In a candid discussion, actress Jenilee Harrison, best known for her roles in “Three’s Company” and “Dallas,” shared her experiences and insights on navigating Hollywood as a self-proclaimed sex symbol. While she once posed for Playboy in 1987, she did so on her own terms, insisting on remaining clothed during the shoot. Now, at 67, she co-hosts a podcast titled “Stall Talk,” where women from various generations come together to share personal narratives and wisdom.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) A Unique Playboy Experience |
| 2) Overcoming the Sex Symbol Label |
| 3) The Journey to “Three’s Company” |
| 4) Life After “Three’s Company” |
| 5) The Podcast: “Stall Talk” |
A Unique Playboy Experience
When asked about her experience posing for Playboy, Harrison was clear about her boundaries. Her contract explicitly stated that she would take part in the magazine but under her terms: fully clothed. Reflecting on her time at the Playboy mansion, she recalled the elaborate preparations that unfolded before her photoshoot. “It was in my contract that, yes, I’ll do [Playboy], but I have to keep my clothes on,” she shared. This assertive nature was somewhat surprising to those in the industry, as the photographer expected a different kind of shoot.
In a moment that became a defining experience for her, she recounted how upon her arrival for the shoot, the photographer was taken aback when she insisted on keeping her wardrobe intact. “He had to get back on the phone. They had to regroup and bring in wardrobe… He didn’t even know. But I had to fight for that,” she said, illustrating the importance of setting boundaries, especially in an industry often characterized by objectification.
Overcoming the Sex Symbol Label
Throughout her career, Harrison grappled with the title of being a sex symbol. She embraced her beauty but didn’t want it to overshadow her talent and hard work. “I looked at being a sex symbol as just a wardrobe I had to put on to go into Hollywood,” she explained. Wanting to be known for her contributions to the industry, she expressed her frustration over the pressure to fit into a specific mold.
As a self-identified tomboy, Harrison struggled with this portrayal, recalling moments on set where she had to put on a façade for various roles. “At 10 o’clock I had to be a nurse. At 12 o’clock, I had to be a secretary. At 3 o’clock, I had to be a Sports Illustrated model. At 5 o’clock, I had to be a hooker,” she said. This constant shift in identity would often leave her feeling uncomfortable. Yet, she learned to harness her image in a way that was empowering, paving her journey into Hollywood.
The Journey to “Three’s Company”
In 1980, Harrison was thrust into the spotlight when she was cast in “Three’s Company” as Cindy Snow, replacing the well-known actress Suzanne Somers. Her rise to fame was nothing short of serendipitous. “When I was very young – like 19 years old… my agent called me and said, ‘They want to see you – they’re replacing Suzanne Somers on ‘Three’s Company,’” she reflected.
With a combination of determination and a little luck, Harrison impressed during her audition and secured the role without much hesitation. However, she didn’t find any sense of competition with the original cast members. “I just live very much in the present,” she stated, noting the warm welcome she received from the cast. Many actors, including John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt, provided her with a nurturing environment that eased her transition into the show.
Despite being initially rejected for the role due to her initial self-doubt, her quick adaptability won her the affection of viewers and cast alike. Her character, Cindy, became a beloved addition amidst the comedic chaos typical of the show.
Life After “Three’s Company”
Although Harrison eventually exited “Three’s Company,” she continued to build her career, notably taking on a role in the hit soap opera “Dallas.” Reflecting on her time there, she mentioned the joy she felt being part of such a legendary series. “Dallas’ was and is still such a joy,” she said, fondly reminiscing about working closely with the cast, including the beloved Patrick Duffy.
Harrison recalls how the cast of “Dallas” embraced her with open arms, further enhancing her experiences in the entertainment world. One of her favorite memories included the revelation that the children of co-stars admired her for her earlier role in “Three’s Company.” This anecdote helped to ease her initial nerves and solidify her place in their tight-knit community.
The Podcast: “Stall Talk”
Today, Harrison co-hosts “Stall Talk,” a podcast that provides a platform for women of various generations to share their unfiltered stories and wisdom with one another. Describing it as “real women, real wisdom, real talk,” she emphasized the unique support system they have cultivated. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a boomer or Gen Z, we’re sharing the most intimate, honest, relationship issues,” she noted.
With both humor and emotional depth, the podcast is designed to create an empowering space where women can be open about their struggles and joys. “All of our guests just share real and honest questions about what women talk about when they go to the bathroom together,” she joked, highlighting the relatable nature of their conversations. “The advice I always give is go for your dreams, go for the opportunities,” she advised, encouraging listeners to persevere through life’s challenges.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jenilee Harrison posed for Playboy in 1987, insisting on keeping her wardrobe intact. |
| 2 | She shared her struggles with the label of a sex symbol, wanting recognition for her talent. |
| 3 | Harrison successfully transitioned to “Three’s Company,” becoming a beloved character. |
| 4 | Following the sitcom, she continued her career in iconic roles such as on “Dallas.” |
| 5 | Harrison co-hosts “Stall Talk,” focusing on women sharing their real-life stories. |
Summary
The journey of Jenilee Harrison reflects the complexities of navigating Hollywood while maintaining one’s essence and integrity. From her contractual stipulations with Playboy to her heartfelt podcast discussions, she offers a unique perspective on the entertainment industry. Her story not only empowers women to assert their boundaries but also inspires them to share their experiences openly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What was Jenilee Harrison’s role in “Three’s Company”?
Jenilee Harrison played Cindy Snow, who joined the cast as a replacement for Suzanne Somers’ character after Somers left the show.
Question: How did Jenilee Harrison become a sex symbol?
Harrison was often labeled as a sex symbol due to her roles and appearances, but she insisted on being recognized for her talent and hard work in addition to her beauty.
Question: What is the main focus of “Stall Talk”?
“Stall Talk” aims to provide a platform for women of all ages to share unfiltered stories and wisdom about relationship issues, fostering a supportive and candid dialogue.
