How the John Ritter Foundation Set a ‘Three’s Company’ Table Read with Adam Devine, Jason Alexander and Ritter’s TV Daughter Kaley Cuoco
Honoring a Legend Through Laughter and Heart Health
When you blend sitcom nostalgia, star power, and a meaningful cause, something special happens. That’s exactly what the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health pulled off with a live table‐read of the classic sitcom Three’s Company. With fresh faces like Adam Devine and Jason Alexander alongside original stars and Kaley Cuoco stepping in to pay tribute, the event didn’t just entertain—it raised awareness.
Why the Foundation Chose Three’s Company
The late John Ritter played Jack Tripper in Three’s Company, a role that made him a household name. When the Foundation set out to honor his legacy, they picked one of his most iconic works. The show’s enduring popularity makes it a perfect vehicle for awareness—because people connote laughter with John, and now that light can shine on aortic health.
The Big Night – Cast, Guests & Atmosphere
A Cast Bridging Generations
On the night of the event, Adam Devine stepped into the role of Jack Tripper.Jason Alexander joined in, along with original cast members like Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline. Most poignantly, Kaley Cuoco—the “TV daughter” of Ritter from 8 Simple Rules—lent her presence and voice to the event.
Where & When It Happened
The staged reading took place at the Sunset Room in Hollywood, as part of the Foundation’s “Evening from the Heart” gala.
The Mood in the Room
Imagine a room filled with laughter, applause, memories of classic lines, and a deep sense of community. It wasn’t just nostalgia—it was a celebration of life, legacy and hope.
What Episode They Read—and Why
The Choice of “Going to Pot”
The program featured a live re-reading of the Season 7 episode “Going to Pot” of Three’s Company. Selecting that episode was a nod to both the show’s humor and its place in sitcom history.
Relevance of the Script
By revisiting that script, the Foundation connected fans old and new to John’s comedic legacy. It also added weight to the cause: laughter and health both matter.
Kaley Cuoco’s Role—More Than a Reading
A Tribute Daughter
Kaley Cuoco played Bridget Hennessy on 8 Simple Rules, where John Ritter was her on-screen father. Her participation in the table read wasn’t just professional—it carried emotional weight.
Personal Reflections from Cuoco
Cuoco has shared how Ritter impacted her life, how he treated everyone equally and used humor to connect. Her presence bridged the past and the present, making the event feel deeply personal.
Why Adam Devine and Jason Alexander Participated
Both actors represent the new generation of comedy stars who grew up watching sitcoms like Three’s Company. Their participation lent contemporary relevance. Jason Alexander, with his sitcom pedigree (Seinfeld), and Adam Devine, with his modern comedic appeal, together brought fresh energy.
The Cause Behind the Clap Tracks—Aortic Health Awareness
Why Aortic Health Matters
John Ritter passed away in 2003 from an aortic dissection at age 54. His Foundation works to raise awareness, educate, and fund research around the condition.
Aligning Laughter with Life-Saving Messages
Using a beloved sitcom as a backdrop, the Foundation made the message resonate: heart health isn’t separate from happy memories—it’s part of the same story.
The Impact—Numbers, Media & Outreach
Media Coverage & Publicity
Major outlets reported on the event, from Variety to The Hollywood Reporter. That means the story reached beyond fans—it reached general audiences.
Streaming Tribute & Marathon
On September 11, a marathon of Three’s Company aired on Pluto TV curated by John’s friends and family. This synergy amplified the event’s reach.
Behind the Scenes—What Made It Authentic
Original Cast Participation
Having original cast members like Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline involved kept the spirit genuine.
The Right Balance of Nostalgia and Purpose
The event didn’t rely purely on nostalgia. It married comedic performance with a real-world purpose: health awareness. That gives it depth beyond mere fan service.
Why This Event Resonates with Fans and Beyond
Bridging Generations
Whether you loved Three’s Company in the 70s/80s or discovered it later via streaming, this event pulled everyone in.
Humor with Heart
It reminds us that comedy can be more than laughs—it can carry meaning. The event became both entertainment and a rallying cry.
Lessons for Non-Profits & Entertainment Collaborations
Leverage Authenticity
By staying true to John Ritter’s legacy and the show’s tone, the Foundation created something meaningful rather than gimmicky.
Find Resonant Platforms
Choosing a live table read of a beloved sitcom allowed the cause to connect with audiences who might not engage via typical health campaigns.
Mix Legacy with Freshness
Introducing new talent alongside original cast members created relevance without losing respect for the history.
What’s Next—Sustaining Momentum
Beyond the live reading, the foundation’s continued streaming events, auctions (such as Kaley Cuoco winning John’s original Three’s Company cast jacket) and public health messaging show a long-term strategy. The challenge will be converting awareness into action—screenings, check-ups, research funding.
Final Thoughts—Why It Matters
This wasn’t just a celebrity reading night—it illustrated how entertainment, history and health advocacy can converge. It honored a man who made us laugh while reminding us why laughter and life both matter.
Conclusion
The John Ritter Foundation’s live table read of Three’s Company proved that a legacy isn’t just remembered—it’s revived, reimagined, and repurposed for good. With stars like Adam Devine, Jason Alexander and Kaley Cuoco joining forces with original cast members, the event became a captivating bridge between sitcom nostalgia and critical health awareness. It fascinated fans, attracted media, and delivered a message: honoring laughter means also protecting life.
FAQs
1. What episode of Three’s Company was performed at the table read?
The reading featured the Season 7 episode “Going to Pot”.
2. Why did Kaley Cuoco participate in an event centered on Three’s Company?
Though she wasn’t part of the original show, she starred with John Ritter on 8 Simple Rules and holds a deep connection to his legacy—making her involvement both respectful and personal.
3. How does the event support aortic health awareness?
Funds raised through the event go to the John Ritter Foundation, which educates about aortic dissection and other heart conditions—tying John’s memory to a life-saving mission.
4. Did original cast members of Three’s Company take part?
Yes—Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline, among others, took part in the reading and lent authenticity to the evening.
5. Where can fans find recordings or viewings of the event?
The live reading was part of the Foundation’s “Evening from the Heart” gala on September 12 and later made available via streaming and through Pluto TV’s Three’s Company marathon.
