★ 8 
Acting
John Ritter
John Ritter is best known for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, It, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and M*A*S*H. John Ritter was born on September 17, 1948. John Ritter died on September 11, 2003 at the age of 54.
- Born
- September 17, 1948
- Place of birth
- Burbank, California, USA
- Died
- September 11, 2003 (54 years old)
Biography
Johnathan Southworth "John" Ritter (September 17, 1948 – September 11, 2003) was an American actor, voice over artist and comedian, perhaps best known for playing Jack Tripper and Paul Hennessy in the ABC sitcoms "Three's Company" and "8 Simple Rules," respectively. Don Knotts called him the "greatest physical comedian on the planet." Ritter's final films "Bad Santa," "Clifford's Really Big Movie" and "Stanley's Dinosaur Round-Up" were all dedicated in his memory.
Known for
Filmography
- 2021SuperstarSelf (archive footage)
- 2015Behind Closed Doors with Natalie MoralesHimself (archive footage)
- 2003TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV
- 2003Jimmy Kimmel Live!Self
- 20028 Simple RulesPaul Hennessy
- 2002Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)John Ritter
- 2002Breaking News
- 2001ScrubsSam Dorian
- 2000Clifford the Big Red DogClifford (voice)
- 2000TV FunhouseNarrator (voice)
- 2000Clifford The Big Red Dog: Best BuddiesClifford
- 1999Batman BeyondDr. David Wheeler (voice)
- 1999Law & Order: Special Victims UnitDr. Richard Manning
- 1999The Early ShowSelf
- 1999Family LawFather Andrews
- 1998FelicityMr. Andrew Covington
- 1998Hollywood SquaresSelf - Panelist
- 1997Ally McBealGeorge Madison
- 1997King of the HillEugene Grandy (voice)
- 1997The ViewSelf
- 1997Over the TopJustin
- 1997Buffy the Vampire SlayerTed Buchanan
- 1997Veronica's ClosetTim Margolin
- 1997Dead Man's GunHarry McDonacle
- 1996E! True Hollywood Story
- 1995NewsRadioFrank Westford
- 1994Touched by an AngelMike O'Conner
- 1994Chicago HopeJoe Dysmerski
- 1993Late Night with Conan O'BrienSelf - Guest
- 1993Intimate PortraitSelf - Interviewee
- 1993Dave's WorldJohn Ritter
- 1992Hearts AfireJohn Hartman
- 1992Fish PoliceInspector Gil (voice)
- 1992The Larry Sanders ShowJohn Ritter
- 1992Martin & Lewis: Their Golden Age of ComedySelf
- 1990WingsStuart Davenport
- 1990ItBen Hanscom
- 1989Anything but LovePatrick Serreau
- 1988LIVE with Kelly and MarkSelf
- 1987HoopermanDetective Harry Hooperman
- 1986Life with LucyJohn Ritter
- 1984Muppet Babies
- 1984Three's a CrowdJack Tripper
- 1984The Cosby ShowRay Evans
- 1983Life's Most Embarrassing MomentsSelf - Host
- 1982NatureNarrator (voice)
- 1981Entertainment TonightSelf
- 1979The Ropers
- 1977The Love BoatDale Riley
- 1977Three's CompanyJack Tripper
- 1975Starsky & HutchTom Cole
- 1975Doc
- 1975The Bob Crane Show
- 1975People's Choice AwardsSelf - Host
- 1975Saturday Night LiveAudience Member (uncredited)
- 1974PetrocelliJohn Oleson
- 1974RhodaVince Mazuma
- 1974Dinah!Self
- 1973KojakKenny Soames
- 1973Barnaby JonesJoe Rockwell
- 1972M*A*S*HPrivate Carter
- 1972The Rookies
- 1972The Bob Newhart ShowDave
- 1972The Streets of San FranciscoJohn 'Johnny' Steiner
- 1972The WaltonsRev. Matthew Fordwick
- 1971Great PerformancesRichard
- 1971Owen Marshall: Counselor at LawGreg
- 1970The Mary Tyler Moore ShowReverend Chatfield
- 1970Dan AugustColey Smith
- 1969Hawaii Five-ORyan Moore
- 1969Medical CenterRonnie
- 1967MannixCliff Elgin
- 1962The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonSelf
- 1962The Merv Griffin ShowSelf
- 1961The Mike Douglas ShowSelf - Co-Host
- 1950The Bob Hope ShowSelf
- 1944Golden Globe AwardsSelf - Nominee
Frequently asked questions
What movies and shows has John Ritter been in?
John Ritter is best known for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, It, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and M*A*S*H.
When was John Ritter born?
John Ritter was born on September 17, 1948. (Burbank, California, USA)
How old is John Ritter?
John Ritter died on September 11, 2003 at the age of 54.
Updated: November 3, 2026 ·