They Were Inseparable On Screen
From 1977 to 1984, American and international television audiences were familiar with Jack Tripper (John Ritter) and Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt) on the legendary sitcom Three’s Company.
Although the show was known for its humorous situations and charming “adult troubles”, what really made audiences love it was the genuine connection between the main characters, especially Jack and Janet.
Joyce DeWitt was more than just a co-star – she was John Ritter’s close friend in real life. And to this day, every time she mentions him, tears silently fall…
Emotional appearance at the 2003 memorial service
Shortly after John Ritter’s sudden death on September 11, 2003 from an aortic dissection, the Hollywood entertainment industry was shaken. During the memorial service organized by family and friends, Joyce DeWitt gave an emotional speech:
“I still can’t believe I’m standing here saying goodbye to John. He wasn’t just my co-star, he was a part of my heart…” As she finished her speech, Joyce couldn’t hold back her tears and walked off the stage to a standing ovation.
A touching reunion on television
In 2012, Joyce DeWitt appeared for the first time with Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow) on the show Suzanne Somers Breaking Through. The two hadn’t seen each other in more than 30 years after their backstage feud on Three’s Company, but what made the moment special was that they both talked about John Ritter.
“John was always the one who connected us. He had a big heart… and an energy that made everything around him warm,” Joyce said as she choked up and wiped away tears. The two hugged and cried when they mentioned “Jack Tripper,” and that moment became one of the most touching reunions on American television.
Regretting the years of not laughing together
In a 2015 interview, Joyce admitted that she had grown distant from John in the years after Three’s Company:
“We were both so busy with our own lives. I always thought we would have time to call him, to sit down together… but time waits for no one.” When John suddenly passed away, Joyce felt tormented and lost because she had not had time to say words of love or thank the friend who had accompanied her through the most beautiful period of her life.
Joyce DeWitt: “I still dream about him”
During meetings with fans or attending events honoring Three’s Company, Joyce always carried an image of John Ritter with her. “I still dream about him, and we’re reenacting Jack falling to the floor… and waking up in tears.” She often wears a small necklace with a smiley face – the symbol of Jack Tripper – as a silent tribute.
Timeless friendship and a message from the heart
John Ritter has passed away, but in Joyce DeWitt’s heart, he will always exist as a friend, a brother, an irreplaceable part of her memory.
Joyce once said on a local TV show: “If I ever have the chance to see him again, I just want to say: Thank you for laughing with me, for making me feel loved every day.”
Conclusion: Part of the legacy of “Three’s Company”
Although life moves on, the special relationship between Joyce DeWitt and John Ritter will forever be an integral part of the cultural legacy of Three’s Company – where laughter and tears have blended to create moments that will never fade in the hearts of fans.
