Joyce DeWitt Recalls Final Night Spent with “Three’s Company” Costar John Ritter Before His Death, Says It Was ‘Extraordinarily Special’

In a recent interview, actress Joyce DeWitt shared heartfelt memories of her late co-star John Ritter, offering a glimpse into their deep connection. The two were best known for their roles in the beloved sitcom “Three’s Company,” which aired in the late 1970s and early 1980s. DeWitt recalled the final evening they spent together in New York City, just weeks before Ritter’s untimely death from an aortic dissection on 11 September 2003, at the age of 54.

DeWitt, now 77, revealed that she and Ritter serendipitously got together that night, having both found themselves in the city at the same time. Their reunion came about particularly fortuitously after DeWitt had learned of Ritter’s presence in the area through paparazzi reports. “Not knowing that it would be the last time we would hang out together, it was extraordinarily special,” DeWitt remarked, highlighting the significance of their time together.

She recounted how the evening unfolded, emphasising that if Ritter had called merely a minute later, she would have been on her way to attend a film at Lincoln Centre. “It’s like there was divine assistance in allowing us that time together,” she stated, underlining the uncanny nature of their meeting.

Over a meal at an Italian restaurant with actor Jim Belushi, the trio enjoyed a delightful evening filled with laughter and camaraderie. “We had such a good time,” DeWitt reminisced, reflecting on how dear and precious that time was with Ritter before his sudden passing. Their chemistry was palpable on-screen, with DeWitt portraying Janet Wood alongside Ritter’s character Jack Tripper, as they navigated the challenges of life with comedic flair.

Earlier, in another conversation, DeWitt described her immediate connection with Ritter when they first met. She articulated that it felt as if their bodies instinctively understood each other, leading to an unparalleled kind of comedic partnership. “If he swung high, I ducked low. If I ran low, he would swing high,” she described their unique rapport. This kinesthetic communication extended beyond words and was a hallmark of their relationship both on and offscreen.

DeWitt reminisced fondly about the joy they created through humour in “Three’s Company.” She expressed her hope that the series continues to elicit laughter even nearly five decades after it first aired. “If, as an actor, you are given the opportunity to do something that will cause laughter, it’s a great gift that you get to do this,” she affirmed, acknowledging the show’s enduring impact on audiences.

The actress further reflected on the concept of comedy, recalling how both she and Ritter were willing to put themselves in goofy situations to entertain viewers. “We were willing to do any stupid thing we could think of that we thought would make people laugh. It didn’t matter how stupid it was, we were willing to try it,” she said. Their dedication to the craft of acting was evident in their performances, fostering moments that fans still cherish today.

DeWitt’s memories of her time with Ritter serve as a poignant reminder of their close friendship and collaborative spirit. The lasting legacy of “Three’s Company” continues to resonate with fans around the world, demonstrating the timeless nature of its humour and the genuine bond shared among its cast members. With each recollection, DeWitt ensures that John Ritter’s spirit and their shared laughter endure in the hearts of audiences everywhere.