In Loving Memory of John Ritter

Hi, Everyone!

Notwithstanding the fact that I join our nation in a moment of commemoration on the horrible events of 9/11, today’s blog post is dedicated to the memory of one of the greatest actors of all time—Jonathan Southworth Ritter.

Thanks to nostalgic television shows, I know about the legendary role that Mr. Ritter played as Jack Tripper on Three’s Company. I also knew him as the voice of Clifford, the Big Red Dog. However, I grew to love him as Paul Hennessy from ABC’s Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. I watched the latter show religiously, marveling over how Mr. Hennessy was so strict yet so loving to his two daughters and one son.

And then on September 11, 2003, I received the shocking news that John Ritter had passed away at the age of 54 years old.

Although I was nine years old at the time, I remember very vividly how my heart broke into pieces upon learning of Mr. Ritter’s sudden passing. I went to school the very next day, crying my little eyes out. I really didn’t know how to explain to my Fourth Grade teacher that I was saddened upon the loss of Mr. Ritter. Let’s face it: While I didn’t know him personally, I felt like I knew him. Truth be told, y’all, losing Mr. Ritter was like losing a family member or a very close friend. I tell you what, though: Only after talking to my Gramma Jewel later on that day did I feel a little better. Gramma Jewel explained to me that my feelings were normal, and that I just showed that I had a big heart. She also said: “Tasha, if it’s any consolation to ya, I’m sure that John Ritter is smilin’ down on you, so grateful to have such a loyal fan like you.”

Gramma Jewel was right—I did feel a little better, but I knew that it would not be the same when I watched Eight Simple Rules.

Here it is, ten years later, and I’m still missing the entertaining antics of John Ritter. Thankfully, we’ve got YouTube and the Three’s Company DVD sets, but yet and still, it’s not the same. I wish I had had a chance to meet him before he left us so soon, but as Gramma Jewel always says: “That’s just the way it goes, and so it goes.” Nevertheless, I am grateful that I took time out to dedicate a blog post to one of the greatest actors of all time… and while I’m thinking about it, Mr. D reminds me so much of John Ritter—the look, the style, the happy-go-lucky attitude, and the corny sense of humor. I guess in a way, I have my own version of Mr. Ritter, in the form of Mr. D!

As I close this blog, I just want to say: THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, MR. RITTER—I LOVE YOU!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha