Jason Ritter Surprised by Hearing His Late Dad John’s Voice on Animated Show (Exclusive)
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Jason Ritter, the renowned actor, continues to be amazed by the enduring legacy of his late father, John Ritter. In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Poker Face Hollywood premiere on May 1, the 45-year-old actor expressed how his father’s presence still resonates through his extensive body of work.
Recalling moments when he unexpectedly heard or saw his father on screen, Jason shared, “There have been a couple of times when I have been watching television and all of a sudden be surprised to see or hear my father.” The connection to his father remains strong even after his passing.
One particular incident that caught Jason off guard was when he stumbled upon an episode of the animated sitcom “King of the Hill.” The actor recounted, “There was a time where I was in a trailer and I was trying to get this TV to work, and it was all kind of fuzzy, and the only channel that worked was playing a King of the Hill episode, and it was my dad’s voice, and I hadn’t known that he had done that.”
In the animated series, John Ritter lent his voice to the character Eugene Grandy, a music teacher at Tom Landry Middle School. Jason expressed his amusement at discovering his father’s versatile roles across different shows, from “The Waltons” to “Mary Tyler Moore” and even memorable appearances on “Hawaii Five-O” and “M.A.S.H.”
Known for his iconic portrayal of Jack Tripper on the ABC sitcom “Three’s Company,” John Ritter’s acting career spanned various roles, including in “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter” and the Oscar-winning film “Sling Blade.” His untimely death in September 2003 shocked the entertainment industry and his fans worldwide.
Tragically, John Ritter passed away from a “dissection of the aorta,” which was a previously undetected flaw in his heart’s main artery. Despite the heartbreaking loss, his legacy lives on through his timeless performances and the impact he left on his family, friends, and fans.
Reflecting on his early experiences in the industry, Jason fondly reminisced about his first acting gig, which was connected to his father’s influence. He humorously admitted, “As a little kid, when I was maybe 6 or something like that, my dad was doing this cartoon called The Real Story of O Christmas Tree.”
Jason portrayed the character Little Acorn, with his father voicing Uncle Piney in the animated special. The actor laughed about his voice being mistaken for being sped up, only to realize it was indeed his natural pitch, much to his surprise.
Despite their loss, the Ritter family continues to cherish John Ritter’s memory through his iconic roles and lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Jason’s genuine admiration and surprise at encountering his father’s voice on screen serve as a touching tribute to a beloved actor who left an indelible mark on the world of television.
In conclusion, Jason Ritter’s heartfelt recollections of hearing his late father’s voice on an animated show underscore the enduring presence of John Ritter in the hearts of his family and fans. His ability to evoke nostalgia and admiration through his diverse roles is a testament to his talent and the lasting legacy he left behind.