Remembering John Ritter: Reflections on His Passing 20 Years Later

John Ritter Wife Son and Costars Reflect on His Death 20 Years Later

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John Ritter’s family members and famous friends continue to celebrate his legacy even 20 years after his passing.

The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health recently held their yearly gala at the Sunset Room in Hollywood on Thursday, May 9. During the event, some well-known individuals reminisced about their fondest memories with the beloved actor in exclusive conversations with We.

Tyler Ritter, John's son, shared how his father was always supportive. He mentioned that John was a second-generation actor with parents who also worked in the industry. Tyler explained that John understood the challenges of the entertainment world and encouraged his children to pursue their artistic passions. Unfortunately, John never had the chance to see Tyler become a professional actor, a fact that Tyler deeply regrets.

John passed away at the age of 54 in 2003 due to aortic dissection. In 2010, the John Ritter Foundation was established to commemorate the beloved actor and educate people about the disease and ways to prevent it.

Reflecting on his father, Tyler expressed, "I miss the opportunity to collaborate on a project with him. However, he attended numerous school plays and student films, giving him a sense that something exciting was in the works."

Keep scrolling to see which other celebs honored John at the foundation’s gala:

Kaley Cuoco

John Ritter Wife Son and Costars Reflect on His Death 20 Years Later

Amy Davidson, John Ritter and Kaley Cuoco on “8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage” ABC/Ron Tom

The actress worked with John on 8 Simple Rules and shared with Us about the amazing legacy he left behind. One memorable story she recalled was when John advised her to intentionally make mistakes in front of the live audience to ease her nerves.

"He told me to watch him as he purposely messed up, and the audience loved it. I will always remember that," she said. "Even after 20 years in the industry and performing live on TV, I have always remembered his advice to focus on entertaining the audience and not taking myself too seriously."

Sasha Pieterse

Cuoco also mentioned that thanks to John, the cast of 8 Simple Rules always had a strong bond and felt like a real family. This special connection is why they are all still close even after 20 years, celebrating the memory of John and the family atmosphere he helped create.

The former Pretty Little Liars star had the opportunity to work alongside John in one of her early projects, Family Affair.

"It was truly touching to see him again and I'm happy to be here showing my support for the foundation. I believe that this event is absolutely amazing. It's just heartwarming," Pieterse shared with Us. "The amount of love in this room is evident. Advocacy holds great significance and the unity shown in supporting him and his legacy is truly remarkable."

Holly Robinson Peete

Peete shared everything she misses about John with Us.

She mentioned missing his humor and the joy of going on double dates with him and Amy Yasbeck, where he always made them laugh and feel special. Peete also acknowledged that the late star was always there for those in his life.

Peete expressed that it is still challenging for her to come to terms with the fact that John has been gone for 20 years.

Tyler Ritter continues to show his support for the John Ritter Foundation. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about aortic dissection, a condition that gained more attention after the passing of his father, John Ritter. Tyler believes that increased awareness plays a crucial role in saving lives, which is why he remains dedicated to the cause.

John Ritter Wife Son and Costars Reflect on His Death 20 Years Later

Amy Yasbeck, Tyler Ritter, and Kaley Cuoco Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

Tyler, who is John's son from his previous marriage with Nancy Morgan, expressed to Us magazine that John was an exceptional father. He mentioned, "He's the only dad I'll ever know. I don't have anyone else to compare him to." Despite his goofy nature, Tyler admired John for his strong moral values, big heart, and incredible sense of humor.

Amy Yasbeck shared that the Ritter household was always filled with laughter and valuable life lessons. Tyler added that he is grateful for those experiences and now, as a father himself, he tries to incorporate those memories and skills into his own parenting.

Yasbeck and Ritter were married for four years when he passed away. She shared with Us that John’s legacy was using comedy to uplift people's spirits, before it shifted to raising awareness about aortic dissection.

"He was incredibly intelligent," she fondly remembered the late actor. "He would read multiple books simultaneously. He had a deep knowledge of American history, but he was always eager to expand his knowledge. This was something we both enjoyed. We would watch documentaries on a wide range of topics together. He was a fantastic audience member."

Steven Weber

The Chicago Med star reflected on how the NBC show paid tribute to John with an episode showcasing aortic dissection.

Joyce DeWitt

"It was a wonderful opportunity for the show," Weber praised, commending Yasbeck for her ongoing efforts to raise awareness. "Amy's work has truly made a difference in people's lives by shedding light on something that is more common than we realize. It was a memorable moment for me and Chicago Med."

DeWitt worked with John on Three's Company and fondly recalled her time working with him.

"He was always so happy and we were able to play at such a high level because that's how John operated," she shared. "It was amazing to be free and play at that speed, creating comedy that made others laugh. It's hard to express how grateful I am for the opportunity to be a part of that."

Reporting by Mike Vulpo

Editor's P/S:

John Ritter's legacy continues to inspire and touch lives, even two decades after his untimely passing. His family and friends gathered at the annual John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health gala to celebrate his memory and raise awareness about the disease that took his life. John's son, Tyler, shared heartwarming anecdotes about his father's unwavering support and encouragement, while other celebrities, including Kaley Cuoco, Sasha Pieterse, and Holly Robinson Peete, spoke about his humor, kindness, and unwavering spirit.

The foundation's mission to educate people about aortic dissection and promote prevention is a testament to John's legacy. Tyler emphasized the importance of raising awareness, as increased knowledge can save lives. Amy Yasbeck, John's widow, spoke about his love of comedy and his dedication to using his platform to uplift others. The gala was a poignant reminder of John Ritter's enduring impact on both the entertainment industry and the lives of those who knew him.