TV Sitcom Star John Ritter Dead

[VolcanoJen]

This was originally posted in LBN by Tripper11; his thread was moved to the Lounge and can be found here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=185013#185035

Sorry that happened, Tripper11... I'm reposting this in LBN so that everyone gets a chance to hear the sad news.

:-(

Initial reports indicate Ritter suffered a massive heart attack last night. Here is a link to the latest story (not yet updated with that information)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030912/us_nm/people_ritter_dc_5

[DoNotRefill]

1. "Problem Child"

'nuff said.

[VolcanoJen]

2. Ritter would have been 55 on Wednesday.

:-(

[undergroundrailroad]

3. I'm very sorry to hear about the death of John Ritter.

Emmy-winning actor John Ritter dead at 54


(CNN) --Actor and comedian John Ritter has died unexpectedly after he was rushed to the hospital for a "dissection of the aorta," his publicist Lisa Kasteler told CNN.

Ritter, who would have turned 55 next week, was the star of the ABC series "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter."

In a statement, Kasteler said Ritter was rushed to the hospital after suffering from an unrecognized and undetected flaw in his aorta.

Surgeons at the hospital tried to save the Emmy Award-winning actor but were unable to do so, the statement said.

WebMD.com described an aortic dissection as "an abnormal separation of tissues within the walls of the aorta" caused by high blood pressure, family history of the condition, disease of connective tissue, or severe trauma to the chest.

[SoCalDem]

7. That's what killed Lucille Ball..

aortic problems usually kill the person.. and unless you have a really savvy doctor, defects go unnoticed until it's too late.. That's really sad.. He seemed like such a nice man :(

[rocketdem]

9. aortic aneurysm

Sixteen months ago I had open heart surgery to replace a section of my ascending aorta do to an aneurysm. At the time I was 37 years old. They found it almost by a fluke. The doctors and nurses in the emergency room were stunned. They said, just about the only time that we find these is duing autopsies. The only thing that saved my life was the fact that mine did not have a significant area of dissection. Once that starts to happen, you don't have much of a chance.

[SoCalDem]

12. Wow.. you were Lucky

Lots of times that condition goes along with some syndromes , like Marfans, so the doctors look for it, but usually they do not :(.. Your doctor really did save your life.. twice that day :):)

[colorado_ufo]

45. God bless you.

I lost a friend at age 21 to this problem. She was bowling, said she felt tired, then dropped dead.

[rocketdem]

50. It almost got me too.

I was in the gym. I've been a weightlifter for 20 years. I had just about 600 lb. on my back and I was doing squats. I was supposed to do 2 or 3 reps. The first one felt terrible. Really bad. It took forever and I just didn't feel strong but I got it up. I stood there for a moment contemplating another rep but decided to rack the weight instead.

That's when the terrible pounding began right under my collarbone. I tried to shake it off. I walked around the gym a bit but it just didn't go away and I really didn't feel too good. Rather than continuing my workout (something I was seriously considering), I went home.

My wife talked me into going to the emergency room. I didn't need much convincing because I still felt like crap. In the emergency room was I immediately dismissed as some big, dumb weightlifter who pulled a muscle and thinks he's had a heart attack. You could see it in their faces. But luckily I have very good insurance and they went through the motions of doing all the tests.

At 2:00 a.m., they did a CT scan. Fifteen minutes later, the doctor came into the room white as a ghost. He told my wife and I what they'd found. Twenty minutes later, the cardio-thoracic surgeon was in the room examining the CT scan results to make sure that they didn't have to open up my chest that night, as in immediately.

Because I did not have a significant amount of dissection (mine just looked like a stretched out sock, no delamination of the layers of the wall), they put off the surgery until I could be fully prepared and fully analyzed. Many tests later after two weeks of time, they opened me up and replaced my ascending aorta wholesale.

If I had in fact attempted one more rep in the gym, I'd be dead. On the other hand, if I hadn't been pushing myself so hard, it might have never bothered me and they never would have found it. If I hadn't gone to the emergency room, I'd likely be dead. If the emergency room had given me an aspirin and sent me home, I'd likely be dead.

Since my recovery, I've obviously been more cognizant of this condition and have read a number of articles suggesting that it's far more common than most people believe. I don't mean to scare anyone, but doctors really ought to pay more attention to this possibility and a simple CT scan, I've been told, is the best way to find them (but I am not a doctor so don't necessarily take my word for it).

Anyway, it was one hell of an experience. Trust me, it's good to be here. Very good.

[calimary]

61. He WAS a nice man. I was lucky enough to interview him once.

Funny, quick-thinking, charming, well-mannered, self-effacing. I enjoyed it. You came away liking him more. May he rest in peace.

[Gloria]

60. Condition is one of several that can be related to aortic coarctation

My nephew was born with it and had surgery by the age of two. Took artery (or a vein?) from the leg. Has different blood pressure in different parts of his body, but high blood pressure in the arms. May have to get a stent or more surgery since he's now 19 and that repair is 17 years old with a 2 year old's blood vessel. He's always tired. Wish he hadn't gone up to Ithaca College for school...under pressure, hills, very cold weather. We're really worried about this...(I survived the winters, but I didn't have this problem).

He's a twin. He had to have eye surgery for a crossed eye, and he had some ear problems. His brother was fine, no problems.

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

64. John Ritter had a young baby

John Ritter will be missed by the public but let's not forget his family.

I sat next to him at the Soup Plantation in West L.A. about 10 months ago.(EATING HEALTHY SALAD)

He was there with his young looking wife and baby in a high chair. The three of them looked extremely happy.
I am sure he was looking forward to raising the child.
It's soo sad how things happen unexpectedly in our lives.
It is really hard to make plans but I guess we can try and make the most of the "NOW".

My REGARDS to his Family and his loved ones.

Peace

[hang a left]

21. Awful, so young.

[jsw_81]

4. No way!

I was watching a "Three's Company" rerun only a little while ago and now he's gone?!? Unbelieveable. He was way, way too young. :(

[E_Zapata]

5. My heart is breaking.

The incomparable John Ritter - and now Johnny Cash.

[JI7]

6. too soon

too young to go.

[hadrons]

8. at least he left on top with a hit show ...

I liked him as a performer and I even saw him once during intermission of this Broadway play he was in (and he does look younger than his age)

On the negative, I heard he could be bit of a dick (its said he would roll his eyes when someone would recogize him on the street)

[Enraged_Ape]

16. I heard he hated it when people said "Hey, Jack Tripper"...

since he had been in a lot of other things as well. I supposed I'd get tired of that too.

[Cooley Hurd]

10. Wow... this is unexpected...

How sad! Anyone who grew up in the 70's must remember how funny & talented he was...

My condolences...

[undergroundrailroad]

11. Rest in Peace John Ritter.

In Memoriam



John Ritter
1948 - 2003

[GCP]

13. John Ritter was probably under-appreciated

He was a very talented comic actor but his role in "Slingblade" opened many eyes to what he could really do given a good part.

RIP, John.

[RobinA]

23. Agree

After "Slingblade" I kept waiting for him to get off of TV and use his talent. I guess it'll never happen now.

[jenk]

14. I wake up this morning, John Ritter and Johnny Cash are dead

this sucks

[SuffragetteSal]

53. same here - so sad

rest in peace - heaven is a better place now

[Enraged_Ape]

15. OMFG

This is just incredibly tragic, regardless of what anyone thought of "Three's Company". He was a great talent, very funny, a wonderful actor (his gay grocer performance in "Sling Blade" should have received an Academy Award), and by all accounts, a nice guy.

And he was so young. I weep for his family and all his fans.

And Johnny Cash too.

Jesus Christ, what a day, and it hasn't started yet.

[Amaya]

17. I can't believe it!

I grew up watching him on Three's Company.
I'm speechless... and sad :(

[bleedingheart]

20. i agree...

I grew up with him on tv and now he is dead

may he rest in peace

[WillParkinson]

18. Wow...

I loved him as the robot, Ted, on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

[buddhamama]

19. i grew up

watching John on tv.

he was a versatile actor very talented, from to tv movies and broadway.

such a loss, he left us too soon.

thank you,John.

peace

[deutsey]

22. John Ritter was an underrated talent, I believe

And, I have to admit, I did like him in Three's Company (at least when I watched it in the early years of the show).

He was a very good comedic actor and he wasn't bad as a dramatic actor. And then he did the voice of Clifford in the PBS cartoon.

I'll miss him.

RIP, John.

[JI7]

25. did you see him in "slingblade" ?

you know the movie with billy bob thornton ? john ritter had a part in there playing i think a friend of the main characters. i can't remember exactly how things went , but i do remember he was VERY good in that role. but shows what a great actor he was.

[underpants]

27. He was good in that you should check out "Noises Off"

John Ritter
Christopher Reeves
Michael Caine (sp?)
Carol Burnett
Marilu Henner
Denholm Elliott (sp?) -the butler in "Trading places"
Nicole Sheridan (the blonde bombshell from Knotts LAnding I think) she's in lingerie the second half of the movie
Balkie's cousin from "Perfect Strangers"
and I think the girl form the "Airplane" movies.


A very funny movie about the cast of a small play. The second half of the movie has almost no dialogue, you watch from the back of the set. Very funny.

[ellie]

35. Noises Off was hilarious!

I was flipping through the channels one day and happened to come on it. I watched it and laughed like crazy. I loved John Ritter!

My favorite Three's Company episode was when Jack and Chrissy were clearing the brush away from in front of apartment building and Mrs. Roper was using the weeds and flowers in her flower decorating class. Jack and Chrissy thought Mrs. Roper had inadvertantly used pot plants in her arrangement. Hilarity ensued.

I wanted to move to Santa Monica, CA for a long time after that show came on. That is where it was based.

I also liked him in Sling Blade. I didn't see his recent show. I don't watch too much t.v. anymore.

[shrike]

34. he played the gay boss of the mother in Slingblade

His performance was both hilarious and heartbreaking. An underused talent.

[Barrett808]

39. He played a good heavy in that Buffy episode

The one where he turned out to be robot.

[dusty64]

24. Sad.

I know he wants to be remembered for all the other things he did, but I grew up watching "Threes Company". I really liked it.

[goddess40]

26. Saw an ad last night for his show and thought he looked good

I even said that he looked like he had lost weight.
So sad, it is hard to believe.

Johnny Cash too, what a sad day.

[wyldwolf]

28. Wanna see a disgusting "christian" view on Ritter's death?

"I'm Attacked Whenever I Take a Stand
by: wanda_for_decent_values (47/F/Des Moines, IA) 09/12/03 08:41 am
Msg: 491 of 494

for decent values in America. That's OK, real Christians are used to it.

Three's Company was a horrible, immoral program in the 1970s. The entire show was about extra-marital sex (including homosexuality.)

It was an awful step down the ladder to the cesspool American television has become today. John Ritter deserves the blame for taking American down the moral sewer.

How can anyone feel sorry for someone who did so much wrong?"

(sigh) I get so angry when I'm exposed to this ignorant viewpoint!

http://news.messages.yahoo.com/bbs?action=m&board=37138446&tid=apobitritter&sid=37138446&mid=491

[blondeatlast]

30. "That's OK, real Christians are used to it." Um, no, I'm not.

Okay, I know JC wouldn't bitch-slap anyone, but if he's human (debatable) he is probably so tempted. The stuff that goes on in his name!

[Enraged_Ape]

31. Don't let it get to you, wyldwolf

"Wanda" is already getting what she deserves by just being Wanda.

I can't imagine living a life consumed with such hate and bile, while also having to sit in a hard wooden pew for two hours every Sunday listening to some dude talk about Jesus and love and charity. And she has to pretend like she likes that because if she doesn't, the great bearded old white guy in the sky will cast her into the lake of fire. That's just gotta be rough.

I'm full of rage, but at least I can nice things about people every now and then, particularly when they've just died.

[donotpassgo]

57. Don't fret...SEE MY REPLY. I GAVE THEM WHAT FOR!!!!!!

.

[cboy4]

59. Wanda, the wicked witch of the christians

speaks for sooooooo many of the right wing christian fundamentalist base in this country.....the same people who supported that lunatic who was recently executed in Florida for killing the physician who performed legal abortions. They hate, hate, hate.

[theboss]

29. I feel old

I grew up with "Three's Company."

Chris Rock (I think) once said that John Ritter was the greatest actor ever simply because he made a show with horrible writing one of the biggest hits ever. He had a point.

[Enraged_Ape]

32. Chris Rock was right

"Three's Company" was one of the most retarded television shows ever telecast. But John Ritter, and his interaction with all the other characters, made it funny.

[DoctorBombay]

33. Underappreciated. This is awful.

So sorry to see him go so young.

Another good Ritter pick is a recent film called "Panic". Came out a couple years ago, with William H. Macy, Tracey Ullman, and Donald Sutherland in a really creepy role. Rent it.

[qanda]

36. How do I tell my children that Clifford is dead?

Well, the voice of Clifford. John Ritter was truly talented and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[Fenris]

37. His father is buried not far from my brother's grave

In the Oak Bluff Cemetary in Port Neches, TX. Tex Ritter was probably the only famous person to come out of that town (aside from author Mary Karr, a woman my mother went to high school with and who would be hard-pressed to find anything redeeming about the place). Anyway, I remember my older brother and I going to Oak Bluff to visit our deceased brother's grave and spending a while looking at Tex Ritter's monument and talking about John. My brother had grown up watching "Three's Company" and found John Ritter hilarious. He'd watch anything he was in (remember "Hearts Afire"?).

Oddly enough, earlier this week I was watching "8 Simple Rules..." with my mother and I remarked to her how funny John was and how I thought he should have been more recognized than he was.

:(

[bigluckyfeet]

48. John's Uncle

Ken was mayor of Beaumont,a few years back,Ken was Tex's brother.

[Lurking Dem]

38. I loved Ritter.

He was a surprisingly well rounded actor.

I have gotten to the point where when anyone younger than my husband dies, I freak out.

[bluestateguy]

40. Geez

Ritter was the first actor whose name I knew. I started watching Three's Company when I was 6 years old. I was too young to understand all the sexual innuendo, but there was plenty in the show to laugh at otherwise.

[NicoleM]

41. To quote Mo Rocca

My favorite episode of "Three's Company" was the one where they had the big misunderstanding.

I keep seeing the word "underappreciated," and ITA. As funny as he was, he was an excellent dramatic actor, too. Rare combination.

[Blitz]

43. Wasn't that a Chandler line

from "Friends?" Maybe it was a common observation. Anyway, 55 is much, much too young.

[NicoleM]

47. maybe Mo stole it from Chandler

eom

[Blitz]

42. A terrific physical comedian

and, apparently, a very nice guy. I remember him for his role as Ben in "It." Since he was proud of his work outside of Three's Company, here's a list of everything he's done. I had no idea he was so prolific (this does not include his stage work):

Actor - filmography
(In Production) (2000s) (1990s) (1980s) (1970s)

Bad Santa (2003) (completed) .... Mall Manager


Manhood (2003) .... Eli
"8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" (2002) TV Series .... Paul Hennessy
... aka "8 Simple Rules..." (2002) (USA: promotional abbreviation)
Man of the Year (2002) .... Bill
Tadpole (2002) .... Stanley Grubman
Nuncrackers (2001) (V) .... Narrator
"Felicity" (1998) TV Series .... Andrew Covington (2000-2002)
Terror Tract (2000) .... Bob Carter (segment "Make Me An Offer")
... aka House on Terror Tract, The (2000) (USA: MIFED title)
"Clifford the Big Red Dog" (2000) TV Series (voice) .... Clifford the Big Red Dog
... aka "Scholastic Clifford" (2000) (Asia: cable TV title English title)
TripFall (2000) .... Tom Williams
Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel (2000) .... Christian Therapist
Panic (2000) .... Josh


Lethal Vows (1999) (TV) .... Dr. David Farris
It Came From the Sky (1999) (TV) .... Donald Bridges
Holy Joe (1999) (TV) .... Joe Cass
... aka Man of Miracles (1999) (TV) (Europe: English title)
Dead Husbands (1998) (TV) .... Dr. Carter Elston
... aka Last Man on the List (1998) (TV)
World's Greatest Magic V, The (1998) (TV) .... Host
Bride of Chucky (1998) .... Chief Warren Kincaid
I Woke Up Early the Day I Died (1998) .... Robert Forrest
... aka Ed Wood's I Woke Up Early the Day I Died (1998)
... aka I Awoke Early the Day I Died (1999) (USA)
Shadow of Doubt (1998) .... Steven Mayer
... aka Reasonable Doubt (1998)
Chance of a Lifetime (1998) (TV) .... Tom Maguire
Montana (1998) .... Dr. Wexler
... aka Nothing Personal (1998) (Australia: video title)
Joy of Natural Childbirth (1997)
Loss of Faith (1997) (TV) .... Bruce Simon Barker
... aka Au coeur de la vérité le mensonge (1997) (TV) (Canada: French title)
... aka Truth About Lying, The (1997) (TV) (Canada: cable TV title English title)
Hacks (1997/I) .... Hank
... aka Big Twist, The (1997) (USA)
... aka Sink or Swim (1997) (USA: video title)
Gun, a Car, a Blonde, A (1997) .... Duncan/The Bartender
Nowhere (1997) .... Moses Helper
Dead Man's Gun (1997) (TV) .... Harry McDonacle (segment "The Great McDonacle")
Child's Wish, A (1997) (TV) .... Ed Chandler
... aka Fight for Justice, A (1997) (TV) (UK)
Mercenary (1997) (TV) .... Jonas Ambler
For Hope (1996) (TV) (uncredited)
Sling Blade (1996) .... Vaughan Cunningham
Unforgivable (1996) (TV) .... Paul Hegstrom
Colony, The (1995) (TV) .... Rick Knowlton
Gramps (1995) (TV) .... Clarke MacGruder
... aka Lethal Intent (1995) (TV)
North (1994) .... Ward Nelson
Only Way Out, The (1993) (TV) .... Jeremy Carlisle
Heartbeat (1993) (TV) .... Bill Grant
... aka Danielle Steel's 'Heartbeat' (1993) (TV)
"Hearts Afire" (1992) TV Series .... John Hartman
Stay Tuned (1992) .... Roy Knable
Noises Off... (1992) .... Garry Lejeune/Roger Tramplemain
"Fish Police" (1992) TV Series (voice) .... Inspector Gil
Real Story of O Christmas Tree, The (1991) (V) .... Piney
Problem Child 2 (1991) .... Ben Healy
Summer My Father Grew Up, The (1991) (TV) .... Paul
Dreamer of Oz, The (1990) (TV) .... Lyman Frank Baum
... aka Dreamer of Oz: The L. Frank Baum Story, The (1990) (TV)
It (1990) (TV) .... Benjamin 'Ben' Hanscom
... aka Stephen King's It (1990) (TV) (USA: complete title)
Problem Child (1990) .... 'Little' Ben Healy


My Brother's Wife (1989) (TV) .... Barney
Skin Deep (1989) .... Zach
Tricks of the Trade (1988/I) (TV) .... Donald Todsen (Cameo)
It's Howdy Doody Time (1987) (TV) .... Guest
Real Men (1987) .... Bob Wilson
"Hooperman" (1987) TV Series .... Detective Harry Hooperman
Prison for Children (1987) (TV) .... David Royce
Last Fling, The (1987) (TV) .... Phillip Reed
Smoky Mountain Christmas, A (1986) (TV) .... Judge Harold Benton
Unnatural Causes (1986/I) (TV) .... Frank Coleman
Flight of Dragons, The (1986) .... Peter Dickenson
... aka Flight of the Dragon (1986)
Living Seas (1986) (TV) .... Host
... aka Disney's Living Seas (1986) (TV) (USA: complete title)
Letting Go (1985) (TV) .... Alex
"Three's a Crowd" (1984) TV Series .... Jack Tripper
... aka "Three's Company Too" (1984) (syndication title)
Love Thy Neighbor (1984) (TV) .... Danny Loeb
Sunset Limousine (1983) (TV) .... Alan O'Black
In Love with an Older Woman (1982) (TV)
Pray TV (1982) (TV) .... Tom McPherson
... aka Mixed Blessings (1982) (TV)
They All Laughed (1981) .... Charles Rutledge
Wholly Moses (1980) .... Satan (The Devil)
Hero at Large (1980) .... Steve Nichols
Comeback Kid, The (1980) (TV) .... Bubba Newman


Americathon (1979) .... President Chet Roosevelt
How to Survive the 70s and Maybe Even Bump Into Happiness (1978) (TV)
Ringo (1978) (TV)
Leave Yesterday Behind (1978) (TV) .... Paul Stallings
Breakfast in Bed (1978) .... Paul
Goldie Hawn Special, The (1978) (TV)
"Three's Company" (1977) TV Series .... Jack Tripper
Nickelodeon (1976) .... Franklin Frank
Night That Panicked America, The (1975) (TV) .... Walter Wingate
"Waltons, The" (1972) TV Series .... Rev. Matthew Fordwick (1973-1976)
Stone Killer, The (1973) .... Officer Mort
... aka Assassino di pietra, L' (1973) (Italy)
Other, The (1972) .... Rider
Evil Roy Slade (1972) (TV) .... Minister
Scandalous John (1971) .... Wandell
Barefoot Executive, The (1971) .... Roger





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Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Himself, Notable TV Guest Appearances
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Producer - filmography
(2000s) (1980s)

Man of the Year (2002) (co-producer)


"Have Faith" (1989) TV Series (executive producer)
"Anything But Love" (1989) TV Series (executive producer)





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Himself, Notable TV Guest Appearances
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Himself - filmography
(2000s) (1990s) (1980s) (1970s)

ABC's 50th Anniversary Celebration (2003) (TV) .... Himself
TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV (2003) (TV) .... Host
... aka 1st Annual TV Land Awards (2003) (TV) (USA: short title)
Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade (2002) (TV) .... Himself
54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, The (2002) (TV) .... Himself
TVography: Suzanne Somers - Mastering Success (2002) (TV) .... Himself
TV Road Trip (2002) (TV) .... Host
Suzanne Somers: The E! True Hollywood Story (2002) (TV) .... Himself (Archive 1998)
Dorothy Stratten: The E! True Hollywood Story (2001) (TV) .... Himself
Intimate Portrait: Joanna Kerns (2000) (TV) .... Himself/Interviewed
'70s: The Decade That Changed Television, The (2000) (TV) .... Segment Presenter
Intimate Portrait: Rue McClanahan (2000) (TV) .... Narrator


Celebrity Profile: Jamie Lee Curtis (1998) (TV) .... Himself
This Is My Father (1998/II)
Three's Company: The E! True Hollywood Story (1998) (TV) .... Himself
World's Greatest Magic 4, The (1997) (TV) .... Himself
50 Years of Funny Females (1995) (TV) .... Himself/Host
Bob Hope: Happy 91st Birthday, Bob (1994) (TV) .... Himself
Making of 'High Noon', The (1992) (V) .... Himself
Help Save Planet Earth (1990) (TV) .... Himself


Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Grand Opening, The (1989) (TV) .... Himself
Happy 100th Birthday Hollywood (1987) (TV) .... Himself
Strong Kids, Safe Kids (1984) (V) .... Himself
Donald Duck's 50th Birthday (1984) (TV) .... Himself
Fantastic Miss Piggy Show, The (1982) (TV) .... Himself


Salute to American Imagination, A (1978) (TV) .... Himself
General Electric's All-Star Anniversary (1978) (TV)
"Get Rich Quick" (1977) TV Series .... Himself/panelist





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filmography as: Actor, Producer, Himself, Notable TV Guest Appearances
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Notable TV Guest Appearances

"Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, The" (1999) playing "Himself" 10 February 2003
"Scrubs" (2001) playing "Mr. Dorian" in episode: "My Lucky Day" (episode # 2.9) 5 December 2002
"Biography" (1987) playing "Himself" in episode: "John Ritter: In Good Company" 30 October 2002
"Breaking News" (2002) playing "Lloyd Fuchs" in episode: "Pilot" (episode # 1.1) 17 July 2002
"Scrubs" (2001) playing "Mr. Sam Dorian" in episode: "My Old Man" (episode # 1.19) 9 April 2002
"Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)" (2002) playing "Himself" in episode: "The Art of Groveling" (episode # 1.2) 3 April 2002
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1999) playing "Dr. Richard Manning" in episode: "Monogamy" (episode # 3.11) 4 January 2002
"Ellen Show, The" (2001) playing "Percy Moss" in episode: "Gathering Moss" (episode # 1.14) 2002
"Nature" (1982) playing "Himself/Narrator" in episode: "Dogs: The Early Years" (episode # 19.2) 11 November 2001
"I've Got a Secret" (2000) playing "Himself, Celebrity Panelist" 24 October 2001
"Headliners & Legends with Matt Lauer" (1998) playing "Himself (Interviewed)" in episode: "Calista Flockhart" 20 August 2001
"Tucker" (2000) playing "Marty" in episode: "Homewrecker for the Holidays" 6 March 2001
"TV Funhouse" (2000) playing "Himself" in episode: "Chinese New Year's Day" (episode # 1.8) 24 January 2001
"King of the Hill" (1997) in episode: "What Makes Bobby Run?" (episode # 5.6) 10 December 2000
"Family Law" (1999) playing "Father Andrews" in episode: "Possession Is Nine Tenths of the Law" (episode # 1.23) 8 May 2000
"Batman Beyond" (1999) playing "Dr. David Wheeler" (voice) in episode: "The Last Resort" (episode # 2.16) 4 March 2000
"Chicago Hope" (1994) playing "Joe Dysmerski" in episode: "Simon Sez" (episode # 6.16) 24 February 2000
"Headliners & Legends with Matt Lauer" (1998) playing "Himself (Interviewed)" in episode: "Don Knotts" 2000
"Touched by an Angel" (1994) playing "Tom McKinsley" in episode: "Black Like Monica" (episode # 5.23) 2 May 1999
"Veronica's Closet" (1997) playing "Tim" in episode: "Veronica's Favorite Year" (episode # 2.15) 18 February 1999
"Ally McBeal" (1997) playing "George Madison" in episode: "Story of Love" (episode # 2.5) 26 October 1998
"Ally McBeal" (1997) playing "George Madison" in episode: "It's My Party" (episode # 2.4) 19 October 1998
"Donny & Marie" (1998)
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997) playing "Ted Buchanan" in episode: "Ted" (episode # 2.11) 8 December 1997
"King of the Hill" (1997) playing "Eugene Grandy, Music Teacher" (voice) in episode: "The Son That Got Away" (episode # 2.8) 23 November 1997
"Over the Top" (1997/I) playing "Justin Talbot" in episode: "The Nemesis" (episode # 1.3) 4 November 1997
"Touched by an Angel" (1994) playing "Mike O'Connor" in episode: "Random Acts" (episode # 3.3) 22 September 1996
"Wings" (1990) playing "Stuart Davenport" in episode: "Love Overboard" (episode # 7.25) 14 May 1996
"NewsRadio" (1995) playing "Dr. Frank Westford" in episode: "The Shrink" (episode # 2.5) 7 November 1995
"Dave's World" (1993) playing "Himself" in episode: "The Accidental Tourists" (episode # 2.19) 20 February 1995
"Dave's World" (1993) playing "John Hartman" in episode: "Please Won't You Be My Neighbor" (episode # 2.4) 3 October 1994
"Dave's World" (1993) playing "Himself" in episode: "A Room with a View" (episode # 2.3) 26 September 1994
"Larry Sanders Show, The" (1992) playing "Himself" in episode: "The Fourteenth Floor" (episode # 3.14) 21 September 1994
"Larry King Live" (1985) playing "Himself" 1994
"Larry Sanders Show, The" (1992) playing "Himself" in episode: "Off Camera" (episode # 2.16) 15 September 1993
"Anything But Love" (1989) playing "Patrick Serreau" in episode: "Stop Me Before I... Again: Part 2" (episode # 4.9) 11 December 1991
"Anything But Love" (1989) playing "Patrick Serreau" in episode: "Stop Me Before I... Again: Part 1" (episode # 4.8) 4 December 1991
"Anything But Love" (1989) playing "Patrick Serreau" in episode: "Hello... Mali" (episode # 3.3) 27 February 1991
"Anything But Love" (1989) playing "Patrick Serreau" in episode: "Martus Interruptus" (episode # 3.2) 13 February 1991
"Anything But Love" (1989) playing "Patrick Serreau" in episode: "Say It Again, Han" (episode # 3.1) 6 February 1991
"Cosby Show, The" (1984) playing "Ray Evans" in episode: "Total Control" (episode # 7.15) 31 January 1991
"Maury Povich Show, The" (1991) playing "Himself" in episode: "Three's Company Get Together"
"Life with Lucy" (1986) playing "Himself" in episode: "Lucy Makes a Hit with John Ritter" (episode # 1.2) 27 September 1986
"Pryor's Place" (1984) in episode: "The Showoff" (episode # 1.10) 24 November 1984
"Omnibus" (1980) 28 December 1980
"Associates, The" (1979) playing "Chick" in episode: "The Censors" (episode # 1.8) 10 April 1980
"Ropers, The" (1979) playing "Jack Tripper" in episode: "The Party" (episode # 2.1) 15 September 1979
"Family Feud" (1976) playing "Himself" in episode: "Three's Company,Eight Is Enough,Soap,Love Boat" 8 May 1978
"Love Boat, The" (1977) playing "Dale" in episode: "A Oh Dale/Main Event, The/Tasteful Affair" (episode # 1.2) 1 October 1977
"Hawaii Five-O" (1968) playing "Mike Welles" in episode: "Dealer's Choice -- Blackmail" (episode # 9.17) 3 February 1977
"Love Boat, The" (1977) in episode: "The Emporer's Fortune"
"Rhoda" (1974) playing "Jerry Blocker" in episode: "Attack on Mr. Right" (episode # 2.16) 12 January 1976
"Starsky and Hutch" (1975) playing "Tom Cole" in episode: "The Hostages" (episode # 1.15) 7 January 1976
"Rookies, The" (1972) playing "Hap Dawson" in episode: "Reluctant Hero" (episode # 4.12) 25 November 1975
"Mary Tyler Moore" (1970) playing "Reverend Chatfield" in episode: "Ted's Wedding" (episode # 6.9) 8 November 1975
"Barnaby Jones" (1973) playing "Joe Rockwell" in episode: "The Price of Terror" (episode # 4.4) 10 October 1975
"Petrocelli" (1974) in episode: "Chain of Command" (episode # 2.5) 8 October 1975
"Mannix" (1967) in episode: "Hardball" (episode # 8.24) 13 April 1975
"Rhoda" (1974) playing "Vince Mazuma" in episode: "Chest Pains" (episode # 1.21) 3 February 1975
"Movin' On" (1974) playing "Casey" 16 January 1975
"Bob Crane Show, The" (1975) 1975
"Phyllis" (1975) playing "Crooked City Supervisor" (episode # 2.1)
"Streets of San Francisco, The" (1972) playing "John "Johnny" Steiner" in episode: "Murder By Proxy" (episode # 4.7) 1975
"Bob Newhart Show, The" (1972) playing "Dave" in episode: "Sorry, Wrong Mother" (episode # 3.5) 12 October 1974
"Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law" (1971) playing "Greg" 23 March 1974
"Kojak" (1973) playing "Kenny Soames" in episode: "Deliver Us Some Evil" (episode # 1.15) 13 February 1974
"M*A*S*H" (1972) playing "Pvt. Carter" in episode: "Deal Me Out" (episode # 2.13) 8 December 1973
"Medical Center" (1969) in episode: "End of the Line" (episode # 4.18) 24 January 1973
"Waltons, The" (1972) playing "Reverend Matthew Fordwick" in episode: "The Sinner" (episode # 1.7) 26 October 1972
"Hawaii Five-O" (1968) playing "Ryan Moore" in episode: "Two Doves and Mr. Heron" (episode # 4.5) 12 October 1971
"Dan August" (1970) playing "Campus revolutionary" 1970

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[jus_the_facts]

44. I'm just sick over this....

....I don't watch much TV anymore but had watched his new show was really funny....gone much too soon...ALWAYS loved him....since I was a wee lass...and yes his role in SLING BLADE should have won him an Oscar imho. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

:loveya: RIP JOHN!! :loveya:

[ignatius]

46. I have seen his new program a few times and thought

it was pretty funny. He seemed like a nice man. RIP,Mr. Three's company.

[Lorien]

49. That's terrible

I used to work at a film studio, where I would meet many celebrities and television stars. Of all of them, Ritter was the most genuine and kind. I was never much of a fan of his work, but the man himself was one of the best (his wife is a real sweetheart too). Rest in peace, John. :-(.

[doxieone]

51. Henry Winkler was on the set for a guest spot and he told...

someone, and the info ended on CNN just now that Ritter had left the set complaining of food poisoning. He left the set to go home.

The rest of the story, at least from the hospital part on, we unfortunately know.

[Dover]

52. So sad. I recently commented to a friend that he looked sick...puffy..

when I first saw him in his new show(after his long absense from sitcoms and the public eye).

[TheYellowDog]

54. man i loved ritter

god bless his family and i hope they will be all right.

[PopSixSquish]

55. Go with the Angels John

sad day indeed.

[rene moon]

56. I am really saddened by this...

I am a huge John Ritter fan. He was my first childhood crush. What a tremendous talent and underrated, IMHO. I wish his family all the best.

[Pepper]

58. oh no :-(

Wow I can't believe this. How incredibley sad.. He passed much too soon. He always seemed happy and was a talented man. Rest in peace, John.

[ariesgem]

62. He was in a charity celebrity fashion show 2 weeks ago

for St.Judes. I was working backstage as a dresser. He came in our area before the show to mingle with the other participants and thanked the dressers in advance for our help. He seemed very nice and looked well.

This is so shocking. He'll be missed. :-(

[I Lean Left]

63. Died on daughter's birthday.

According to IMDB.COM, he and his wife Amy Yasbeck (whose birthday is today!) had a daughter Stella, born 9/11/98. They're wedding anniversary was on 9/18.

I don't think this will ever be a happy time of the year for them again.

[Unknown Known]

65. Ritter also played the young Rev. Fordwick on "The Waltons"

This was his first steady job. He left the show in '78 and went on to "Three's Company".

Strangely enough, John's father, Tex Ritter - "the singing cowboy" had a TV show in the '50's called, "Ranch Party" and introduced television audiences to a new, young singer - Johnny Cash. This was 1956.

Ritter and Cash went on to perform on the same stages for years.

[MRDU]

66. Thank you John!

He was such a caliber of actor that he deflected criticisms.