John Ritter

Biography: Born into a showbiz family, this son of singer-actor-cowboy Tex Ritter tackled a myriad of TV guest spots and a recurring part as a reverend on The Waltons before landing his seminal role as the hilarious and horny Jack Tripper on Three's Company. After eight seasons (and nominations for an Emmy and a Golden Globe) the versatile actor moved on to TV dramas (Unnatural Causes, The Dreamer of Oz) and the big screen (two Problem Child movies, opposite his future wife Amy Yasbeck), while also continuing to stretch his comedic muscles in sitcoms. In the '90s, Ritter showcased his versatility with a number of supporting parts in indie films and two decidedly different romantic turns on TV---one funny on Ally McBeal, the other deadly on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In 2002, his family-oriented sitcom 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter became a surprise hit and Ritter was again a prime-time star. But the next year tragedy struck without warning: On September 11, 2003, a few daysBorn into a showbiz family, this son of singer-actor-cowboy Tex Ritter tackled a myriad of TV guest spots and a recurring part as a reverend on The Waltons before landing his seminal role as the hilarious and horny Jack Tripper on Three's Company. After eight seasons (and nominations for an Emmy and a Golden Globe) the versatile actor moved on to TV dramas (Unnatural Causes, The Dreamer of Oz) and the big screen (two Problem Child movies, opposite his future wife Amy Yasbeck), while also continuing to stretch his comedic muscles in sitcoms. In the '90s, Ritter showcased his versatility with a number of supporting parts in indie films and two decidedly different romantic turns on TV---one funny on Ally McBeal, the other deadly on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In 2002, his family-oriented sitcom 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter became a surprise hit and Ritter was again a prime-time star. But the next year tragedy struck without warning: On September 11, 2003, a few days before his 55th birthday and a week before his fourth wedding anniversary, he collapsed on the 8 Simple Rules set and was rushed to the hospital, where he died of an undetected heart condition. Ritter was mourned by both those who knew him and by generations of fans who connected with the likeable actor's on-screen performances. Expand

John Ritter's Scores

  • Movies
  • TV
Average career score: 57
Highest Metascore: 85 Sling Blade
Lowest Metascore: 27 Problem Child
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
15 movie reviews
Title: Year: Credit: User score:
49 Clifford's Really Big Movie Feb 20, 2004 Clifford The Big Red Dog / Clifford The Big Red Dog 5.9
tbd Man of the Year Dec 5, 2003 Co-Producer / Co-Producer / Bill / Bill tbd
70 Bad Santa Nov 26, 2003 Bob Chipeska 8.3
71 Tadpole Jul 19, 2002 Stanley Grubman 6.3
tbd Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel Dec 7, 2001 Christian Therapist tbd
77 Panic Jan 12, 2001 Dr. Josh Parks / Dr. Josh Parks tbd
48 Bride of Chucky Oct 16, 1998 Chief Warren Kincaid / Chief Warren Kincaid tbd
85 Sling Blade Nov 27, 1996 Vaughan Cunningham 8.3
41 Stay Tuned Aug 14, 1992 Roy Knable tbd
65 Noises Off... Mar 20, 1992 Garry Lejeune/Roger Tramplemain tbd
27 Problem Child Jul 27, 1990 Ben / Ben 3.7
43 Skin Deep Mar 3, 1989 Zach / Zach tbd
47 Real Men Sep 25, 1987 Bob Wilson tbd
63 They All Laughed Aug 21, 1981 Charles Rutledge / Charles Rutledge / Charles Rutledge tbd
52 Nickelodeon Dec 21, 1976 Franklin Frank / Franklin Frank tbd
65 The Other May 26, 1972 Rider tbd
55 The Barefoot Executive Mar 17, 1971 Roger tbd