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Entertainment • Actor

John Ritter

John Ritter was an American actor and comedian best known for playing Jack Tripper on the ABC sitcom "Three's Company." He also starred in films and other television series, including "8 Simple Rules" and "Hooperman." Ritter died in 2003 from an aortic dissection at age 54.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

John Ritter was an American actor and comedian best known for playing Jack Tripper on the ABC sitcom "Three's Company." He also starred in films and other television series, including "8 Simple Rules" and "Hooperman." Ritter died in 2003 from an aortic dissection at age 54.

Early life

John Ritter was born Jonathan Southworth Ritter in Burbank, California, in 1948. He was the son of Tex Ritter, a well-known singing cowboy performer.

Career

Ritter built his career through television guest roles before becoming a major star on "Three's Company." He later worked in both television and film, often in comedic roles.

Personal life

Ritter was married twice, first to actress Nancy Morgan and later to actress Amy Yasbeck. He had four children, including Jason Ritter and Tyler Ritter.

Death

Ritter died in 2003 after suffering an aortic dissection while working on "8 Simple Rules." He was 54 years old.

Key facts

  • Ritter became widely known for his role as Jack Tripper on "Three's Company," which ran from 1977 to 1984.
  • He won both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for "Three's Company" in 1984.
  • He also starred in television series including "Hooperman," "Hearts Afire," and "8 Simple Rules."
  • His film credits included "Problem Child," "Problem Child 2," and "Sling Blade."
  • Ritter died on September 11, 2003, in Burbank, California, from an aortic dissection.

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Ritter?
John Ritter was an American actor and comedian best known for his television work, especially as Jack Tripper on "Three's Company."
How did John Ritter die?
He died from an aortic dissection on September 11, 2003, in Burbank, California.
What movies did John Ritter star in?
He starred in films including "Problem Child," "Problem Child 2," and "Sling Blade," among others.
Was John Ritter married?
Yes. He was married twice, first to Nancy Morgan and later to Amy Yasbeck.
How old was John Ritter when he died?
He was 54 years old when he died.
What TV show was John Ritter famous for?
He was most famous for "Three's Company," where he played Jack Tripper.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ritter
    Supports: Birth name, dates, occupation, best-known role, awards, death, age, family details, and career overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Ritter
    Supports: Identification as an American actor and biographical overview.
  3. Hollywood Walk of Fame — https://walkoffame.com/john-ritter/
    Supports: Best known for Jack Tripper and career summary.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000615/bio/
    Supports: Career details, film and television roles, and death circumstances.