suzanne Somers, at the height of her popularity, was earning a fraction of what her male co-star, John Ritter, was bringing home. While exact figures are debated, reports suggest Somers was paid around $30,000 per episode, whereas Ritter raked in a whopping $150,000. Feeling undervalued, Somers decided to fight for what she believed was fair: equal pay for equal billing.
Suzanne wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers. She approached the producers with a clear demand: a significant raise and a percentage of the show’s profits. Her bold move sent shockwaves through Hollywood. In 1980, the concept of women advocating for equal pay, especially in the glamorous world of television, was a revolutionary act.
However, the producers were not receptive. They balked at Somers’ request, dismissing her as a pretty face and replaceable talent. Somers, unwilling to back down, refused to budge. The situation became a public spectacle, with news outlets covering the growing rift between the beloved actress and the show’s producers.
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A Firing, A Lawsuit, And A Legacy Of Empowerment
The consequence of Somers’ stand was swift and brutal. She was fired from ‘Three’s Company’ at the peak of her fame. Devastated but determined, Somers took legal action against the producers, suing them for wrongful termination. While the lawsuit itself wasn’t successful, it served a greater purpose.
Moreover, her courage in the face of adversity ignited a national conversation about gender pay disparity in Hollywood. Though her time on ‘Three’s Company’ was cut short, Somers’ legacy extends far beyond the sitcom.
She became a symbol of female empowerment, inspiring other actresses to fight for fair treatment in the industry. Her story serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is a continuous one, paved by the courage of those who dare to speak up.
Somers, never one to shy away from a challenge, went on to carve a successful career as a fitness guru and entrepreneur. Looking back, she doesn’t view her firing as a setback, but as a turning point. “That was the great thing about being fired,” she once said in an interview with THR. “I would have never been able to do what I do now.”
Suzanne Somers’ story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of speaking up for what you believe in. Though she may not have gotten the equal pay she deserved she sparked a conversation that continues to resonate today.
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