John Ritter could turn a stumble, expression, or perfectly timed pause into unforgettable comedy. Born in 1948 to country singer Tex Ritter and actress Dorothy Fay, he initially studied psychology and architecture at USC before discovering his passion for acting. After graduating with a drama degree in 1971, he appeared on shows including Hawaii Five-O and MASH* before landing the role that changed everything.

In 1977, Ritter became Jack Tripper on Three’s Company, transforming his gift for physical comedy into a household name. His accident-prone character made audiences laugh for years, and Ritter eventually won an Emmy for the role. Behind the scenes, he built a family of his own. He married actress Nancy Morgan in 1977, and they had Jason, Carly, and Tyler Ritter before divorcing in 1996. He later married Amy Yasbeck, and they welcomed daughter Noah.

Ritter continued acting in television and film, but his life was tragically cut short on September 11, 2003, at age 54. While rehearsing for 8 Simple Rules, he became seriously ill and was initially believed to be experiencing a heart attack. Doctors later determined that he had suffered an aortic dissection, a tear in the body’s largest artery. He died that evening.

His death ultimately inspired his family to become strong advocates for awareness of aortic dissection and other aortic diseases. They have worked to educate people about symptoms that can be mistaken for a heart attack and the importance of recognizing potentially life-threatening aortic problems quickly. More than two decades later, Ritter’s legacy lives on not only through his comedy and children, but also through his family’s continuing effort to help others recognize the warning signs that he never had the chance to recognize himself. ❤️