Kaley Cuoco recalled her late “8 Simple Rules” co-star John Ritter at the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health’s annual gala Saturday night, describing his death as one of the worst days of her life. Cuoco shared a story about their first meeting and Ritter’s immediate kindness.
Cuoco, currently pregnant with her second child, was 16 when she met Ritter during a table read for “8 Simple Rules.” She recounted wearing a revealing outfit, and Ritter immediately offered her his jacket, telling her, “Don’t ever wear that again.” Cuoco called it “the best.”
Ritter died in 2003 from a fatal thoracic aortic dissection, a tearing of the heart’s main artery, while on set. Cuoco said she felt as though she had lost her father after his passing. “I remember having to remind myself that I wasn’t his kid,” she said. She added that Ritter’s humor and leadership continue to inspire her career, calling him her “north star.”
The gala, hosted by Ritter’s widow, Amy Yasbeck, and his son, Tyson Ritter, also featured reunions with co-stars from “Wings”, Tim Daly, Steve Webber and Tony Shalhoub, and a surprise appearance by Joyce DeWitt, who announced a nationwide tour of “Three’s Company” table reads to benefit the foundation. Tyson Ritter announced a fundraising dinner in October at the original Brady Bunch house, hosted by Maureen McCormick.
The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health reports that 20,000 people in the U.S. suffer an aortic dissection annually, with up to 50% resulting in death. However, 80% of those affected could survive with prompt diagnosis and treatment. More information is available at johnritterfoundation.org.
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