Joyce DeWitt Today: 7 Shocking Revelations About Her Life, The Three's Company Drama, And Her Secret Activism In 2025

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The enduring image of Joyce DeWitt as the grounded, sensible Janet Wood from the iconic sitcom *Three's Company* remains etched in pop culture history. However, as of late 2025, the veteran actress, who celebrated her 76th birthday on April 23, has stepped back into the spotlight to discuss not just the laughter of the classic show, but the significant behind-the-scenes "heartache" and the surprising depth of her life dedicated to activism and theater long after the series ended.

Far from retiring, DeWitt has maintained a diverse and often private career, focusing intensely on the stage and using her platform for passionate philanthropic work. This article dives into the most current updates on her life, her candid reflections on the show’s legacy, and the lesser-known facts that define her extraordinary journey in 2025.

Joyce DeWitt: Complete Biography and Profile

Joyce DeWitt is an acclaimed American actress and comedian best known for her role as Janet Wood on the ABC sitcom *Three's Company*.

Full Name: Joyce Anne DeWitt
Date of Birth: April 23, 1949
Age (as of late 2025): 76 years old
Place of Birth: Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
Hometown/Upbringing: Speedway, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis.
Ancestry: She is of Italian descent.
Education: Graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in theater. She also attended Ball State University.
First Career: Worked as a legal secretary prior to her breakthrough in television.
Breakthrough Role: Janet Wood on *Three's Company* (1977–1984).
Marital Status: Never married.
Significant Relationship: Was in a long-term relationship with actor Ray Buktenica for approximately seven years, beginning in 1979.
Children: None.

The “Ugly Truth” and Heartache Behind Three's Company

While the on-screen chemistry between Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood), John Ritter (Jack Tripper), and Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow) was comedic gold, DeWitt has recently been candid about the intense drama that unfolded behind the scenes, particularly surrounding the show’s later years and its eventual conclusion.

The Fallout and The Spin-Off Snub

The most significant source of "heartache," as DeWitt has described it, was the way the show ended and the subsequent spin-off. The original series concluded in 1984, leading directly into the short-lived spin-off *Three's a Crowd*, which only featured John Ritter's character, Jack Tripper.

DeWitt has revealed that the pain came from the fact that the spin-off was already in rehearsals without her knowledge, even though her close friend and co-star John Ritter was aware of the plans. The feeling of being excluded from the next chapter of a show she dedicated eight years to was a profound blow.

Reconciliation with Suzanne Somers

The highly publicized feud between Suzanne Somers and the rest of the cast, stemming from Somers’ salary dispute and eventual firing, was a major source of tension. However, DeWitt was instrumental in the eventual reconciliation. In a widely reported event, DeWitt and Somers reunited after three decades for a candid conversation on Somers' talk show, *Suzanne Somers: Breaking Through*.

DeWitt made it clear that while she was hurt by the circumstances of the show's ending, she held no personal animosity, stating that she was glad to be a part of the series and cherishes the memories of the cast and crew.

A Career of Activism and Stage: Life Beyond Janet Wood in 2025

Following *Three's Company*, Joyce DeWitt deliberately stepped away from the relentless pace of Hollywood, taking a hiatus from acting for several years. She chose to focus her renewed career almost entirely on the theatrical stage, a choice that allowed her to maintain artistic integrity and privacy.

The Dedicated Stage Actress

DeWitt's post-sitcom career has been one of a dedicated stage performer. She has starred in numerous regional and international theater productions, showcasing her versatility far beyond the comedic timing of Janet Wood. Her notable stage credits include:

*Dinner with Friends*
*The Last Night of Ballyhoo*
*A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters* (A project she is scheduled to perform in January 2025).

Her commitment to theater has kept her busy and creatively fulfilled, with occasional returns to television and film, such as a role in the 2022 film *Ask Me to*.

Passionate Philanthropy and Activism

Perhaps the most surprising and least publicized aspect of Joyce DeWitt's life is her profound dedication to activism and philanthropy. She is described as a passionate activist who has used her influence to support various causes.

Her work in this area is not just limited to celebrity appearances. She has actively participated in political advocacy, working alongside members of the House and notable figures like Valerie Harper and Dennis Weaver to support humanitarian and social issues. This private commitment to making a tangible difference in the world reveals a side of the actress that is far more serious and focused than her famous sitcom character suggested.

Joyce DeWitt in 2025: Current Public Appearances and Legacy

As of 2025, Joyce DeWitt continues to embrace her legacy while selectively engaging with the public. She frequently participates in fan conventions and classic television panels, often alongside her former *Three's Company* co-stars like Jenilee Harrison and Priscilla Barnes.

Her appearances, such as the panel at "The Southfork Experience," are highly anticipated, as she offers a blend of nostalgic memories and honest, grounded perspectives on the demanding world of 1970s and 80s television.

The legacy of Janet Wood—the sensible, aspiring interior designer—endures, but the life of Joyce DeWitt is a testament to prioritizing personal fulfillment, artistic passion on the stage, and a quiet, powerful dedication to activism over the constant clamor of Hollywood fame. Her story in 2025 is not just a look back, but a celebration of a life lived authentically.

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