Amy Yasbeck shares a heartfelt story about how she and John Ritter's kids keep his memory alive by celebrating the little things in life. "We act like a bunch of clowns, laughing at burps, farts, falls, and anything goofy," she told Closer. It’s their way of honoring the man who brought joy to so many. Even John’s eldest son, Jason Ritter, keeps the fun alive by texting Amy jokes and puns until they're both exhausted from laughing. This is just one of the ways this incredible family continues to cherish the legacy of the late John Ritter, who passed away at 54 due to aortic dissection.
Two decades after his untimely death, John's memory remains vibrant in the hearts of his family, close friends, and co-stars. Recently, the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health hosted an unforgettable evening called "An Evening From the Heart" to celebrate his life. It was a touching reunion of those who knew and loved him best, including his family, friends, and co-stars from his iconic shows like Three’s Company and 8 Simple Rules.
John Ritter: A Man Who Lit Up Every Room
Actress Holly Robinson Peete, a close friend of John and Amy, recalls what made John so special. "He wasn’t just a big star; he was pure human loveliness," she says. "When you were with John, you felt like the most important person in the room because he connected with you on such a genuine level." That’s the kind of person John was—someone who could make anyone feel seen and valued, no matter how brief the encounter.
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From a Cowboy's Son to a Comedy Icon
John Ritter came from a family of entertainers—his father, Tex Ritter, was a famous singing cowboy, and his mother, Dorothy Fay, was an actress. "Even as a little boy, John was always putting on a show," his mother once said. This early exposure to the world of entertainment set the stage for his future career. John began his journey in show business with guest appearances on popular TV series like M*A*S*H and Hawaii Five-O. His comedic talent eventually landed him a recurring role on The Waltons, where he played the lovable Reverend Matthew Fordwick. His humor was infectious, and he quickly became known for his playful pranks on set.
Breaking Out on "Three’s Company"
In 1977, John hit the big time when he joined the cast of Three’s Company, playing Jack Tripper, a man pretending to be gay so he could live with two beautiful women. This role catapulted him to national fame and cemented his status as a comedy legend. Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow during the first five seasons, remembers John fondly. "He was hilarious, charming, and had this irresistible energy that made everyone around him laugh," she says. "John had a way of making every scene funny, and we had such a great time working together."
A Gentleman Off Camera
Priscilla Barnes, who starred alongside John as Terri Alden in Seasons 6 through 8, describes him as the perfect balance of humor and sensitivity. "John’s jokes were always charming and never offensive," she explains. "He had a way of making people feel special and appreciated." But John wasn’t always in comedian mode. "He wasn’t one of those guys who had to be ‘on’ all the time," Priscilla adds. "When he wasn’t working, he was a thoughtful, private person who truly cared about those around him."
A Legacy of Love and Family
John met his future wife, Amy Yasbeck, on the set of Problem Child in 1990. After dating for several years, they married in 1999 and welcomed their son, Noah, into the world. Amy reflects fondly on their relationship: "We knew each other so deeply that we could almost read each other’s minds." She also remembers John as a well-rounded individual who loved reading, staying informed about politics and history, and expressing his emotions without burdening others. "He was a quick thinker, but he also had this quiet side that many people didn’t see," she says.
John’s Advice That Still Resonates
John’s gratitude for his career is something Amy carries with her to this day. "He always reminded me not to take anything for granted," she recalls. "He’d say, ‘Do you realize how lucky we are to be working?’ At the time, I thought, 'You're John Ritter!' But now I understand what he meant. Show business can be unpredictable, and we should cherish every opportunity we get."
John as a Father: A Role Model Both On and Off Screen
John’s son, Tyler Ritter, remembers his dad as a devoted father who made time for him no matter how busy his schedule was. "We bonded over baseball. Every time I asked him to play catch, he was ready," Tyler tells Closer. "Now that I’m a father myself, I realize how challenging it is to always be present for your kids. But John made it look effortless." John’s connection with his children was unique and meaningful. "Each kid had their own special thing with him," Amy explains. "With Tyler, it was baseball. Jason introduced him to Nirvana, and music became a shared passion. Their bond was something John cherished deeply."
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