John Ritter
- Born:
- September 17, 1948, Burbank, California, USA
- Died:
- September 11, 2003, Burbank, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Comedian
Early Life and Education
- Born Jonathan Southworth Ritter, son of country music star Tex Ritter and actress Dorothy Fay.
- Attended Hollywood High School, where he served as student body president.
- Majored in psychology and minored in drama at the University of Southern California (USC).
- Graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained widespread recognition for his role as Jack Tripper in the ABC sitcom Three's Company (1977-1984).
- Won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1984 for Three's Company.
- Starred in numerous television series, including Hooperman, Hearts Afire, and 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.
- Appeared in several films, showcasing his comedic and dramatic range.
- Acted on Broadway and in regional theater productions.
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | The Barefoot Executive | Roger |
| 1973 | The Stone Killer | Hart |
| 1991 | Problem Child | Ben Healy |
| 2003 | Bad Santa | Bob Chipeska |
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1977-1984 | Three's Company | Jack Tripper |
| 1987-1989 | Hooperman | Detective Harry Hooperman |
| 2002-2003 | 8 Simple Rules | Paul Hennessy |
Legacy and Impact
John Ritter's comedic talent and physical comedy skills left a lasting impact on television. He is best remembered for his iconic role in Three's Company, which cemented his place as a beloved television personality. Many consider researching an actor john ritter biography book because of the positive memories people have of watching him on screen.