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