custimage

Ritter John

Sep 17, 1948

Rating : AA (Data from a birth certificate)

  • dashaimage
  • Aquarius
    Moon Sign
  • dashaimage
  • Virgo
    Sun Sign
  • dashaimage
  • Virgo
    Lagan

Remembering Since 2003

Events Events

Work : Begin Major Project 15 March 1977 (Debut of "Threes Company") chart Placidus Equal_H.

Relationship : Marriage 16 October 1977 (Nancy Morgan) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Family : Change in family responsibilities February 1980 (Son Jason born) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Family : Change in family responsibilities 1982 (daughter Carly born)

Work : Prize 1983 (Golden Globe Award for Best Actor)

Family : Change in family responsibilities 1985 (son Tyler born)

Work : Prize 1988 (Peoples Choice Award)

Social : Great Publicity 1993 (Received a Star on Hollywood walk of fame)

Relationship : Divorce dates October 1996 (Nancy Morgan, after four years of separation) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Family : Change in family responsibilities September 1998 (Daughter Stella born by second wife Amy) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Relationship : Marriage 18 September 1999 (Second wife, Amy Yasbeck) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Death:Death by Heart Attack 11 September 2003 (Age 54) chart Placidus Equal_H. Death of Mother 5 November 2003 (Eight weeks after his death) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Ai Generated Biography Biography

American actor from a theatrical family who received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series in 1983, Emmys in 1983-1984 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, and a Peoples Choice Award in 1988. In 1993 he received a star on the Hollywood walk of fame next to his dads. The second of two boys born to country singer Tex Ritter and actress Dorothy Fay, John was a quiet young man spending much time alone when he was young. His brother, two years his senior, had cerebral palsy. Ritter was a Boy Scout. After being elected student body president his senior year at Hollywood High, he decided to become a psychiatrist and attended the University of Southern California. He changed his major to theater arts between his sophomore and junior years, receiving a B.F.A. in drama in 1971 with a minor in architecture. His college theater troop took him to Scotland, England and the continent. He studied acting with Stella Adler and Nina Foch and with Harvey Lembeck at his Comedy Workshop. Ritters good humor and easy nature belied his unease with his own celebrity. Saying he had inherited none of his dads singing talent, he became a very capable dramatic actor with a sense of physical comedy, a modern day vaudeville comic. Enormously successful, he was an intense, hard worker. While on the set he listened to everyone and brought peace if there were clashes, caring deeply about peoples feelings. His debut was on the dramatic TV series "Dan August." In 1971 he did a Disney movie, "Scandalous." A recurring role on "The Waltons" from 1972-1977 had him playing Reverend Fordwick. "Threes Company," the sitcom for which he won his first awards, began on 15 March 1977 and ended on 18 September 1984. The following show, "Threes A Crowd," aired during the 1984-1985 seasons. Always hard on himself, he wasnt content with past performances and continued to be nominated for awards, 1987 Golden Globe for the TV movie "Unnatural Causes," 1988 Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for "Hooperman" and July 1999 an Emmy nomination for guest actor on "Ally McBeal." After having dated many women, John met three-year-younger Nancy Morgan, an actress, in March 1975 and they married on 16 October 1977. They had three children, son Jason in February 1980, daughter Carly in 1982 and son Tyler in 1985. Married for 19 years, they separated in 1993 and filed for divorce in September 1996. In September 1998 John and Amy Yasbeck, an actress, announced the birth of a daughter, Stella. The couple announced their engagement on 25 June 1999 and married on 18 September 1999. There was a report that due to an injury in his teens, John was legally blind in his right eye. He worked toward fund-raising on behalf of Cerebral Palsy, from which his older brother, a lawyer, suffered. On the evening of 11 September 2003 in Burbank, California just days before his birthday, the Emmy-award winning son of Tex Ritter collapsed on the set of his TV series and died moments later. The cause of his sudden death was a break in the main coronary artery. One of his sons, Jason Ritter, 23, was then an actor who appeared in the upcoming CBS series "Joan of Arcadia." Link to Wikipedia biography Read less

bio Latest Info with AI

Update at: Aug 19, 2025
John Ritter - Public Profile

John Ritter - Public Profile

Full Name: Jonathan Southworth Ritter

Date of Birth: September 17, 1948

Place of Birth: Burbank, United States

Biography

John Ritter was a beloved American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Jack Tripper on the hit television sitcom "Three's Company." Ritter's charming personality and comedic timing made him a household name during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was the son of famous country singer and actor Tex Ritter and actress Dorothy Fay.

Career Highlights

Ritter's career spanned several decades, during which he appeared in numerous television shows and films. Aside from "Three's Company," he starred in "8 Simple Rules," "Hooperman," and the film "Problem Child." His work earned him several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Recent Projects

Although John Ritter passed away on September 11, 2003, his legacy continues through the projects he completed. Posthumously, he appeared in the films "Bad Santa" and "Clifford's Really Big Movie." Additionally, his influence is celebrated in various tributes and retrospectives honoring his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Social Media Presence

John Ritter's presence on social media is maintained by fans and family members dedicated to preserving his legacy. Various fan pages and groups on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter share memories, clips, and tributes to his work. These communities celebrate his impact on television and film, ensuring his memory stays alive for new generations of fans.

Legacy and Influence

John Ritter's influence extends beyond his comedic roles. He is remembered for his kindness, professionalism, and the joy he brought to fans and colleagues alike. His work continues to be celebrated through syndication of his TV shows and the ongoing appreciation of his films. Ritter's ability to connect with audiences has left an enduring mark on the entertainment industry.

Family and Personal Life

Ritter was married twice, first to actress Nancy Morgan, with whom he had three children, including actor Jason Ritter. He later married actress Amy Yasbeck, with whom he had a daughter. Ritter was known for his dedication to his family and his ability to balance his personal life with his demanding career.

Philanthropy

Throughout his life, John Ritter was deeply involved in charitable work. He supported various causes, including health and education initiatives. His family continues to honor his philanthropic spirit through the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, which raises awareness and funds research for aortic disease.

Conclusion

John Ritter remains a cherished figure in the world of entertainment. His contributions to television and film have left a lasting impact, and his legacy is celebrated by fans worldwide. Through his work and philanthropy, Ritter's spirit continues to inspire and entertain, ensuring that his memory endures for years to come.