How does the gay community view Three's Company?

[JackJanetChrissy]

I am curious, and am hoping some gay people will respond. Do you see the show as offensive (i.e., the characters referring to straight people as "normal," Mr. Roper being homophobic, or the trio exploiting homosexual stereotypes for personal gain)?

Or is it unoffensively funny? I think most of the time the show always makes a joke out of Roper's homophobia and it's clear to the audience how bigoted and clueless he is. Still....I wonder.

Also, if you are gay and reading this, what do you think of Jack's "portrayal" of a gay man? Do you think it's funny John Ritter avoided the typical "gay" mannerisms and most of the time hissed and acted crazy to sort of make fun of Roper's fear?

[cleverfun3000]

. . .even though I am not gay, never have been gay, don't know or associate
with gay people and prefer to pretend that they are all really straight deep down inside.

[JackJanetChrissy]

Maybe you're straight but are gay deep down inside. This question was directed at the gay community, after all.

[JamesG]

Originally Posted by cleverfun3000

. . .even though I am not gay, never have been gay, don't know or associate
with gay people and prefer to pretend that they are all really straight deep down inside.

Then how can you say his portrayal was accurate?

[TVFactFan]

When he was acted gay in a episode last night I had to say he did a good job LOL


IM not gay but I thought this was funny as SH*T



He called Mr. Furley............"Mr. Furls"

[gidgetgrape]

If you want personal opinions, you'll probably have to go to an openly gay forum.

Here's what the original viewing public thought:

John Ritter on the gay community:

John was more concerned about reaction from the gay community because of Fell's characterization of Roper, who recurrently insinuates Jack is a homosexual. Roper can't believe any healthy American man could live with two cuties and not be involved sexually."There hasn't been any reaction from gays at all," John said.

Source:
Lucky guy Ritter riding the crest
Beaver County Times - Dec 17, 1978

Joyce Dewitt on the gay community:

I had no idea that the gay community would come out in such support of our show and enjoy it. But indeed, the buffoon in our show did not recognize the appropriateness of someone making a choice for their life that was private and personal and belonged to them to make. Anyone who did not understand that situation was made the buffoon, like Mr. Roper.

Source: Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three's Company
Press Release, 2002

Three's Company producers on the gay community:

Though this gay old time revved up Three's Company's reputation as a controversial sex show, its producers say they received no complaints from gays about Jack's silly charade. Even in the age of political correctness, people are still laughing.

Source: Come and Knock on Our Door: A Hers and Hers and His Guide to Three's Company by Chris Mann, published in June 1998, page 52

Norman Fell on the studio audience:

Fell worries about overdoing the gag, but he confesses the studio audience starts screaming whenever the gay business comes up.

Source:
'Three's Company', Five's A Crowd
Sarasota Herald-Tibune - Jan 8, 1978

[cleverfun3000]

Originally Posted by gidgetgrape

If you want personal opinions, you'll probably have to go to an openly gay forum.

I'll have to take your word for it because I am NOT going to go to an "openly gay forum."