“Three’s Company” Star Joyce DeWitt Remembers How John Ritter Would Amuse the Cast During Rehearsals: ‘He Killed Us Every Time’ (Exclusive)

Joyce DeWitt fondly reminisced about her time with the late John Ritter, her co-star in the classic sitcom *Three’s Company*, during a recent gala event aimed at promoting aortic health. DeWitt, now 77, attended the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health’s Evening From the Heart LA Gala on 12 September at The Sunset Room in Hollywood, where she reflected on the remarkable ability of Ritter to create laughter.

John Ritter passed away on 11 September 2003 at the age of 54, following an aortic dissection that was initially misdiagnosed. His legacy, particularly through *Three’s Company*, continues to evoke fond memories for DeWitt and fans alike. In the show, Ritter embodied the character of Jack Tripper, sharing an apartment with DeWitt’s Janet Wood and Suzanne Somers’ Chrissy Snow. Their unconventional living situation led to amusing misunderstandings, largely driven by the assumptions of their landlord, Mr. Roper, portrayed by Norman Fell.

DeWitt recalled Ritter’s unique comedic flair and his boundless commitment to every humorous moment. “He was completely dedicated to his roles, no matter how absurd the situations became,” she shared, underscoring that this enthusiasm often elevated the humour to a whole new level. Reenacting silly scenarios marked a distinctive element of Ritter’s performance, enchanting audiences while filming.

Rehearsals were particularly memorable for DeWitt. She recalled a revealing moment when the cast gathered at the edges of the rehearsal space, surrounded by scripts and notes. “If John was not in a scene, he would often cause mischief,” she said. One of her favourite anecdotes involved Ritter, who would prepare a cup of coffee and engage in an amusing act of stirring it while pretending that a twisted napkin was running from his nose. This playful behaviour would often leave the cast and crew in fits of laughter. “He would stand there until someone noticed, and each time, it struck us as hilariously funny.”

Ritter’s ability to deliver humour, despite its silliness, was rooted in his innocent approach and unwavering commitment to his craft. “He had this wonderful patience, and we couldn’t help but laugh every time he did something so outrageous,” DeWitt reflected nostalgically.

*Three’s Company* aired from 1977 to 1984, making an enduring impact on television comedy. The show won one Emmy and garnered five nominations, with Ritter’s performances being particularly celebrated. DeWitt expressed pride in the series and emphasised how it continued to provoke laughter decades later. “It’s a mind-blowing experience that people can still find joy in something we created almost 50 years ago,” she remarked.

Throughout her years in the industry, DeWitt has recognised the profound gift of making audiences laugh. “As performers, having the chance to create laughter is a tremendous privilege,” she shared, appreciating that the show’s humour still resonates with viewers today. Her experiences on *Three’s Company* taught her the importance of willingness to embrace absurdity to generate joy.

Looking ahead, DeWitt expressed her commitment to supporting the John Ritter Foundation. The foundation, founded by Ritter’s widow, Amy Yasbeck, aims to raise awareness about aortic health issues. DeWitt applauded Yasbeck’s efforts, acknowledging the importance of health advocacy in honouring Ritter’s legacy.

In the end, DeWitt not only cherishes her memories with Ritter but also celebrates the laughter they created together, a testament to both their talent and the show’s enduring appeal. As she continues to support causes close to her heart, the joy of those moments on set with Ritter remains a cherished aspect of her journey.