September 11 -- Remembered for Terrorist Attacks and the Passing of John Ritter

Sunday, September 11, 2005

September 11 -- Remembered for Terrorist Attacks and the Passing of John Ritter

SitcomsOnline.com News Special Feature: September 11 is probably the worst day ever in the history of America. Yes, four years ago today the tragic terror events happened. It is hard to believe that it already has been four years, it seems that nightmare was just like yesterday. But this day is also very tragic for television fans, too. Two years ago tonight the great beloved John Ritter passed away. It was just after 10 p.m. PT that this happened two years ago. John was on the set of his ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter doing promos, rehearsing scenes and doing an interview for the Museum of Television & Radio. It was also his little girl's birthday, so John, who is always energetic and happy, was extra energetic and happy that day. Two of his closest friends were set to guest star on his show the next day--actor Henry Winkler (Happy Days) and the great director Peter Bogdanovich.

Later that day, John didn't feel too good, so he asked the director if he could go lay down in his dressing room. The cast of the show were aware that he usually takes afternoon naps. He needs those naps because he is so energetic. A few hours or so later John began to sweat a lot so he called one of the producers over. Eventually, they took him to the hospital across the street, the same hospital where he was born. While going to the hospital, John was still cracking jokes to lighten the mood.

We all know what happens after that. Amy Yasbeck, John's wife, was later called to the hospital. Originally everyone thought he had food poisoning, but later they discovered an aortic problem. I believe his older son, Jason Ritter also came later on. And at 10 p.m. PT that night, John had passed away at the age of only 54. So tragic. It was such a terrible loss to not only Hollywood, but for the entire country. Everyone liked him. He was not your average Hollywood actor, he had no ego and he made you feel like someone important, when he was really the important one. He didn't care who he talked to, whether it be a janitor on the set or an executive at ABC, he treated everyone equally. He was known as the nicest actor in Hollywood. When everyone heard about his passing on early morning on Sept. 12, 2003, everyone was in a state of shock. I was literally in shock. I had never felt like that before and don't ever want to feel like that again EVER.
With reruns and DVDs, John's work will live on forever. The only sad part is we will never get to see him in a new movie or new TV show again. He was an amazing human being and actor.

So, tonight at 10 p.m. PT (1 a.m ET), please think of John or give him a moment of silence. He deserves it. Continue to rest in peace, John.
View all of my websites to all of John's series: Three's Company, Hearts Afire, Hooperman and 8 Simple Rules...
NOTE: The Three's Company website is on a temporary address, as the real address is currently down. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Saturday, June 7

The Conners - "It's Gonna Be a Great Day" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Darlene celebrates her promotion, hoping it will allow her to spend more time with Ben; Jackie stumbles upon an opportunity to sue the pharmaceutical company responsible for Roseanne's addiction, which sparks a family debate.

The Conners - "Fame, Flying Fists and Cold Feet" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Conners get a taste of fame when their family restaurant is featured in a reality TV show, which inspires Becky to become an influencer; Jackie and Dan meet with a lawyer; Darlene connects with someone at The Lobo Lounge.

The Conners - "Applications, Accusations and a Man-Bag" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Jackie decides to rejoin the police force despite everyone's concerns; Darlene grows more skeptical about Mark's secretive behavior; Dan and Becky wade through uncomfortable conversations about Roseanne's addiction issues and death.

The Conners - "Danny Boy, the Interview, the New Hire, and the Hanging Chad" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dan sidesteps vulnerable emotions surrounding Roseanne's death ahead of an upcoming deposition; Becky prepares for a job interview; Harris impulsively hires a new server at the Lunch Box.

The Conners - "Exercise Bands, Money Plans, and Faraway Lands" (ABC, 10:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Ahead of the deposition, Dan gets support from Jackie, Becky and Darlene; Mark is presented with an opportunity which leads to a major life decision; Becky and Tyler consider the next step in their relationship.

The Conners - "The Truck Stops Here" (ABC, 10:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Jackie prepares for a series of physical tests in an effort to rejoin the police force; Darlene confronts the insecurities in her marriage with Ben; Dan's deposition stirs up feelings; final farewells are made in true Conner family fashion.

Mind Your Business - "The Parent Trap" (Bounce TV, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Jordan enlists family members to help plan a romantic night when she thinks she overhears her parents talking about getting a divorce; Aaliyah and Mia become roommates.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of June 1)

Friday, June 6

Paul Rudd (The Shrink Next Door/Living with Yourself/Wild Oats) - Watch Paul on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Ike Barinholtz (The Studio/The Afterparty/Bless the Harts/The Mindy Project/Eastbound & Down) - Ike appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
David Oyelowo (Government Cheese), Bokeem Woodbine (Government Cheese/Battery Park) and Simone Missick (Government Cheese) - David, Bokeem and Simone are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
Whitney Cummings (Whitney) - Whitney appears on Real Time with Bill Maher at 10pm on HBO.
Sarita Choudhury (And Just Like That...) - Sarita talks about And Just Like That... on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Mark Hamill (The Texas Wheelers) - Mark chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Brianne Howey (Dollface) - Brianne chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Steve Guttenberg (No Soap, Radio/Billy) - Steve talks about Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Andrew Rannells (Girls/The New Normal) - Andrew talks about I Don't Understand You on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am and on CBS Mornings Plus in the 9am hour.
Lena Waithe (Master of None) and Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show/Cosby) - Lena and Phylicia talk about The Chi on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Mark Hamill (The Texas Wheelers) - NBC's Today catches up with Mark in the 9am hour.
Natasha Rothwell (How to Die Alone/Insecure) - Natasha talks about The White Lotus on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.