Why was late actor John Ritter widely considered to be the true breakout star of the hit ABC sitcom “Three’s Company” (1977-1984

Why was late actor John Ritter widely considered to be the true breakout star of the hit ABC sitcom “Three’s Company” (1977-1984) despite the equally groundbreaking contributions of the incomparable and consummately professional actress Joyce DeWitt?

Question: Why was late actor John Ritter widely considered to be the true breakout star of the hit ABC sitcom “Three’s Company” (1977-1984) despite the equally groundbreaking contributions of the incomparable and consummately professional actress Joyce DeWitt?

It wasn’t possible for John Ritter to have been the “breakout” star of the series as he was its lead actor from the very beginning. He is credited first, the majority of the scenes had him in it, and he’s the protagonist. All three of those things are incompatible with someone becoming a breakout character, questioner.

As far as Joyce DeWitt: Frankly I have to assume that this question is a troll as it seems to indicate that you have either not seen the series or that you have only seen a very few episodes.

DeWitt:

1. Rarely had a single episode that was completely about her or where she was the reason for the episode’s “A” story.
2. Wasn’t a particularly skilled comedic actor
3. Disappeared into the background when Suzanne Sommers (the series REAL breakout star) broke out.
4. Remained in the mid-ground when Sommers was fired and two additional actors were hired to take her place.
5. Often was overshadowed by characters like The Ropers, Mr. Furley, Larry the used car salesman from upstairs, etc. Even the short-lived Lana, who was hired to give Ritter’s Jack Tripper a sex interest in the fourth season, often got more attention than DeWitt did.

Basically, Joyce DeWitt was the series “third” or “fifth” wheel, whichever was most apropos when she was onscreen. She was unable to establish her character successfully because she was outshone by Ritter’s physical comedy, Sommers popularity, and the Ropers and Furley (comic legend Don Knotts) superior timing. This simply grew worse when Sommers was ousted and two additional “blondes” were added to the cast.

NOT the breakout character.