On September 11, 2025, fans, friends, and family of John Ritter came together to celebrate his legacy through a heartfelt television and charitable tribute marking the 22nd anniversary of his passing. Pluto TV, which maintains a 24-hour Three’s Company channel, dedicated the day to a marathon of episodes handpicked by Ritter’s loved ones and former co-stars. The event combined laughter, nostalgia, and awareness in honor of the actor who became a household name through his portrayal of Jack Tripper, one of television’s most iconic sitcom characters.
The marathon began in the afternoon and featured episodes selected by a diverse mix of contributors, each offering a personal connection to Ritter’s memory. Among the highlights was “Double Trouble,” chosen by actor Adam Devine, and “Up in the Air,” a favorite of Kaley Cuoco, who starred alongside Ritter in the sitcom 8 Simple Rules. Tyler Ritter, John’s son, selected “Baby It’s Cold Inside,” a classic episode featuring Don Knotts. Other friends and co-stars, including Priscilla Barnes, Richard Kline, and Jason Alexander, also contributed their personal picks, ensuring the lineup reflected not only the comedic brilliance of Ritter but also the fondness and admiration of those who knew him best.
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The programming event was paired with a broader effort to raise awareness for aortic health, the condition that tragically took Ritter’s life in 2003 at the age of 54. That evening, the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health hosted its annual Evening from the Heart LA gala, which featured a live celebrity table read of the Three’s Company episode “Going to Pot.” The reading reunited original cast members with special celebrity guests, creating a one-of-a-kind performance that brought the classic sitcom to life for a new audience. Kaley Cuoco lent her voice to the role of Janet Wood, while Adam Devine, Jason Alexander, Priscilla Barnes, Richard Kline, Steven Weber, Reno Wilson, Ron Funches, and Holly Robinson Peete all joined the event, blending comedy with heartfelt remembrance.
While the gala itself was an in-person, ticketed event, fans unable to attend were able to view the performance via livestream through the John Ritter Foundation’s website the following day. Pluto TV also announced plans to make the performance available on-demand later in the year, further extending its reach. For many, the dual celebration — both on screen and at the gala — captured the dual nature of Ritter’s legacy: the laughter he brought to millions of households and the life-saving awareness his passing has inspired.
Ritter’s death from an undiagnosed thoracic aortic dissection shocked audiences worldwide in 2003. Since then, his widow, Amy Yasbeck, has been a leading voice in promoting education and research around the condition. The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health has worked to expand early detection, support families affected by aortic disease, and advance medical research. The foundation’s ongoing work was prominently featured during the evening’s gala, underscoring how Ritter’s memory continues to drive meaningful change in public health awareness.
Fans across social media were quick to express their affection and gratitude during the tribute. Many shared their favorite Three’s Company episodes, fond memories of Ritter’s unique comedic timing, and appreciation for how the marathon balanced entertainment with advocacy. For some, the event was a nostalgic return to Ritter’s timeless performances, while for others it was a first introduction to the actor’s enduring influence.
By combining a celebratory marathon with a health-centered gala, the tribute to John Ritter offered more than just entertainment. It reminded audiences of the fragility of life and the importance of medical awareness while ensuring that Ritter’s laughter-filled legacy continues to resonate with both longtime fans and new generations. Two decades after his passing, the blend of comedy and advocacy captured the essence of who Ritter was — a man whose work brought joy and whose memory is helping save lives.