John Ritter’s Wife ‘Was Sensing Things Were Going On’ before Actor Went into Code Blue

• In the world of comedy, John Ritter was a legend known for his laughter-inducing performances.
• But behind the scenes, his life took unexpected turns, leading to a tragic end that shook the entertainment industry.
• Through his wife, Amy Yasbeck, his enduring legacy continues to make a difference today.

In the spotlight of comedy's golden era, few names shine as brightly as John Ritter's. Born into show business as the son of Tex Ritter and Dorothy Fay, he initially pursued psychology at the University of Southern California, against his father's wishes. However, fate had other plans for him.

He honed his acting skills on stages across Europe before graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama. His journey in entertainment began with guest appearances on beloved shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Hawaii Five-O," and "M.A.S.H."

This sudden loss sent shockwaves through his family, fans, and the entire Hollywood community.

But it was in 1977 that he catapulted to superstardom as the lovable Jack Tripper in the hit sitcom "Three's Company." During the seven-year run of the show, Ritter showcased his versatility as a comic actor known for his impeccable pratfalls.

His comedic genius continued to shine in the late 1980s with "Hooperman" and in the early 1990s with "Hearts Afire." Notable film roles followed, including "Problem Child" in 1990 and an unforgettable performance in the 1996 Academy Award-winning film "Sling Blade."

In 1999, Ritter married actress Amy Yasbeck, his second marriage. Their on-screen chemistry also graced the screens in "The Cosby Show" in 1991 and a 1996 episode of "Wings." While he remained a prominent figure in television and film, his career experienced a resurgence in 2002 when he starred as Paul Hennessey in ABC's "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter."

Remembering John Ritter's Final Moments

September 11, 2003, marks a poignant date in the life of the Ritter family. It was on this day, the fifth birthday of his daughter Stella, that tragedy struck. Ritter, on the set for rehearsals of "8 Simple Rules," suddenly experienced severe nausea and vomiting. He was rushed to St. Joseph Medical Center, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was ruining his daughter's birthday.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Yasbeck, his wife, remembers their last exchange of love. As he smiled at her, she said those three words, "I love you." Ritter responded with American Sign Language, a communication they had used during their stage performances. But this would be their final interaction.

The wrongful death lawsuit, with $67 million at stake, focused on two key figures: radiologist Matthew Lotysch and cardiologist Joseph Lee.

What followed was a medical mystery. Initial tests pointed to a heart attack, leading to the doctor ordering anticoagulants and planning a cardiac catheterization. However, as Ritter's condition worsened, it was discovered that he had suffered an aortic dissection, a tear in the body's largest blood vessel.

Yasbeck recalls the shock and confusion, saying, "I was sensing things were going on. And I heard 'Code Blue' and a crash cart going." Doctors rushed to save him, but tragically, Ritter was pronounced dead late in the evening. This sudden loss sent shockwaves through his family, fans, and the entire Hollywood community.

Amy Yasbeck's Quest for Accountability

The aftermath of Ritter's passing was marked by a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking not just financial compensation but also accountability. Yasbeck, herself an actress, emphasized that this legal battle was about raising awareness of the condition that claimed her husband's life.

Already, the Ritter family had received over $14 million in settlements, including $9.4 million from Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, where Ritter had passed away. This financial compensation provided some closure, but Yasbeck's pursuit of accountability went beyond monetary settlements.

The outcome of the trial would ultimately serve as a landmark moment, shedding light on the importance of early detection, medical diligence, and patient education.

The wrongful death lawsuit, with $67 million at stake, focused on two key figures: radiologist Matthew Lotysch and cardiologist Joseph Lee. Both were central to the medical care Ritter received during his final hours.

The plaintiff's argument centered on the belief that a series of critical misjudgments led to Ritter's untimely demise. They contended that if the doctors had made different decisions, such as ordering a chest X-ray during Ritter's hospital stay, an enlarged aorta might have been detected. This early detection could have potentially led to life-saving emergency surgery.

But the defense countered by asserting that Ritter's tragic outcome was a result of his genetics, a condition that could not have been foreseen or prevented.

Ritter's impact on comedy and entertainment remains indelible, and through the foundation that bears his name, his legacy lives on, saving lives and educating the public about a condition that took him too soon.

Throughout the legal battle, Yasbeck remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice. For her, it was not only about holding individuals accountable but also about preventing similar tragedies from happening to others.

A Glendale jury ultimately cleared the doctor who tended to Ritter in the ER of negligence and liability in his death, affirming that he had done everything in his power to save the comic actor. Similarly, the physician who had examined Ritter two years before his passing was also held blameless.

Jurors, despite acknowledging their deep admiration for Ritter as a father and husband, separated their emotions from their deliberations. Their decision, reached by a 9-to-3 vote against liability for the doctors, was a testament to their conviction that the medical professionals involved were not at fault.

The outcome of the trial would ultimately serve as a landmark moment, shedding light on the importance of early detection, medical diligence, and patient education. Ritter's legacy was not just in his comedy but also in the impact of this legal battle, which aimed to make healthcare safer for all.

The John Ritter Foundation

In the wake of this tragedy, Yasbeck channeled her grief into creating the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. This organization is dedicated to raising awareness of Thoracic Aortic Dissection and Aneurysm through research, education, and advocacy.

For two decades, the foundation has honored Ritter's legacy by conducting genetic research, spreading vital information, and advocating for those affected by aortic diseases. They host free monthly webinars featuring experts in the field, providing valuable insights and answering questions from the audience.

Ritter's impact on comedy and entertainment remains indelible, and through the foundation that bears his name, his legacy lives on, saving lives and educating the public about a condition that took him too soon.