Jason Ritter Says Sometimes Dad John Ritter Comes Out While He’s Acting: ‘I’m Not Aware of All the Ways He Influenced Me’ 

Jason Ritter, the son of the late John Ritter, recently reflected on the deep and enduring bond he shares with his father, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 54. Jason, now 46, spoke candidly about how his father’s presence continues to resonate in his life and career during a recent episode of the podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” hosted by Ted Danson.

John Ritter, best known for his iconic roles in television classics such as “Three’s Company” and “8 Simple Rules,” was on set filming the latter when he suddenly died. For Jason, the loss was profound; he was just 23 years old and the eldest of John’s children, which included his brothers Tyler and Noah, and sister Carly. Reflecting on that period, Jason remarked, “I had to work really hard to understand that that was the whole story, that that was the whole book of my time on this earth with him.” He vividly expressed the initial feeling of incompleteness, as if more chapters of their shared story had been abruptly removed.

During their discussion, Danson probed Jason about whether he felt his late father’s influence while performing. Jason readily agreed, noting that there are times, particularly during auditions, when he feels his father’s spirit guiding him. He explained, “There have been times where those have been the best moments in my auditions, and I’m like, ‘That didn’t feel like I did that.’” This sense of connection has allowed him to embrace the influences of his dad in ways he may not have fully appreciated in the past.

As Jason continues his acting career, which gained new momentum with his role in the reboot of “Matlock,” he has increasingly noticed the resemblance he bears to John. “I’m not aware of all of the ways in which he influenced me,” he admitted. He noted that while watching reruns of old shows like “Matlock,” he is struck by his father’s likeness, affirming what others have told him.

The conversation turned to the public’s reaction to John’s death and how that collective grief impacted Jason and his family. “It’s amazing,” he reflected. “There will still be times where I’ll meet someone and I’ll know what’s happening almost immediately.” He shared that fans often become emotional when speaking about his father, and while he experiences ups and downs in his own grief, he has grown to appreciate the emotional connections others have with John’s legacy.

Amid this sentimentality, Jason also found humour in his father’s memory. He recounted a light-hearted moment from his early dating days with his now-wife, Melanie Lynskey. While they were out at a bar, a woman approached them, visibly emotional as she spoke of her love for John. Her abrupt end to the conversation, which included a casual “RIP” before she turned away, brought laughter to the couple, a reminder of the charming moments his father was known for.

Jason found it poignant that such moments of humour could coexist with the pain of loss. He noted that John had an exceptional knack for uncovering the lighter side of life—even during sorrowful times, and he strives to uphold that same spirit.

As the 20th anniversary of his father’s death approaches, Jason Ritter remains grateful for the lessons and memories they shared. He has learned to honour his father’s legacy not only through his career but also by finding joy and laughter amidst the grief, proving that love and connection transcend even the most profound losses.