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, May 17

none scheduled

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of May 12)

Friday, May 16

  • Lunell (Lopez) - Watch Luenell on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC. She will also be on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 9:39am.
  • Benito Skinner (Overcompensating) - Benito appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Mayan Lopez (Lopez vs Lopez) and Jerry O'Connell (We Are Men/Do Not Disturb/Carpoolers/My Secret Identity) - Mayan and Jerry are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Luke Kirby (Étoile) and Gideon Glick (Étoile/The Other Two) - Luke and Gideon talk about Étoile on NBC's Today in the 9am hour.
  • Stanley Tucci (Central Park) - Stanley talks about his new series Tucci in Italy with GMA co-anchor Michael Strahan on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm. He will also be on ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis at 7pm.
  • Howie Mandel (Good Grief) - Howie talks about America's Got Talent on Live with Kelly and Mark (check your local listings) and on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your lcoal listings.
  • Marissa Jaret Winokur (What We Do in the Shadows/Retired at 35/Stacked) - Marissa talks about her latest project Mama I'm a Big Girl Now on Sherri, so check your local listings.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series Frasier (2023) - Season Two Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered) Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)

01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series
03/11 - Frasier (2023) - Season Two
04/01 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season
05/13 - The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered)
06/06 - Shoresy - Season 2
06/17 - Looney Tunes - Collector's Vault - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
07/08 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)

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