Joyce DeWitt, known for her role in the cult TV show “Three’s Company,” took a break from Hollywood for 12 years after the show was canceled. Despite her decade-long hiatus from the screen, she has returned to acting and still looks amazing at 74. Let’s delve into her life, career, and her reunion with co-star Suzanne Somers.
Joyce DeWitt was born on April 23, 1949, in Wheeling, West Virginia. From an early age, she was drawn to performing. She knew she wanted to act even before starting school and was particularly interested in playing the types of roles traditionally given to male actors. She made her stage debut at the age of 13 and developed a deep passion for performing. She continued to pursue acting, attending Speedway Senior High School and later graduating from Ball State University in 1972. Her ultimate goal was to work in theater in New York City.
However, when she arrived in New York, DeWitt faced tough competition and struggled to establish herself. She initially planned to take a six-month break but ended up taking a 12-year hiatus from Hollywood. During this time, she explored her spiritual side by studying with various spiritual teachers around the world.
In 1995, Joyce DeWitt returned to the screen, taking on minor roles in television series like “Cybill” and “Hope Island” and appearing in some movies. Despite her prolonged absence from the screen, her role as Janet Wood in “Three’s Company” continued to resonate with fans. Some women in their 30s told her that they became lawyers because of her character.
DeWitt’s decision to step away from Hollywood was influenced by her disillusionment with the behavior she observed in the industry. She found that the moral code in Hollywood didn’t align with her values. Her goal was to take some time off, but it turned into a 12-year hiatus.
She finally made her stage debut in New York City in 2011, starring in the off-Broadway production of “Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage.” While it wasn’t on Broadway, DeWitt considered it a dream come true. She compared her role in the show to her iconic part in “Three’s Company.”
Despite her long hiatus from acting, DeWitt’s connection with co-star John Ritter remained strong. She fondly remembered her last meeting with Ritter before his untimely passing. They had made plans to meet in New York City, but tragically, he passed away just a month later due to an undetected heart condition.
Joyce DeWitt continued her acting career with roles in various projects, including the films “Snapshot” (2014), “Rock Story” (2015), and “The Savant” (2018). In 2018, she appeared in the musical “Scattered, Smothered & Covered Christmas,” which was broadcast on YouTube in December 2020 due to the pandemic.
While DeWitt doesn’t have children and hasn’t been reported as married, she remains dedicated to her acting career. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has a net worth of around $4 million. Her most significant source of pride in her career is her role in “Three’s Company,” as it allowed her to bring joy and laughter to people’s lives. Even after 30 years, the show still has that impact.
Joyce DeWitt, now 74, continues to work in the entertainment industry, showcasing her talent and timeless beauty. Her return to acting has been welcomed by fans who remember her iconic role in “Three’s Company.”