Jason Ritter has opened up about the nostalgia he feels when revisiting his late father John Ritter’s performances. During the John Ritter Foundation Evening From The Heart Gala on September 12 in Hollywood, Jason discussed his fondness for his father’s work while speaking with PEOPLE magazine.
The John Ritter Foundation is dedicated to funding research and raising awareness about aortic health, particularly significant given John Ritter’s untimely death due to an aortic dissection that was misdiagnosed as a heart attack on September 11, 2003, at the age of 54.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Jason expressed his enjoyment in watching old episodes of John’s shows, including a memorable appearance on Hawaii Five-0 where he portrayed a hippie drug dealer, saying, “That’s so different, that’s so cool.” Jason has also taken to revisiting some of John’s independent films from the latter part of his career, noting, “He was working on anything that intrigued him,” which allowed him to explore various roles.
Among his favorites, Jason highlighted the film Sling Blade, a critically acclaimed piece from 1996 that earned Billy Bob Thornton an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. At the time of his death, John Ritter was also recognized for his role alongside Kaley Cuoco in the popular sitcom 8 Simple Rules.
This ongoing appreciation for his father’s diverse body of work showcases how John Ritter’s talent continues to resonate and influence Jason, reminding fans of the lasting impact of his performances. Through events like the John Ritter Foundation Gala, the family’s commitment to honoring his legacy while promoting awareness of heart health also remains strong.