John Ritter was a beloved actor who brought joy to audiences with his comedic roles, especially as Jack Tripper in the hit sitcom Three’s Company. Born in 1948, Ritter came from a family rooted in the entertainment industry, with his father being the famous country singer, Tex Ritter. Ritter’s charm and talent allowed him to leave a significant mark on both television and film before his untimely death in 2003.
His death shocked the world, cutting short a career that spanned decades. However, his legacy continues through his memorable performances, the work of his children, and the love of his fans. Today, we will take a deeper look into John Ritter’s life, career, and lasting impact.
Summary of John Ritter’s Life and Career
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | September 17, 1948 |
| Died | September 11, 2003 |
| Cause of Death | Aortic Dissection |
| Famous Roles | Three’s Company, 8 Simple Rules, Hooperman |
| Children | Jason Ritter, Tyler Ritter, Carly Ritter, Noah Lee Ritter |
| Spouses | Nancy Morgan (1977–1996), Amy Yasbeck (1999–2003) |
Key Takeaways
- John Ritter was an iconic American actor known for his role in Three’s Company and many other popular TV shows and films.
- He died unexpectedly in 2003 due to an aortic dissection.
- His children, including Jason and Tyler Ritter, have continued in their father’s footsteps as actors.
- John Ritter’s legacy is honored through his numerous television appearances, films, and his beloved portrayal of Paul Hennessy in 8 Simple Rules.
John Ritter’s Life and Early Career
Johnathan Southworth Ritter, born on September 17, 1948, in Burbank, California, was destined for a life in show business. As the son of Tex Ritter, a popular country singer and film star, and Dorothy Fay, an actress, it seemed only natural that John would follow in their footsteps.
Ritter studied psychology at the University of Southern California but later switched to theater arts, where he found his true passion. He began his acting career in the early 1970s, with small roles in shows like The Waltons and MASH*. His big break came in 1977 when he was cast as Jack Tripper in the sitcom Three’s Company, a role that would define his career and make him a household name.
John Ritter’s Major TV Shows and Movies
John Ritter Shows
John Ritter’s television career is filled with memorable shows that highlighted his versatility as an actor. Aside from his most famous role as Jack Tripper on Three’s Company (1977–1984), Ritter also starred in many other shows:
- Hooperman (1987-1989), a comedy-drama where he played a San Francisco police inspector.
- 8 Simple Rules (2002–2003), where he starred as Paul Hennessy, a father trying to keep up with his teenage children, until his sudden death during the show’s production.
- Clifford the Big Red Dog, where he voiced the lovable character Clifford.
John Ritter Movies
In addition to his television work, John Ritter appeared in over 100 films and TV movies. His notable films include:
- Problem Child (1990), where he played a father dealing with an unruly adopted child.
- Sling Blade (1996), a dramatic role that showed Ritter’s ability to handle serious material alongside his comedic performances.
- Bad Santa (2003), which was released shortly after his death, where he played the uptight manager of a shopping mall.
How Did John Ritter Die?
John Ritter’s death was sudden and unexpected. On September 11, 2003, while rehearsing for an episode of 8 Simple Rules, he fell ill and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors initially believed he was having a heart attack, but it was later revealed that he had an aortic dissection, a tear in the wall of the major artery carrying blood out of the heart. Despite efforts to save him, John Ritter passed away later that evening at the age of 54.
His passing shocked not only his family and friends but also the entertainment industry and fans worldwide. His death raised awareness about aortic dissections and the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
John Ritter’s Family – His Wife and Children
John Ritter was married twice. His first wife was actress Nancy Morgan, with whom he had three children: Jason Ritter, Carly Ritter, and Tyler Ritter. Jason and Tyler have both followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming accomplished actors themselves. Jason Ritter is known for his roles in shows like Parenthood and The Event, while Tyler Ritter has appeared in series like The McCarthys.
In 1999, Ritter married actress Amy Yasbeck, with whom he had one daughter, Stella Ritter (now known as Noah Lee Ritter). Amy Yasbeck was with John when he passed away, and she later became a strong advocate for aortic health awareness.
John Ritter and Dallas Roberts – A Surprising Resemblance
One interesting fact that often pops up in discussions about John Ritter is his resemblance to actor Dallas Roberts. Although there is no familial connection between the two, fans have frequently pointed out how much they look alike. This resemblance has sparked online discussions and rumors, but the two actors are not related.
FAQ
When did John Ritter die?
John Ritter passed away on September 11, 2003, at the age of 54, due to an aortic dissection.
How did John Ritter die?
John Ritter died from an aortic dissection, which is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart.
Who are John Ritter’s children?
John Ritter had four children: Jason Ritter, Tyler Ritter, Carly Ritter, and Noah Lee Ritter (formerly known as Stella Ritter). Jason and Tyler are both actors.
What shows and movies was John Ritter famous for?
John Ritter was famous for his role as Jack Tripper on Three’s Company. He also starred in 8 Simple Rules, Hooperman, Problem Child, Sling Blade, and many other films and TV shows.
Was John Ritter related to Dallas Roberts?
No, John Ritter and Dallas Roberts are not related, though they share a striking resemblance.
What was John Ritter’s cause of death?
John Ritter’s cause of death was an aortic dissection, which was initially misdiagnosed as a heart attack.
Who was John Ritter married to?
John Ritter was married to Nancy Morgan from 1977 to 1996, and then to Amy Yasbeck from 1999 until his death in 2003.
John Ritter’s legacy continues to live on, both through his body of work and his talented children. His unexpected death was a great loss to Hollywood, but the laughter and joy he brought to millions will always be remembered.