John Ritter — beloved actor, husband, father, and friend — died of an aortic dissection.
Weeks after his death, his wife and fellow actor Amy Yasbeck established The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health with the aim to fund research, provide education, and raise awareness of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.
Johnathan Southworth Ritter was born on September 17, 1948, in Burbank, California. He was the second son of singing cowboy and film star Tex Ritter and actress Dorothy Fay. He attended Hollywood High School before going on to earn a degree in theater arts from the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts, from which he graduated in 1970.
John enjoyed an expansive career in both television and film, but his breakthrough role came when he was cast as the lead in the hit sitcom Three’s Company, starring alongside Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers. Airing from 1977 to 1984, the show made John a beloved household name. His unforgettable portrayal of Jack Tripper earned him both a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe.
In 1983 John received his star, placed next to his father’s, on the fabled Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tex Ritter and he have side-by-side stars. Which made them the first father-and-son pair to be honored this way on the Walk of Fame.
John’s film and television work also included memorable roles in Problem Child I and II, Skin Deep, Noises Off, and the Oscar-winning Sling Blade and was also the voice of PBS’s Clifford the Big Red Dog, earning him four Daytime Emmy nominations for the role. At the time of his passing, he was starring alongside Katey Sagal and Kaley Cuoco in the sitcom 8 Simple Rules…for Dating My Teenage Daughter.
On September 11, 2003, while filming 8 Simple Rules…for Dating My Teenage Daughter, John experienced symptoms of what was later identified as a type A aortic dissection. He was taken to the hospital and initially treated for a presumed heart attack, but his condition rapidly worsened, and he tragically passed away that night.
John had four children, Jason, Tyler, Carly, and Noah. He and Amy married in 1999. His two older sons, Jason Ritter and Tyler Ritter, have followed his path into acting, while all four children have worked alongside Amy and The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. Together, they are committed to ensuring his legacy helps save the lives of others at risk for thoracic aortic dissection, a medical emergency with a higher mortality rate than heart attacks or strokes.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about The JRF’s work, understand your risk, and discover ways to support this lifesaving cause.