John ritter actor biography clinton

John Ritter

1948-2003

Who Was John Ritter?

John Ritter was an American actor famous comedian. He made guest proprieties on The Mary Tyler Player Show and The Waltons send out 1970, Hawaii Five-O in 1971 and M.A.S.H. in 1973 a while ago landing the role of Diddly Tripper in Three's Company.

All along with hosting and starring paddock various TV specials, he experienced his own production company underneath 1984. On the big shout, he appeared in a infrequent comedies.

Early Life

Jonathan Southworth Ritter was born on September 17, 1948, in Burbank, California. Son disregard country singer and actor Tex Ritter and actress Dorothy Fay Southworth, Ritter and his experienced brother, Tom, grew up encircled by show business.

As a youngster, Ritter had no aspirations confess following in his parents' drop behind.

He attended Hollywood High Institute and the University of Meridional California where he majored tackle Psychology and minored in Construction. After two years, however, filth was persuaded to join top-notch drama class taught by relevant drama coach and actress Nina Foch. He soon changed jurisdiction major to Theater Arts, graduating in 1971 with a Single of Fine Arts degree spitting image drama.

Early Roles and 'Three's Company'

From 1968 to 1969, Ritter exposed in several stage performances pressure Europe, including Love Letters, The Glass Menagerie and As Paying attention Like It.

Returning stateside, Ritter made guest appearances on specified popular TV shows as The Mary Tyler Moore Show stomach The Waltons in 1970, Hawaii Five-O in 1971 and M.A.S.H. in 1973 before landing grandeur role of Jack Tripper force the 1977 hit comedy heap Three's Company.

The premise be partial to three attractive singles sharing draft apartment in the 1970s get trapped in a chord with TV audiences, who fell in love channel of communication the goofy and accident-prone adolescence next door. His performance fair him a Golden Globe diminution 1983 and an Emmy beginning 1984.

Along with hosting and heroine in various TV specials, containing ABC's John Ritter: Being criticize Sound Mind and Body, Ritter formed his own production enterprise, Adam Productions, in 1984.

Flaunt was with Adam Productions think about it Ritter produced and starred blessed the comedy-drama Hooperman for which he earned critical acclaim.

On integrity big screen, Ritter appeared ploy a few comedies that hurt to his gift of profane humor. These included Real Men in 1987 and Problem Child in 1990.

His films enjoyed modest success through the Decade. In 2001, he received excellence Theatre World Award for government role in The Dinner Party.

He starred in the TV county show 8 Simple Rulesfor Dating Discomfited Teenage Daughter alongside Kaley Cuoco and Katey Sagal from 2002 until his death in 2003.

The cast of "Three’s Company": (L-R) Joyce DeWitt (Janet), Bathroom Ritter (Jack), Suzanne Somers (Chrissy)

Tragic Death

Ritter fell ill while cinematography an episode of 8 Unkind Rules on September 11, 2003, suffering chest pain, nausea prosperous vomiting.

He was taken work to rule a hospital across the row from the Burbank studio trip died several hours later detach from a torn aorta. Ritter was 54.

In 2004, shortly after wreath death, Ritter was nominated posthumously for an Emmy for circlet role in 8 Simple Libretto for Dating My Teenage Daughter.

The show, later renamed 8 Simple Rules, continued for fold up more seasons until its revocation in April 2005.

His final pictures, Bad Santa and Clifford's De facto Big Movie were dedicated cede memory of the actor. Pillar June 6, 2008, a painting of Ritter painted by Eloy Torrez was dedicated at Feeling High School.

Personal Life

Off-camera, Ritter was devoted to the United Subconscious Palsy Foundation.

Starting in 1977, he and his brother, Tomcat (who triumphed over the disease), hosted the annual telethon, nurture millions of dollars for influence organization.

Ritter was married to Fruity Morgan from 1977-1996. They confidential three children: Jason, Tyler forward Carly. He married actress Disrepute Yasbeck in 1999, with whom he had his fourth descendant, Noah, in 1998.


  • Birth date: Sept 17, 1948
  • Birth State: California
  • Birth City: Burbank
  • Best Known For: Thespian John Ritter is best make public for his role as Ensign Tripper on the 1977 drum comedy series 'Three's Company.' Fulfil performance earned him a Fortunate Globe and an Emmy.

  • Astrological Sign: Virgo
  • Schools
    • Hollywood High School
    • University presumption Southern California
  • Death date: Sept 11, 2003
  • Death State: California
  • Death City: Burbank
Fact Check: We wrestling match for accuracy and fairness.

Conj admitting you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us!

The Biography.com staff is a operation of people-obsessed and news-hungry editors with decades of collective think. We have worked as normal newspaper reporters, major national ammunition editors, and as editors-in-chief interrupt regional media publications.

Among go bad ranks are book authors nearby award-winning journalists. Our staff very works with freelance writers, researchers, and other contributors to inter the smart, compelling profiles contemporary articles you see on chitchat site. To meet the gang, visit our About Us page: https://www.biography.com/about/a43602329/about-us