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

Thursday, April 9

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - "A Stuffed Monkey and an Ex-Girlfriend" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT)
When CeeCee loses her favorite toy, Mandy and Meemaw (Annie Potts) take it as an opportunity to make some money. Meanwhile, Connor contemplates revisiting an old relationship.

Ghosts - "Michael Jackson Goes to HR" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Trevor lands himself in trouble when an inappropriate gift to a co‑worker forces him into an HR meeting only Jay can handle. Meanwhile, Pete unintentionally sparks drama with Alberta after casually mentioning a surprise visit to his ex.

Animal Control - "Scaredy Cats and Card Sharks" (Fox, 9:02PM ET/PT)
When Frank and Daisy lose $5,000 in union funds, they try to win the money back by gambling; Shred and Patel cover the late-night shift at the precinct.

Going Dutch - "The Heart Locker" (Fox, 9:32PM ET/PT)
After throwing out his back, the Colonel is ordered to bed rest; the base is sent to sweep for landmines at a local farm, where Major Shah suddenly finds himself in serious danger when he steps on one.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 6)

Thursday, April 9

Kerry Washington (UnPrisoned) - Catch Kerry on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Riz Ahmed (Bait) - Riz is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Nathan Lane (Mid-Century Modern/Only Murders in the Building/Modern Family/Charlie Lawrence/Encore! Encore!/One of the Boys) - Nathan appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Arsenio Hall (Arsenio) - Arsenio is a guest on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
Jim Parsons (Young Sheldon/The Big Bang Theory) - Jim appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Judy Reyes (Scrubs) - Judy talks about Scrubs and High Potential on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am and on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Dany Levy (Big Mistakes/Schitt's Creek) - Dan talks about Big Mistakes on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Felicity Huffman (Sports Night) - Felicity dishes on Doc on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Bryan Cranston (Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair/Malcolm in the Middle/The Louie Show), Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair/Malcolm in the Middle) and Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair/Malcolm in the Middle/Help Me Help You) - Bryan, Frankie and Jane talk about Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair on ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis at 7pm.
John C. Reilly (Moonbase 8) - NBC's Today has "Head or Tails" with John in the 9am hour.
Billy Magnussen (The Franchise/Made for Love) - NBC's Today catches up with Billy in the 9am hour.
Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Are We There Yet?/Everybody Hates Chris) - Tamron Hall has a DAYTIME EXCLUSIVE with Terry and Rebecca King-Crews revealing for the first time Rebecca's health battle, so check your local listings.
Kenya Barris (blackAF) - Kenya talks about Prime's Jerry West: The Logo on Access Daily with Mario & Kit, so check your local listings.
Juliette Lewis (Camping/I Married Dora) - Juliette tells Drew about her current run in Broadway show The Rocky Horror Show on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.