John Ritter

Biography

Johnathan Southworth "John" Ritter (September 17, 1948 – September 11, 2003) was an American actor, voice over artist and comedian, perhaps best known for playing Jack Tripper and Paul Hennessy in the ABC sitcoms "Three's Company" and "8 Simple Rules," respectively. Don Knotts called him the "greatest physical comedian on the planet." Ritter's final films "Bad Santa," "Clifford's Really Big Movie" and "Stanley's Dinosaur Round-Up" were all dedicated in his memory.

Career Overview

John Ritter has 130 screen credits in a career dating back to 1961. Their work spans 5 cinematic universes — most prominently Problem Child with 2 titles. Signature works include Three's Company, It, Bride of Chucky. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For: Acting
Gender: male
Known Credits: 130
Birth Date: 1948-09-17 00:00:00
Birth Place: Burbank, California, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 5 universes

Problem Child (2 titles)
Bad Santa Collection (1 titles)
The Nunsense Collection (1 titles)
Child's Play (1 titles)
It (1 titles)

Frequent Collaborators

Richard Kline (2 collaborations)
Jack Warden (2 collaborations)
Michael J. Oliver (2 collaborations)
Gilbert Gottfried (2 collaborations)
Amy Yasbeck (2 collaborations)
Dennis Redfield (2 collaborations)
Joyce DeWitt (1 collaborations)
Priscilla Barnes (1 collaborations)
Don Knotts (1 collaborations)
Tim Curry (1 collaborations)

Credits

actors (125 credits)
- Stanley's Dinosaur Round-Up
  Great Uncle Stew (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- Mr. Thornton Goes to Hollywood
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2005
- Clifford's Really Big Movie
  Clifford the Big Red Dog (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2004
- Bad Santa
  Bob Chipeska
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- ABC's 50th Anniversary Celebration
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- The Golden Girls: Lifetime Intimate Portrait Series
  Narrator (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- Time Machine: When Cowboys Were King
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!
  
  - Episode 61 (2003) ... Self actor actors
  
  2003
- Tadpole
  Stanley Grubman
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2002
- Man of the Year
  Bill
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2002
- 8 Simple Rules
  
  - Sort of an Officer and a Gentleman (2) (2003) ... Paul Hennessy actor actors
  
  - Sort of an Officer and a Gentleman (1) (2003) ... Paul Hennessy actor actors
  
  - The Doyle Wedding (2003) ... Paul Hennessy actor actors
  
  - Bake Sale (2003) ... Paul Hennessy actor actors
  
  - Queen Bees and King Bees (2003) ... Paul Hennessy actor actors
  
  2002
- Nuncrackers
  Narrator
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2001
- Scrubs
  
  - My Old Man (2002) ... Sam Dorian actor actors
  
  2001
- Panic
  Josh
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- Terror Tract
  Bob Carter
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- TripFall
  Tom Williams
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel
  Christian Therapist
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- Lethal Vows
  David Farris
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- Holy Joe
  Joe Cass
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
  
  - Monogamy (2002) ... Dr. Richard Manning actor actors
  
  1999
- Batman Beyond
  
  - The Last Resort (2000) ... Dr. David Wheeler (voice) actor actors
  
  1999
- Dead Husbands
  Dr. Carter Elston
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Bride of Chucky
  Chief Warren Kincaid
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Loss of Faith
  Bruce Simon Barker
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- I Woke Up Early the Day I Died
  Robert Forrest
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Shadow of Doubt
  Steven Mayer
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Chance of a Lifetime
  Tom Maguire
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Montana
  Dr. Wexler
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Felicity
  
  - Kiss and Tell (2002) ... Mr. Andrew Covington actor actors
  
  - A Perfect Match (2001) ... Mr. Andrew Covington actor actors
  
  - The Storm (2001) ... Mr. Andrew Covington actor actors
  
  - Oops...Noel Did It Again (2001) ... Mr. Andrew Covington actor actors
  
  - Kissing Mr. Covington (2000) ... Mr. Andrew Covington actor actors
  
  1998
- Hollywood Squares
  
  - Episode 55 (2000) ... Self - Panelist actor actors
  
  - Episode 54 (2000) ... Self - Panelist actor actors
  
  - Episode 53 (2000) ... Self - Panelist actor actors
  
  - Episode 52 (2000) ... Self - Panelist actor actors
  
  - Episode 51 (2000) ... Self - Panelist actor actors
  
  1998
- Sink Or Swim
  Hank
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1997
- A Gun, a Car, a Blonde
  Duncan the Bartender
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1997
- Nowhere
  Moses Helper
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1997
- A Child's Wish
  Ed Chandler
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1997
- King of the Hill
  
  - Stressed for Success (2004) ... Eugene Grandy (voice) actor actors
  
  - The Witches of East Arlen (2003) ... Eugene Grandy (voice) actor actors
  
  - What Makes Bobby Run? (2000) ... Eugene Grandy (voice) actor actors
  
  - The Son That Got Away (1997) ... Eugene Grandy (voice) actor actors
  
  1997
- The View
  
  - February 18, 2003 (2003) ... Self actor actors
  
  - September 16, 2002 (2002) ... Self actor actors
  
  1997
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  
  - Ted (1997) ... Ted Buchanan actor actors
  
  1997
- For Hope
  Date #5 (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- Mercenary
  Jonas Ambler
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- Sling Blade
  Vaughan Cunningham
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- Harry Anderson: The Tricks of His Trade
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- Unforgivable
  Paul Hegstrom
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- The Colony
  Rick Knowlton
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1995
- Gramps
  Clarke MacGruder
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1995
- NewsRadio
  
  - The Shrink (1995) ... Frank Westford actor actors
  
  1995
- North
  Ward Nelson
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1994
- Chicago Hope
  
  - Simon Sez (2000) ... Joe Dysmerski actor actors
  
  1994
- Touched by an Angel
  
  - Black Like Monica (1999) ... Sheriff Tom McKinsley actor actors
  
  - Random Acts (1996) ... Mike O'Conner actor actors
  
  1994
- The Only Way Out
  Jeremy Carlisle
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1993
- Heartbeat
  Bill Grant
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1993
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien
  
  - Dana Carvey, John Ritter, Ted Nugent (2003) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  1993
- Intimate Portrait
  
  - Joanna Kerns (2000) ... Self - Interviewee actor actors
  
  - Rue McClanahan (2000) ... Self - Narrator (voice) actor actors
  
  1993
- Stay Tuned
  Roy Knable
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- Noises Off...
  Garry Lejeune / Roger Tramplemain
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- The Making of High Noon
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- The Martin & Lewis Story: The Last Great Comedy Team
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- The Real Story of O Christmas Tree
  Piney (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1991
- Problem Child 2
  Ben Healy
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1991
- The Summer My Father Grew Up
  Paul
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1991
- The Dreamer of Oz
  L. Frank Baum
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- It
  Ben Hanscom
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  - Part Two (1990) ... Ben Hanscom actor actors
  
  - Part One (1990) ... Ben Hanscom actor actors
  
  1990
- Problem Child
  Ben
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- It (Eso)
  Ben Hanscom
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- Help Save Planet Earth
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- My Brother's Wife
  Barney
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1989
- Skin Deep
  Zach
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1989
- Tricks of the Trade
  Donald Todsen (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1988
- Mickey's 60th Birthday
  Dudley Goode
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1988
- LIVE with Kelly and Mark
  
  - Season 10, Episode 70 (1997) ... Self actor actors
  
  1988
- It's Howdy Doody Time: A 40-Year Celebration
  Himself - Guest
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1987
- Real Men
  Bob Wilson
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1987
- Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1987
- The Last Fling
  Phillip Reed
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1987
- A Smoky Mountain Christmas
  Judge Harold Benton (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1986
- Unnatural Causes
  Frank Coleman
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1986
- Letting Go
  Alex
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1985
- All Star Party for Lucille Ball
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1984
- Donald Duck's 50th Birthday
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1984
- The Secret World of the Very Young
  Self - Host
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1984
- Love Thy Neighbor
  Danny Loeb
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1984
- Strong Kids, Safe Kids
  Himself
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1984
- The Cosby Show
  
  - Total Control (1991) ... Ray Evans actor actors
  
  1984
- Muppet Babies
  
  - A Punch Line to the Tummy (1990) ... actor actors
  
  1984
- Sunset Limousine
  Alan O'Black
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1983
- In Love with an Older Woman
  Robert
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- The Fantastic Miss Piggy Show
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- The Flight of Dragons
  Peter Dickinson (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- Pray TV
  Tom McPherson
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- Nature
  
  - Dogs: the Early Years (2001) ... Narrator (voice) actor actors
  
  1982
- They All Laughed
  Charles Rutledge
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1981
- Wholly Moses
  Satan (The Devil)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1980
- John Ritter: Being of Sound Mind and Body
  Self / Various
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1980
- The Comeback Kid
  Bubba Newman
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1980
- Hero at Large
  Steve Nichols
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1980
- Americathon
  President Chet Roosevelt
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1979
- Echoes of the Sixties: A Musical Trip
  Self - Host
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1979
- Robin Williams: Off the Wall
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1978
- Leave Yesterday Behind
  Paul Stallings
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1978
- Ringo
  Marty Flesh
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1978
- The Goldie Hawn Special
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1978
- How to Survive the '70s and Maybe Even Bump Into Happiness
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1978
- Three's Company
  Jack Tripper
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  - Friends and Lovers (2) (1984) ... Jack Tripper actor actors
  
  - Friends and Lovers (1) (1984) ... Jack Tripper actor actors
  
  - Cupid Works Overtime (1984) ... Jack Tripper actor actors
  
  - The Heiress (1984) ... Jack Tripper actor actors
  
  - Forget Me Not (1984) ... Jack Tripper actor actors
  
  1977
- The Love Boat
  
  - Japan Cruise: When Worlds Collide/The Captain and the Geisha/The Lottery Winners/The Emperor's Fortune (2) (1983) ... Ben Cummins actor actors
  
  - Japan Cruise: When Worlds Collide/The Captain and the Geisha/The Lottery Winners/The Emperor's Fortune (1) (1983) ... Ben Cummins actor actors
  
  - Oh, Dale!/The Main Event/A Tasteful Affair (1977) ... Dale Riley actor actors
  
  1977
- Nickelodeon
  Franklin Frank
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1976
- The Night That Panicked America
  Walter Wingate
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1975
- The Prisoner of Second Avenue
  Elevator Passenger (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1975
- Saturday Night Live
  
  - Calista Flockhart/Ricky Martin (2000) ... Audience Member (uncredited) actor actors
  
  1975
- Starsky & Hutch
  
  - The Hostages (1976) ... Tom Cole actor actors
  
  1975
- The Stone Killer
  Hart
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1973
- The Lie
  Bauer
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1973
- Barnaby Jones
  
  - The Price of Terror (1975) ... Joe Rockwell actor actors
  
  1973
- Kojak
  
  - Deliver Us Some Evil (1974) ... Kenny Soames actor actors
  
  1973
- The Other
  Rider
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1972
- Evil Roy Slade
  Priest (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1972
- The Waltons
  
  - The Rebellion (1976) ... Rev. Matthew Fordwick actor actors
  
  - The Best Christmas (1976) ... Rev. Matthew Fordwick actor actors
  
  - The Cloudburst (1976) ... Rev. Matthew Fordwick actor actors
  
  - The Wedding (1976) ... Rev. Matthew Fordwick actor actors
  
  - The Fire Storm (1976) ... Rev. Matthew Fordwick actor actors
  
  1972
- M*A*S*H
  
  - Deal Me Out (1973) ... Private Carter actor actors
  
  1972
- Scandalous John
  Wendell
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1971
- The Barefoot Executive
  Roger
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1971
- Great Performances
  
  - Episode 6 (1975) ... Richard actor actors
  
  1971
- Hawaii Five-O
  
  - Dealer's Choice -- Blackmail (1977) ... Mike Welles actor actors
  
  - Two Doves And Mr. Heron (1971) ... Ryan Moore actor actors
  
  1968
- Mannix
  
  - Hardball (1975) ... Cliff Elgin actor actors
  
  1967
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
  
  - Episode 16 (1989) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Episode 62 (1985) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Episode 33 (1984) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Episode 12 (1982) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Episode 109 (1981) ... Self actor actors
  
  1962
- The Merv Griffin Show
  
  - Episode 185 (1977) ... Self actor actors
  
  1962
- The Mike Douglas Show
  
  - Episode 90 (1980) ... Self - Co-Host actor actors
  
  - Episode 41 (1978) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Episode 105 (1978) ... Self - Co-Host actor actors
  
  - Episode 60 (1977) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Episode 219 (1977) ... Self actor actors
  
  1961
- Golden Globe Awards
  
  - The 44th Golden Globe Awards (1987) ... Self - Nominee actor actors
  
  - The 41st Golden Globe Awards (1984) ... Self actor actors
  
  - The 40th Golden Globe Awards (1983) ... Self actor actors
  
  1944
crew (3 credits)
- Stanley's Dinosaur Round-Up
  
  in memory of
  
  crew
  
  2006
- Clifford's Really Big Movie
  
  in memory of
  
  crew
  
  2004
- Bad Santa
  
  in memory of
  
  crew
  
  2003
production (1 credits)
- Poochinski
  
  executive producer
  
  production
  
  1990
writing (1 credits)
- John Ritter: Being of Sound Mind and Body
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1980