Joyce DeWitt: A Star Beyond "Three's Company"

How Much Is Joyce DeWitt Worth?

Let me tell you about Joyce DeWitt, an iconic actress whose career has spanned decades. With a net worth of $4 million, she’s carved out a pretty impressive life for herself. Joyce is best known for her unforgettable role as Janet Wood in the classic sitcom "Three's Company." Can you believe she appeared in 171 of the show’s 172 episodes over eight seasons? That’s dedication right there, folks. The show aired from 1977 to 1984, and it made her a household name. Now, you might’ve heard rumors that she left show business entirely after the show ended. But guess what? That’s not entirely true. Joyce has kept acting in various films and TV projects ever since, proving that her career didn’t stop when the cameras did.

Salary Wars and the Feud with Suzanne Somers

Alright, here’s the scoop on one of the most talked-about feuds in TV history. During the fifth season of "Three's Company," Joyce and her co-star Suzanne Somers had a major falling out over money. Let’s rewind: during the first season, both actresses were earning $3,500 per episode. Fast forward to after the fourth season, and they were offered $30,000 per episode. Joyce happily accepted the raise, but Suzanne decided to push for more. She wanted a whopping $150,000 per episode, the same amount John Ritter was making, plus 10% of the show’s backend profits. Producers weren’t having it, so they wrote Suzanne out of the show. Tensions were high, and Joyce, along with the rest of the cast, reportedly gave Suzanne the cold shoulder. They felt betrayed, not just by her demands, but because her actions put the entire show in jeopardy. Suzanne was understandably upset and refused to speak to Joyce for over 30 years. But in 2012, they finally reconciled on Suzanne’s talk show, "Suzanne Somers: Breaking Through." It was emotional, to say the least, as they talked about their conflict and their late co-star John Ritter.

Now, if we break down the numbers, assuming Joyce earned $30,000 per episode for seasons five through eight, she would’ve made $2.8 million from 94 episodes. Adjusted for inflation, that’s like making $10.5 million today. Not bad for a hardworking actress, huh?

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Her Journey: The Early Years

Joyce DeWitt wasn’t always a Hollywood star. Born on April 23, 1949, in Wheeling, West Virginia, she grew up in Speedway, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. Her parents, Paul and Norma DeWitt, raised her with deep roots in both Italian and Dutch heritage. Even as a teenager, Joyce was already working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ticket office, showing early signs of her work ethic. Her passion for acting started in high school, where she competed in speech and debate events. Her first taste of the stage came at the tender age of 13, and it was love at first sight. After high school, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in theater from Ball State University. But Joyce didn’t stop there. She moved to California to chase her dreams and eventually earned a master’s degree from the University of California, graduating in 1974. While studying, she supported herself by working as a secretary. Talk about determination!

A Career Built on Passion

Joyce’s love for theater only grew stronger after earning her master’s degree at UCLA. She made her TV debut with a small role on the series "Baretta," and soon enough, she was auditioning for comedy pilots. Her big break came when she landed the role of Janet Wood on "Three's Company." The show premiered in 1977 and quickly became a massive hit, reaching an audience of 20 million viewers per week at its peak. Joyce played Janet in all but one of the show’s episodes over eight seasons. She even reprised her role in the spinoff "The Ropers" in 1979. Later that year, she guest-starred on "The Love Boat." After "Three's Company" ended, Joyce took a break from acting for several years, but she returned to the stage in 1991 with the play "Noises Off" at Michigan’s Cherry County Playhouse. She continued to appear in TV and film projects throughout the '90s and 2000s, including roles in "Spring Fling!" and guest appearances on "Living Single," "Twitch," and "Cybil." In 2003, she co-produced and hosted the documentary "Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three's Company," where Melanie Paxson played her. Joyce also starred in indie films like "Failing Better Now" and "Married Alive." Her stage work includes productions of "Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage" and "Dinner with Friends." In 2012, she reunited with Suzanne Somers on her talk show, marking the first time they’d spoken in 31 years.

Her Heart for Giving Back

Joyce isn’t just about acting; she’s also deeply committed to giving back. She’s actively involved in several charitable causes, working with members of Congress at the Capitol Hill Forum on Hunger and Homelessness. She’s hosted events for the Family Assistance Program in Hollywood and even co-hosted the World Food Day Gala at the Kennedy Center alongside Jeff Bridges. In addition, she’s hosted the International Awards Ceremony for the Presidential End Hunger Awards at the White House. Joyce’s generosity extends beyond just her time—she’s truly dedicated to making a difference in the world.

A Look into Her Personal Life

Despite her public persona, Joyce has always kept her personal life pretty private. She’s never been married, but she did have a notable relationship with actor/director Ray Buktenica from 1973 to 1980. Earlier, she dated Randolph Mantooth. However, life isn’t without its challenges. In 2009, Joyce faced legal trouble when she was arrested for drunk driving in El Segundo, California. After failing a sobriety test, she was booked and later released after posting bond. She pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge in 2010 and was placed on three years’ probation. She also completed a nine-month alcohol addiction program and paid a fine. Despite this setback, Joyce has continued to focus on her career and charity work.