Johnathan Southworth Ritter (September 17, 1948 – September 11, 2003) was a well-known American actor. He was the son of Tex Ritter, a famous singing cowboy, and the father of actors Jason and Tyler Ritter. Ritter gained fame for his role as Jack Tripper on the ABC sitcom “Three’s Company,” which aired from 1977 to 1984. For his performance, he won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award in 1984. He also made a brief return to the character in the spin-off series “Three’s a Crowd,” which lasted for one season and produced 22 episodes before being canceled in 1985.
John Ritter’s Cause of Death
John Ritter tragically passed away on September 11, 2003, at the age of 54 due to an undetected aortic dissection, a condition where the aorta, the body’s main artery, tears. Initially, medical professionals believed he was having a heart attack after he complained of chest pains, severe nausea, and vomiting while rehearsing for his show, “8 Simple Rules.” He was taken to a nearby hospital around 6 p.m. Unfortunately, despite surgery, he was pronounced dead later that night at 10:48 p.m.
Legal Actions After His Death
Following his passing, Ritter’s family pursued legal action against a Burbank hospital, citing negligence. His widow, Amy Yasbeck, also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against two doctors involved in his treatment. She expressed that she believed her husband would still be alive if he had received a correct diagnosis, stating, “John didn’t have a chance. He was never given that chance.” Although tests suggested a heart attack, it was only later that the aortic dissection was identified.
Early Life and Career
Johnathan Southworth Ritter was born on September 17, 1948, in Burbank, California, to actor Tex Ritter and actress Dorothy Fay. He had a birth defect known as a coloboma in his right eye. After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1970, he started his acting career on television and made his film debut in the 1971 Disney movie “The Barefoot Executive.” He became a household name for his role in the hit sitcom “Three’s Company,” which aired from 1977.
John Ritter’s Wife, Son
Ritter was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Nancy Morgan in 1977, with whom he had three children: Jason, Carly, and Tyler. They divorced in 1996. In 1999, he married actress Amy Yasbeck, who had played his love interest in the “Problem Child” films. They had a daughter, Stella, born in 1998.
Legacy and Impact
John Ritter’s unexpected death has left a lasting impact, particularly on his family and friends. His wife, Amy Yasbeck, is dedicated to raising awareness about the medical condition that claimed his life, hoping to save others from a similar fate. The love and admiration for Ritter continue to be remembered by fans and loved ones alike.