To many TV fans of the 1980s, Priscilla Barnes is best remembered as Terri Alden, the smart, sassy nurse who moved into the Santa Monica apartment in Three’s Company during its final seasons. But her career – and life – tells a much more layered story than just being a last-minute sitcom replacement.
Born December 7, 1954 in Fort Dix, New Jersey, Priscilla Barnes began her journey in showbiz with small roles and modeling gigs. She got her first real break when she was spotted by Bob Hope and invited to join his USO tour – a springboard for many aspiring actresses of the time.
Her big break came in 1981, when she was cast to replace Suzanne Somers on Three’s Company. Stepping into an already established hit show was no easy feat, and though she faced behind-the-scenes tensions and creative differences with producers, Barnes delivered a grounded and lovable performance that earned her a loyal following.
After Three’s Company, Barnes appeared in a wide range of television shows and films, showcasing her versatility. She starred in cult films like Mallrats, and appeared in blockbusters such as License to Kill (1989), where she played a Bond girl opposite Timothy Dalton.
Despite being frequently typecast for her looks, Barnes continued to pursue roles that challenged her as an actress — often choosing indie or offbeat projects over mainstream fame.
💬 “I didn’t want to be the blonde on the beach for the rest of my life,” she once said. “I wanted to act. I wanted to matter.”
In more recent years, she’s taken on darker, more mature roles, such as in Rob Zombie’s The Devil’s Rejects and other thriller/horror films, further proving her range and resilience in an industry often quick to pigeonhole women.
Though Priscilla Barnes may never have reached the superstar status of some of her peers, her career reflects quiet longevity, artistic choices, and a deep-rooted love for performance — the mark of a true working actress.