John Ritter

About

John Ritter was a renowned American actor and comedian, born on September 17, 1948, in Burbank, California. He is best known for his role as Jack Tripper in the ABC sitcom "Three's Company," which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Ritter was also recognized in several other comedies and dramas on both television and film throughout his career, including "Hooperman," "8 Simple Rules," and "Bad Santa." Tragically, he died on September 11, 2003, due to an aortic dissection, leaving a significant legacy in the entertainment industry.

Associated With

John Ritter, renowned for his role in "Three's Company," had multiple professional and personal associations within the entertainment industry. As an actor, he established several long-term collaborations, including work with producers such as Michael Sullivan, legendary directors such as Blake Edwards, and actors including Henry Winkler and Katey Sagal. He also performed alongside his sons, Jason and Tyler Ritter, on several occasions, helping to foster their own careers in acting. In terms of personal relationships, he was married to actress Nancy Morgan from 1977 to 1996, and they had three children together. Following his divorce from Morgan, he married actress Amy Yasbeck in 1999. The extent and nature of Ritter's industry associations illustrate his significant impact and legacy within the entertainment world.

Career Highlights

• 1970 - John Ritter begins his acting career with early TV roles, including guest appearances in series like "Hawaii Five-O" and "M*A*S*H".
• 1971 - Ritter scores his first regular TV role on "The Waltons".
• 1977 - He begins his iconic role as Jack Tripper in "Three's Company", which continues until 1984.
• 1979 - Ritter wins the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy for "Three's Company".
• 1982 - Ritter adds another laurel to his cap, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for "Three's Company".
• 1984 - John Ritter begins work on "Three's a Crowd", a continuation of "Three's Company" which ultimately lasts for one season.
• 1992 - Ritter stars in "Hearts Afire", a sitcom that runs for three seasons.
• 1996 - He stars in "Sling Blade", a critically acclaimed film which further showcases his range as an actor.
• 1998 - Ritter receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• 2002 - John starts his role in "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter". This is his last regular TV role, which continues even after his passing in 2003 until 2005.
• 2003 - Ritter Posthumously wins a Daytime Emmy Award for his voice role in an episode of "Clifford the Big Red Dog".
• 2004 - He is named as one of the top 50 greatest television fathers in a TV Guide poll, for his role in "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter", a testament to his enduring legacy.

Notable Awards

• John Ritter won several notable awards during his career, including:
• Emmy Award: He won for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for "Three's Company" in 1984.
• Golden Globe Awards: He won Best Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical for "Three's Company" in 1984.
• Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television in 1983.
• He also received several posthumous awards, including a nomination for an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role in "Scrubs" in 2003.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular John Ritter Movie/TV Show?

John Ritter is perhaps most famous for his role in the hit TV show "Three's Company," which aired from 1977 to 1984. In this show, Ritter played the character of Jack Tripper, a chef living with two female roommates. His comedic and loveable portrayal of the character made the show a popular favorite and cemented his role in TV history. Even though Ritter starred in many successful films and other TV series, his role in "Three's Company" remains his most popular and recognizable work.

How Did John Ritter Get Famous?

John Ritter became famous for his acting talent exhibited primarily on television. He gained nationwide recognition with his role as Jack Tripper in the hit 1970s sitcom "Three's Company." His comedic timing and physical humor in the show won him an Emmy and a Golden Globe during its eight-year run. Later, he continued to star in popular shows like "Hooperman," "8 Simple Rules," and dozens of films, cementing his status as a beloved figure in American pop culture. Ritter’s substantial contribution to comedy and entertainment continue to be celebrated and remembered.