John Ritter was perhaps most recognized for his role in the ABC sitcom, Three’s Company. But his career spanned almost 40 years of versatile, heart-filled roles. The beloved actor’s sudden death in Sept. 2003 left fans shocked and confused. Here’s what happened to the award-winning actor and the legacy he left behind.
John Ritter | Bob D’Amico /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images Remembering John Ritter’s career
Ritter was born in Burbank, CA on Sept. 17, 1948 to singing cowboy star father Tex Ritter and actress mother Dorothy Fay. From a young age, it was clear that John would be following in his parents’ footsteps.
He is most recognized for his role as Jack Tripper in Three’s Company, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. But he had a lengthy and varied career that included roles in such projects as Sling Blade, Problem Child, Bad Santa, and 8 Simple Rules.
John Ritter | Bob D’Amico /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images Remembering John Ritter’s career
Ritter was born in Burbank, CA on Sept. 17, 1948 to singing cowboy star father Tex Ritter and actress mother Dorothy Fay. From a young age, it was clear that John would be following in his parents’ footsteps.
He is most recognized for his role as Jack Tripper in Three’s Company, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. But he had a lengthy and varied career that included roles in such projects as Sling Blade, Problem Child, Bad Santa, and 8 Simple Rules.
- 6/11/2023
- by Kelsey Goeres
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s a Hennessy family reunion!
More than 20 years after the debut of ABC’s 8 Simple Rules, Kaley Cuoco was reunited with former TV siblings Amy Davidson and Martin Spanjers on Thursday, all in attendance at a benefit supporting the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health.
More from TVLineBig Bang EPs Debunk Popular Internet Theory That Penny's Last Name Was Revealed in This Season 2 SceneThe Big Bang Theory: The 4 Actresses That Could've Been 'Penny' -- Including an Academy Award WinnerKaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson Repeatedly Meet Cute in Time Travel Rom-Com -- Get Peacock Release Date
“Wonderful night supporting the John Ritter Foundation,...
More than 20 years after the debut of ABC’s 8 Simple Rules, Kaley Cuoco was reunited with former TV siblings Amy Davidson and Martin Spanjers on Thursday, all in attendance at a benefit supporting the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health.
More from TVLineBig Bang EPs Debunk Popular Internet Theory That Penny's Last Name Was Revealed in This Season 2 SceneThe Big Bang Theory: The 4 Actresses That Could've Been 'Penny' -- Including an Academy Award WinnerKaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson Repeatedly Meet Cute in Time Travel Rom-Com -- Get Peacock Release Date
“Wonderful night supporting the John Ritter Foundation,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Stars: Karina Fontes, Casey Adams, Emily Althaus, Miranda Bailey, Martin Spanjers, Matt Peters, Susan Burke, John Getz | Written and Directed by Roxanne Benjamin
Writer-director Roxanne Benjamin makes her feature debut with this slow-burning survival thriller, having previously contributed to horror anthology movies Southbound and Xx. Showcasing a command of tension and atmosphere, the film confirms Benjamin as a genre talent to watch.
Set in the fictional Brighton Rock State Park, Body at Brighton Rock begins with rookie ranger Wendy (Karina Fontes) agreeing to swap duties with her friend Maya (Emily Althaus), partly to prove that she’s up to the job of trail maintenance and partly so Maya can flirt with a cute co-worker. Wendy duly hits the mountainous trail, putting up warning signs about bears and the dangers of hiking alone, while bopping happily away to music on her phone. Then disaster strikes – she loses her map and makes her way to a peak,...
Writer-director Roxanne Benjamin makes her feature debut with this slow-burning survival thriller, having previously contributed to horror anthology movies Southbound and Xx. Showcasing a command of tension and atmosphere, the film confirms Benjamin as a genre talent to watch.
Set in the fictional Brighton Rock State Park, Body at Brighton Rock begins with rookie ranger Wendy (Karina Fontes) agreeing to swap duties with her friend Maya (Emily Althaus), partly to prove that she’s up to the job of trail maintenance and partly so Maya can flirt with a cute co-worker. Wendy duly hits the mountainous trail, putting up warning signs about bears and the dangers of hiking alone, while bopping happily away to music on her phone. Then disaster strikes – she loses her map and makes her way to a peak,...
- 7/15/2019
- by Matthew Turner
- Nerdly
Body at Brighton Rock recently had its debut at the SXSW Film Festival, in Austin. The film, from director Roxanne Benjamin, features a lost park ranger and series of strange incidents. Wendy (Karina Fontes) finds a decomposing body in the park, but she also has a number of encounters with animals, while struggling with nighttime survival. As well, Body at Brighton Rock is a Protostar Pictures and Soapbox Films' production; Magnolia Releasing will distribute the film this Spring. And, the film also stars: Casey Adams, Emily Althaus ("Orange is the New Black"), Miranda Bailey, Martin Spanjers and many more. The film's first trailer and poster are hosed here. Director Benjamin recently talked about the Body at Brighton Rock at SXSW. She says of the film's genre: "this was my first serious attempt at suspense and mystery. It’s a genre I want to explore more of. This film was sort of a test.
- 3/19/2019
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
"You need to stay and secure the area." Magnolia Pictures has debuted the first trailer for an indie horror survival thriller film titled Body at Brighton Rock, the second feature film following Southbound from filmmaker Roxanne Benjamin. The story follows a novice park ranger who discovers a body, and must spend the night guarding a potential crime scene on a remote mountain trail as night descends. Karina Fontes stars as Wendy, with a cast including Casey Adams, Emily Althaus, Miranda Bailey, Martin Spanjers, Matt Peters, Susan Burke, John Getz, and Brodie Reed. Plus a big bear! Or so it seems... Perhaps this trailer shows too much, but it's also just trying to get our attention in the swarm of so many films. This just premiered at SXSW this month to some mixed but mostly good reviews, one describing it as "an intriguing cinematic rumination on the effects of isolation and fear.
- 3/18/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Magnolia Pictures has unveiled the trailer for “Body at Brighton Rock,” which just had its world premiere at South by Southwest. Directed by Roxanne Benjamin, who made her feature debut with “Southbound” and also contributed to the “Xx” anthology — it stars Karina Fontes as a park guide who comes across a dead body and is forced to deal with the aftermath on her lonesome.
Here’s the official synopsis: “Wendy, a part-time summer employee at a mountainous state park, takes on a rough trail assignment at the end of the season, trying to prove to her friends that she’s capable enough to do the job. When she takes a wrong turn and ends up deep in the backcountry, she stumbles upon what might be a potential crime scene. Stuck with no communication after losing her radio and with orders to guard the site, Wendy must fight the urge to...
Here’s the official synopsis: “Wendy, a part-time summer employee at a mountainous state park, takes on a rough trail assignment at the end of the season, trying to prove to her friends that she’s capable enough to do the job. When she takes a wrong turn and ends up deep in the backcountry, she stumbles upon what might be a potential crime scene. Stuck with no communication after losing her radio and with orders to guard the site, Wendy must fight the urge to...
- 3/18/2019
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Following its world premiere at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival, the first trailer for Roxanne Benjamin's Body at Brighton Rock has now been released, taking viewers deep into the film's isolated setting, where something malicious might be waiting within Mother Nature.
Written, directed, and produced by Roxanne Benjamin, Body at Brighton Rock stars Karina Fontes, Casey Adams, Emily Althaus, Miranda Bailey, Martin Spanjers, and John Getz. The film will be released in theaters and On Demand beginning April 26th.
Synopsis: "Wendy, a part-time summer employee at a mountainous state park, takes on a rough trail assignment at the end of the season, trying to prove to her friends that she’s capable enough to do the job. When she takes a wrong turn and ends up deep in the backcountry, she stumbles upon what might be a potential crime scene. Stuck with no communication after losing her radio and with orders to guard the site,...
Written, directed, and produced by Roxanne Benjamin, Body at Brighton Rock stars Karina Fontes, Casey Adams, Emily Althaus, Miranda Bailey, Martin Spanjers, and John Getz. The film will be released in theaters and On Demand beginning April 26th.
Synopsis: "Wendy, a part-time summer employee at a mountainous state park, takes on a rough trail assignment at the end of the season, trying to prove to her friends that she’s capable enough to do the job. When she takes a wrong turn and ends up deep in the backcountry, she stumbles upon what might be a potential crime scene. Stuck with no communication after losing her radio and with orders to guard the site,...
- 3/18/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
As the year 2019 continues to just fly by, the SXSW Film Festival is already right around the corner, kicking off on Friday in Austin, Texas. Not only does SXSW boast several impressive studio horror premieres this year, both opening and closing the festival, but it also features a Murderers' Row of talent in their Midnighters slate as well. This writer will once again be on site at the fest representing Daily Dead, and while I am really excited about everything on my docket over the next few weeks, here are 13 things happening at SXSW 2019 that have me especially amped to check out throughout all the film-related festivities.
Us (Director/Screenwriter: Jordan Peele)
I mean, it’s a new horror movie from Jordan Peele featuring a stellar cast oozing with raw talent. What more could I possibly need?
Festival Synopsis: An original nightmare from Oscar-winner Jordan Peele (Get Out), starring Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke,...
Us (Director/Screenwriter: Jordan Peele)
I mean, it’s a new horror movie from Jordan Peele featuring a stellar cast oozing with raw talent. What more could I possibly need?
Festival Synopsis: An original nightmare from Oscar-winner Jordan Peele (Get Out), starring Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke,...
- 3/5/2019
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
The SXSW Film Festival has added more to their already robust lineup including the world premieres of the forthcoming remake of Pet Sematary and the horror The Curse of La Llorona as well as a screening of the series finale of Comedy Central’s Broad City and the second of season of YouTube’s Cobra Kai. In addition, they have unveiled a massive slate of Midnighters, Festival Favorites, Shorts, Episodic Pilots and Virtual Cinema Projects. The 26th edition of the South by Southwest Conference and Festival runs March 8-17 in Austin.
The film fest will end with a horrific scream courtesy of Pet Sematary which is based on the seminal horror novel by Stephen King. The horror stars Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, and John Lithgow and is the second film iteration of the popular novel. The first was released in 1989 and was followed by a sequel in 1992.
Also set to...
The film fest will end with a horrific scream courtesy of Pet Sematary which is based on the seminal horror novel by Stephen King. The horror stars Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, and John Lithgow and is the second film iteration of the popular novel. The first was released in 1989 and was followed by a sequel in 1992.
Also set to...
- 2/6/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The South by Southwest Conference and Festivals has announced the remainder of its 2019 SXSW festival lineup, which will include Paramount Pictures’ “Pet Sematary” as its closing night film.
Michael Chaves’ “The Curse of La Llorona” has also been added to the lineup, as well as Helen Hunt’s “I See You,” Elisabeth Moss’ “Her Smell,” Alex Gibney’s “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley,” “Lupita Nyong’o’s “Little Monsters” and Olivia Colman’s “Them That Follow.”
In the Documentary Spotlight section, “I Am Richard Pryor” and “Salvage” have been added.
Also Read: Jordan Peele's 'Us' to Open 2019 SXSW Film Festival
“Pet Sematary” is directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer and is based on the horror novel by Stephen King. It follows Dr. Louis Creed (Jason Clarke), who, after relocating with his wife and their two young children to rural Maine, discovers a burial ground near their home.
Michael Chaves’ “The Curse of La Llorona” has also been added to the lineup, as well as Helen Hunt’s “I See You,” Elisabeth Moss’ “Her Smell,” Alex Gibney’s “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley,” “Lupita Nyong’o’s “Little Monsters” and Olivia Colman’s “Them That Follow.”
In the Documentary Spotlight section, “I Am Richard Pryor” and “Salvage” have been added.
Also Read: Jordan Peele's 'Us' to Open 2019 SXSW Film Festival
“Pet Sematary” is directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer and is based on the horror novel by Stephen King. It follows Dr. Louis Creed (Jason Clarke), who, after relocating with his wife and their two young children to rural Maine, discovers a burial ground near their home.
- 2/6/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
This year’s SXSW has finally rounded out the rest of its film festival program, including its popular Midnighters section, along with Festival Favorites, late-addition features and the closing night film for the 6th edition of the festival, running March 8 – 17 in Austin, Texas. This year’s program encompasses 131 feature films including 101 world premieres, 9 North American premieres, 3 U.S. premieres, and 64 films from first-time filmmakers.
In a nod to the festival’s affinity for genre films, this year’s event will close with the world premiere of Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer’s new version of “Pet Sematary.” Kolsch and Widmyer’s film is based on the beloved Stephen King novel of the same name, and stars Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, and John Lithgow. Paramount Pictures will release the film on April 5.
In that same vein, the festival has also unveiled its list of Midnighters. Featuring 10 new world premieres, the slate includes dark comedies,...
In a nod to the festival’s affinity for genre films, this year’s event will close with the world premiere of Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer’s new version of “Pet Sematary.” Kolsch and Widmyer’s film is based on the beloved Stephen King novel of the same name, and stars Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, and John Lithgow. Paramount Pictures will release the film on April 5.
In that same vein, the festival has also unveiled its list of Midnighters. Featuring 10 new world premieres, the slate includes dark comedies,...
- 2/6/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The gap between a good high school horror flick and a mediocre one is about a mile long, but the difference between a mediocre high school horror flick and a slightly less mediocre genre effort is almost completely indistinguishable. After a while, all these non-descript, hormone-ridden teens start to blend together into the same plaid-shirt-wearing stereotypes, whether they’re partaking in illegal activities or being hacked to bits by the next slasher hopeful.
Unfortunately, The Curse Of Downers Grove is yet another mediocre high school nightmare that’s no different than the last ten similarly scoped thrillers about evil town curses, despite being penned by American Pyscho author Bret Easton Ellis. The story is adapted from Michael Hornburg’s 90s novel Downers Grove, with indie filmmaker Derick Martini stepping behind the camera to take over directorial duties – though you’re probably just here because of Ellis’ name. Either way, this...
Unfortunately, The Curse Of Downers Grove is yet another mediocre high school nightmare that’s no different than the last ten similarly scoped thrillers about evil town curses, despite being penned by American Pyscho author Bret Easton Ellis. The story is adapted from Michael Hornburg’s 90s novel Downers Grove, with indie filmmaker Derick Martini stepping behind the camera to take over directorial duties – though you’re probably just here because of Ellis’ name. Either way, this...
- 8/27/2015
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
The Hennessey kids are back together again! Kaley Cuoco Sweeting, Amy Davidson and Martin Spanjers reunited this week to remember their "8 Simple Rules" grandfather, James Garner, on the anniversary of his death. #8simplerules siblings all growed up forever attached at the hip with these two! @martinspanjers @amy_davidson #johnritter #grandpagarner we miss you every day!" she captioned the cute candid with her TV siblings. Garner became a regular cast member shortly after the tragic death of actor John Ritter. Ritter suffered from an undetected heart ailment and passed away on September 11, 2003, at the age of 54. While the show centered around Ritter's character, the network decided to continue the series after his death. Lloyd Braun, the ABC Entertainment chairman, spoke about his decision to move forward in an interview with the New York Times in 2003. "We are in uncharted territory here. I do believe it will be great television," he said at the time.
- 7/24/2015
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
#8simplerules siblings all growed up ???? forever attached at the hip with these two! @martinspanjers @amy_davidson #johnritter #grandpagarner we miss you every day! ???? A photo posted by @normancook on Jul 19, 2015 at 1:37pm Pdt The Hennessy kids back together again! Kaley Cuoco reunited with her 8 Simple Rules costars Amy Davidson and Martin Spanjers this week. The trio took frame-worthy snapshots, and even received a special gift each. "#8simplerules siblings all grown up forever attached at the hip with these two! @martinspanjers @amy_davidson," Cuoco, 29, captioned one [...]...
- 7/24/2015
- Us Weekly
Martin Spanjers is best known for playing the younger brother Rory -- opposite Kaley Cuoco, Katey Sagal and John Ritter -- in the short run family comedy "8 Simple Rules... For Dating My Teenage Daughter." Guess what he looks like now! Read more...
- 4/15/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
As Sassy Pants begins, Bethany's (Ashley Rickards) high school graduation is rapidly approaching. She has been elected the valedictorian of her home-schooled class...of one. And, no, she does not want to give a speech. We quickly learn that Bethany's mother (Anna Gunn) is a tyrannical parent who has been left to her own devices to raise her two children -- Bethany and Shayne (Martin Spanjers) -- ever since her husband (Diedrich Bader) was caught doing the nasty with one of Bethany's male teachers. Her husband's infidelity has left Anna a bitter and jaded woman who no longer trusts anyone. This is precisely why she has home-schooled her kids; additionally, she wants Bethany to remain at home post-graduation and study via an online college. She is doing her best to shelter her children from the overtly dishonest world. The problem is, her over-protective nature is smothering Bethany and Shayne.
- 10/8/2012
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Remember Haley Joel Osment, the adorable/creepy kid from The Sixth Sense and Pay It Forward? He’s making a comeback in Sassy Pants and trying his darndest to make a new impression on a public that hasn’t seen him in a feature film since 2003 when he starred Secondhand Lions.
In the new independent comedy, he plays Chip, a young, hard-partying gay man who forms a relationship with his much older boyfriend’s naïve daughter. The bold career move reminds me of Macaulay Culkin, another former child star who tried to make the difficult transition into adult stardom by reemerging in edgy projects like Party Monster and the religious comedy Saved!. While it didn’t exactly work for Culkin, hopefully Osment’s makes a much more successful re-introduction on Jan. 28, the day when Sassy Pants premieres at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Written and directed by Coley Sohn,...
In the new independent comedy, he plays Chip, a young, hard-partying gay man who forms a relationship with his much older boyfriend’s naïve daughter. The bold career move reminds me of Macaulay Culkin, another former child star who tried to make the difficult transition into adult stardom by reemerging in edgy projects like Party Monster and the religious comedy Saved!. While it didn’t exactly work for Culkin, hopefully Osment’s makes a much more successful re-introduction on Jan. 28, the day when Sassy Pants premieres at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Written and directed by Coley Sohn,...
- 1/19/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Here’s a quirky little trailer for a movie called Sassy Pants, interested yet? What if I told you Haley Joel Osment, everyone’s favorite child actor from the late 90′s early 2000′s was involved? Now you’re more than interested, admit it. The film is the directorial debut feature from Coley Sohn, I can’t do it’s synopsis justice so here it is officially:
Bethany Pruitt (Ashley Rickards) is valedictorian of her class – her one student homeschool class. Stuck with younger brother Shayne (Martin Spanjers) under their perky but oppressive mother June’s (Anna Gunn) thumb, Bethany’s only escape is a teen fashion ‘zine courtesy of her absentee gay dad.
Read the rest and watch the trailer below:
Life at dad Dale’s (Diedrich Bader) mobile home is no picnic either. Despite the close bond she forms with his fun, younger boyfriend, Chip (Haley Joel Osment) Dad’s self-loathing,...
Bethany Pruitt (Ashley Rickards) is valedictorian of her class – her one student homeschool class. Stuck with younger brother Shayne (Martin Spanjers) under their perky but oppressive mother June’s (Anna Gunn) thumb, Bethany’s only escape is a teen fashion ‘zine courtesy of her absentee gay dad.
Read the rest and watch the trailer below:
Life at dad Dale’s (Diedrich Bader) mobile home is no picnic either. Despite the close bond she forms with his fun, younger boyfriend, Chip (Haley Joel Osment) Dad’s self-loathing,...
- 1/18/2012
- by Graham
- City of Films
ComingSoon.net has your exclusive first look at the trailer and poster for the comedy Sassy Pants , premiering at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Saturday, January 28th. Written and directed by Coley Sohn, Sassy Pants was produced by Adam Wilkins and Pavlina Hatoupis, and executive produced by Eyde Belasco and Paul Korver. Anna Gunn, Ashely Rickards, Haley Joel Osment, Martin Spanjers, Rene Rosado, Shanna Collins, Drew Droege, Jenny O'Hara and Diedrich Bader star. In the film, Bethany Pruitt (Rickards) is valedictorian of her class - her one student homeschool class. Stuck with younger brother Shayne (Spanjers) under their perky but oppressive mother June's (Gunn) thumb, Bethany's only escape is a teen fashion 'zine courtesy of her absentee gay dad. Life at...
- 1/17/2012
- Comingsoon.net
In 2002, John Ritter returned to ABC, the network that aired Three's Company, the sitcom that made him a star 15 years earlier.
In 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, Ritter plays sportswriter and dad Paul Hennessy. He wants to take a more active role in the lives of his children so, when his wife Cate (Katey Sagal) returns to work full-time, he decides to stay home to take care of the kids. The trouble is that they're now a trio of independent teenagers -- popular Bridget (Kelly Cuoco), brainy Kerry (Amy Davidson), and smart-aleck Rory (Martin Spanjers).
The show was a moderate success, ranked 43rd for its first season on the air, and was renewed with an average of 10.85 million viewers. As you may recall, Ritter died unexpectedly after completion of the third episode of season two. The show's production was shut down to give the cast and crew time...
In 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, Ritter plays sportswriter and dad Paul Hennessy. He wants to take a more active role in the lives of his children so, when his wife Cate (Katey Sagal) returns to work full-time, he decides to stay home to take care of the kids. The trouble is that they're now a trio of independent teenagers -- popular Bridget (Kelly Cuoco), brainy Kerry (Amy Davidson), and smart-aleck Rory (Martin Spanjers).
The show was a moderate success, ranked 43rd for its first season on the air, and was renewed with an average of 10.85 million viewers. As you may recall, Ritter died unexpectedly after completion of the third episode of season two. The show's production was shut down to give the cast and crew time...
- 8/2/2009
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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