John Ritter’s Son Jason’s Secret Cameo on Three’s Company: What Co-Star Joyce DeWitt Has to Say
A Surprise Cameo You Probably Didn’t Notice
Did you catch that toddler in the opening credits of Three’s Company? If not, you’re not alone—most fans didn’t. But according to long-time cast member Joyce DeWitt, that little boy in blue overalls is none other than Jason Ritter—the son of the show’s star John Ritter.
It’s a moment that blends nostalgia, legacy, and a hidden gem of TV trivia.
How the Cameo Came to Be — The Story Behind the Shot
Location, Location, Location
The show filmed its opening credit sequence for seasons six through eight at the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park.
During one of those location days, director Dave Powers apparently said, “Let’s just grab anybody and everyone” for the cut-away shots. DeWitt remembered, “People brought their children, their wives… it was kind of a group event.”
The Toddler in Blue Overalls
In DeWitt’s words: “In my credit, where I’m down and this little boy toddles in, that’s Jason Ritter, John’s first child. The Jason Ritter that you see on TV all the time, that was his film premiere. His little overall butt walking up to me.”
It’s charming, unexpected—and for decades, gone unnoticed.
Why This Moment Went Undetected for Years
A Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Frame
The cameo happens in a brief moment in the credits sequence. Unless you paused it, you might not have realized who that toddler was.
Outrageous TV Resolution vs Today
Back in the original episodes, standard definition TV and less-sharp visuals made small details easy to miss. Only later, with HD reruns and streaming, did fans begin dissecting every frame.
A Hidden Easter Egg for Fans
The moment transformed into a cult trivia point: “Did you spot Jason Ritter?” It deepened the show’s legacy by revealing a real-life family tie.
Joyce DeWitt’s Reflections on the Cameo
Behind the Friendly Teasing
DeWitt, who starred as Janet Wood, has often shared warm memories of the cast. Her revealing this cameo shows how playful and human the production environment was.
A Nod to John Ritter’s Legacy
By pointing out Jason’s cameo, DeWitt also pays tribute to John Ritter’s enduring presence on set—both on camera and off.
A Legacy Passed On
She noted the continuity: little Jason walking into the frame foreshadowed the adult actor he’d become. It’s a subtle but beautiful passing of the torch.
Jason Ritter Today — Carrying On the Family Name
Following in Dad’s Footsteps
Jason, born in 1980, grew up knowing his father’s legacy. His TV debut, as that toddler cameo, is symbolic—a tiny start to a long career.
Distinct Career Moves
He starred in series like Parenthood and Matlock, carving his own path while still honoring his roots.
Tribute to His Dad
Jason once went viral doing his dad’s signature “creep face” move from Three’s Company. It became a heartfelt nod to his father’s humor and legacy.
How Fans and the Media Reacted
The Revelation Ripples Out
When DeWitt shared the cameo revelation at a fan panel, outlets like PEOPLE, Geo.TV, and High On Films covered it, sparking renewed interest in classic sitcom details.
Nostalgia Meets Discovery
Long-time fans felt like archaeologists uncovering a hidden piece of TV history. The moment became a talking point across online forums.
The Personal Touch
Seeing that little boy in blue—knowing it was Jason—made the sitcom feel more intimate. It reminded viewers that the show wasn’t just comedy—it was part of a real family’s story.
What It Says About Television Production in the 70s & 80s
Less Polished, More Human
Production practices then were more spontaneous. DeWitt’s comments show a format where cameo appearances happened on-the-fly.
The Location Shoot Vibe
The Los Angeles Zoo shoot felt like a field trip—kids, spouses, cast members all hanging out. The result: a candid moment frozen in the credits.
The Value of Small Details
TV history often rests on these small moments. One toddler’s walk across frame can become decades later a cherished piece of trivia.
Connecting Legacy & Generations
John Ritter’s Mark on Sitcom History
John Ritter’s role as Jack Tripper remains iconic. His comedic style influenced sitcoms for years.
Jason Ritter Represents the Next Chapter
That toddler cameo links his biography to the sitcom’s narrative—an actor as a child on the same show his father made famous.
Unseen Threads in Pop Culture
It’s a reminder how behind-the-scenes stories enrich what we see on screen.
Why This Secret Matters to Fans & TV Historians
A Hidden Easter Egg Unlocked
When fans discover something new in a beloved show, it renews their excitement and adds depth to their fandom.
Humanizing the Cast
Knowing that cast members’ children appear in credits, off-script, makes the production feel grounded and human.
Preserving TV Memory
These details help maintain cultural memory of sitcoms. They become part of what keeps a show alive in public conversation.
How to Spot the Cameo Yourself
What to Look For
Check the opening credits of Three’s Company from seasons six through eight: you’ll spot a toddler in blue overalls walking toward Janet (Joyce DeWitt). That’s Jason.
Why It Happened Here
Because the shot was filmed on-location and included cast family members, the cameo slipped in unnoticed.
Fun Viewing Tip
If you’re watching a marathon or streaming version, pause at around 18 seconds into the credits sequence—there he is.
The Emotional Resonance for the Ritter Family
Putting Family on Screen
For the Ritter family, this cameo is probably more than trivia—it’s a memory of a father and his family on set together.
Legacy of Love & Laughter
John Ritter loved making people laugh. Jason’s walk across the screen—on the same show—feels like a symbolic passing of that love.
Appreciation and Tribute
Joyce DeWitt’s mention of the cameo feels respectful and affectionate—acknowledging both the show’s legacy and the family behind it.
What This Story Teaches About Looking Beneath the Surface
Small Details Matter
In media, sometimes the smallest moments—an unplanned cameo—carry big stories.
Nostalgia Opens Doors
What begins as “just another episode” can turn into a treasure trove when viewers engage with curiosity.
People Behind the Laughter
Shows like Three’s Company were more than jokes—they were real people creating real moments, sometimes unscripted.
Conclusion
Who knew that a toddler in blue overalls would eventually spark such a heartwarming story? That little boy toddling into the credits was Jason Ritter—his debut, unplanned and unnoticed for years. Through the eyes of Joyce DeWitt, we gain insight into the friendly spontaneity of Three’s Company production and a touching connection between father and son across decades. It’s a reminder that behind every laugh track lies real people, real families, and stories waiting to be told.
FAQs
1. Was Jason Ritter officially credited for the cameo on Three’s Company?
No, his appearance was uncredited and occurred during the opening credits sequence of seasons six through eight.
2. How old was Jason when he appeared in the cameo?
He was a toddler at the time—just a few years old—when that zoo filming happened with the main cast.
3. Does the cameo appear in all airings of the show?
Yes, the footage was part of the original opening sequence for seasons six through eight, so many reruns and DVD/streaming versions include it.
4. Are there other hidden cameos in Three’s Company?
There may be other uncredited background appearances—this is one of the most documented thanks to Joyce DeWitt’s revelation—but the Jason Ritter moment stands out.
5. How can fans watch the cameo today?
Look for Three’s Company seasons six through eight on streaming services or DVD sets, and pause during the opening credits—the blue-overalled toddler walking toward Janet is Jason Ritter.
