John Ritter: Jack Tripper of Three's Company Dies at 54

John Ritter was an American actor, best known as Jack Tripper on Three's Company. Born on September 17, 1948, in Burbank, California, he was the son of singing cowboy Tex Ritter and actress Dorothy Fay.

Ritter won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Three's Company (1977-1984) and starred in Hooperman, Hearts Afire and 8 Simple Rules. He voiced Clifford the Big Red Dog and appeared in Problem Child, Sling Blade and Bad Santa.

He and his father were the first father and son to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He married Amy Yasbeck in 1999 and had four children. He fell ill while filming and died in Burbank on September 11, 2003, at age 54, of an aortic dissection. His widow founded the John Ritter Foundation for aortic disease awareness.

Achievements: Emmy and Golden Globe for Three's Company (1984), Theatre World Award (2001).

Birth: September 17, 1948 - Burbank, California.

Profession: Actor.

Interesting Facts: His son Jason and Tyler also became actors.