Jason Ritter Reflects On Working With Beau Bridges And The Legacy Of His Late Father, John Ritter

Jason Ritter Opens Up About Beau Bridges and His Connection to Dad John Ritter

Actor Jason Ritter recently took a trip down memory lane during a panel at PaleyFest, where he shared heartfelt reflections on working with Beau Bridges in the hit show Matlock. Beau plays Jason’s on-screen dad, Howard “Senior” Markston, and their collaboration brought back a flood of memories for Jason, reminding him of his late father, the legendary John Ritter.

A Unique Bond with Beau Bridges

Jason described the surreal experience of working with Beau Bridges, an actor who has a striking resemblance to his father. "Beau is such a wonderful person," Jason said. "It’s funny because when Beau was cast, it felt like destiny. Throughout my childhood, my dad and Beau were often mistaken for each other. There’s a definite physical similarity between them. In fact, there was one time my dad got a fan letter addressed to Beau Bridges! So, from the very beginning, I’ve always had this strange, serendipitous connection to him."

Jason added that he had met Beau before joining the Matlock cast, which made their on-screen relationship feel even more genuine. "I actually had the chance to work with Beau in a play reading where I played a character that he originally created back in the '70s. It was an incredible experience, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for his talent and professionalism," Jason recalled.

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Remembering Don Knotts and the Legacy of Three’s Company

Jason also took a moment to reminisce about meeting Don Knotts, his father’s co-star on Three’s Company. "As a kid, I met Don several times, and I saw him a few more times after my dad passed away in 2003," Jason said. "Most of those encounters happened at events like the TV Land Awards, where we’d cross paths and share stories about the old days."

Jason couldn’t help but laugh as he recounted Don’s infectious humor and unique charm. "Don’s facial expressions were pure comedy gold. His vibe was so funny, and it made me appreciate his work on Three’s Company even more. Meeting him was truly a thrill, and it reminded me of the joy my dad brought to audiences everywhere."

John Ritter, who tragically passed away at the age of 54 from an aortic dissection, left behind a legacy of love and laughter for his children, including Jason, Tyler Ritter, and Carly Ritter, with his first wife, Nancy Morgan. More than a decade after his passing, Jason told Closer that he tries to live life with honesty and simplicity, inspired by his father’s example.

“I feel my dad’s presence every single day,” Jason revealed. “Sometimes, I’ll turn on the TV and catch an old episode of Three’s Company. It’s like a little gift to me. Occasionally, I even discover episodes I haven’t seen before, and it’s such a special connection to have with him through his work.”

A Legacy of Love and Loss

Jason admitted that he wishes his father could have seen all the milestones he’s achieved since his passing. "I believe, somewhere deep down, he’s watching everything I do and everything that’s yet to come," Jason said. "His death made me realize just how fragile life can be. Of course, I wish things could have been different. He was an incredible man, and I miss him every day."