It’s been nearly two decades since John Ritter died, but his family can still vividly recall their fondest memories of the "Three's Company" star.
"He had a real dedication to making his children laugh," his son, Jason, told Closer Weekly in an interview that appeared in the magazine's latest issue.
John was best known for playing the lovable and goofy Jack Tripper in the '70s sitcom as well as for his roles in several films, including "Bad Santa," Fox News noted.
In each production his talent in comedy shone through, but this was not something limited to on camera. As a father, John was always ready to make his son laugh.
"It became hard when I was a teenager and I’d be mad at him, and he could just make me laugh and forget about it," Jason said. "He was such a loving dad. He came to all my plays in high school."
John never stopped trying to bring laughter to the world. He wanted to use comedy to make a difference in the world and strived to do so through his acting. His widow and second wife Amy Yasbeck described how it just "tickled him endlessly to be able to entertain people" and make them smile.
"It thrilled him to be able to change the weather inside somebody’s heart and mind. He knew it was a gift to be able to do that."
Jason added that it was a "beautiful and special quality" his father possessed. "He was obsessed with eliciting that reaction."
The 39-year-old, who is also an actor and producer, said he hoped to continue his father's legacy through his own work.
"I hope I’m making my dad proud — I’m just trying not to embarrass him," he said. "I try to live as honestly and simply as possible. That’s what he would’ve wanted. Of course, I wish things could have been different."
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