John Ritter

Biography: Engaging, rather boyish, sometimes goofy comic lead who made his film acting debut in 1970 and came to prominence on TV's popular and amusing if rather unsubtly prurient "Three's Company". He also starred in a short lived spin off sitom "Threes a crowd." Ritter enjoyed greater critical acclaim, if less popular response, in "Hooperman", a comedy-drama which dared to eschew the prompting of a laugh track. He displayed his versatility with a strong dramatic performance inthe TV-movie "Unnatural Causes" (1986). Very deft at physical comedy, Ritter went on to appear in a number of light comedy features ("Real Men" 1987, "Problem Child" 1990) with modest success through the 1980s and 90s. He has also served as executive producer of two TV series. Son of Tex Ritter (1905-1974), a cowboy star and singer of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, he was formerly married to actor Nancy Morgan, 1977-1996. Ritter married actress Amy Yasbeck (Wings) in 1999. Ritter also starred in the 1992-1995 TV-Series "Hearts Afire." Ritter was nominated for an Emmy for his guest shot on "Ally McBeal." Ritter died of an aortic dissection on September 11, 2003 after becoming ill on the set of "8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter."… Expand