Jason Ritter learned from one of the best physical comedians of all time, his dad, John Ritter. Tragically, John died suddenly in 2003 at age 54, leaving behind an incredible comedic legacy. Jason remembers his dad fondly and followed in his footsteps with a very successful Hollywood career. Jason currently stars in the Matlock reboot alongside the incomparable Kathy Bates. The cast reunited for a screening at the PaleyFest L.A. and for a panel discussion on March 23. Per People, Jason Ritter talked about not only his dad but his father’s famous co-star, Don Knotts. Just like John, Don mastered comedy and made millions laugh.
Jason Ritter Recalled Meeting Don Knotts As A Child
Although he never met Andy Griffith, who starred in the original Matlock, Jason Ritter did meet Don Knotts, one of Andy’s former co-stars on the Andy Griffith Show. Don and John worked together on Three’s Company, one of John’s most famous roles.
Jason Ritter said of Don Knotts, “As a kid, I definitely met him a bunch of times, and then I saw him a couple of times. But I think most of the times I ran into him were after my dad passed, at various events and things like that, or TV Land Awards, I think at some point.”
Jason said he really became “conscious” of Three’s Company following Norman Fell and Audry Lindley’s exit as Mr. and Mrs. Roper. When Don Knotts joined the cast as Ralph Furley, Jason Ritter immediately became a huge fan.
He said, “He made me laugh so much. And his facial expressions and just his whole vibe was so funny to me on that show. And so it was a thrill for me to see him, to meet him.”
