John Ritter, born on September 17, 1948 in Burbank, California, was an American actor and comedian of extraordinary talent. His parents, Tex Ritter and Dorothy Fay, were both film stars, so it might seem as if Ritter was destined for a career in show business. Yet, he didn't take acting seriously until college where he studied drama at the University of Southern California under Nina Foch, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1971. Ritter's career in entertainment launched with appearances in various stage productions and TV series, but his real breakthrough came in 1977 when he was cast as Jack Tripper in Three's Company. This role catapulted Ritter to stardom, showcasing his gift for comedic timing and physical humor. He received an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance on the show which aired for eight seasons. Following Three's Company, he continued to build a diverse career, performing in a wide range of roles in television, film, and theater. Off stage and screen, Ritter was known for his philanthropy and family values. He married actress Amy Yasbeck in 1999, with whom he had a daughter, Stella. Ritter also had three children from a previous marriage. Tragically, Ritter's life was cut short on September 11, 2003, due to an undiagnosed aortic dissection. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, his contributions to charitable causes, and his influence on future generations of comedians and actors.