Katey Sagal Recalls Final Hours With John Ritter Before His Sudden Death

Katey Sagal is remembering the final hours she spent with her “8 Simple Rules” co-star John Ritter, revealing that they were together for press duties just hours before his unexpected death in 2003.

Sagal shared the emotional memory during an appearance on Ted Danson’s podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.” The actress recalled that she and Ritter had been doing press together at around 4 p.m. on the day he died.

By that evening, everything had changed.

Ritter, who was 54, collapsed on the set of “8 Simple Rules” on Sept. 11, 2003, while the sitcom was in its second season. He was rushed to the hospital and died later that night. His death was ultimately attributed to a thoracic aortic dissection.

For Sagal, who played Ritter’s onscreen wife Cate Hennessy, the sudden loss remains difficult to comprehend more than two decades later.

“It Was Mind-Blowing”

Looking back on that day, Sagal described Ritter’s death as “mind-blowing,” particularly because they had been working together only hours earlier.

The actress said the experience has stayed with her over the years, not only because of how unexpectedly Ritter died, but because of the strong connection she felt with him as a colleague and friend.

Sagal also told Danson that she still feels Ritter’s presence.

She remembered his energy, his sense of humor and his love of life, saying those qualities remain vivid in her memory. Although she acknowledged that Ritter had a more complicated side to his personality, she said he ultimately brought an enormous amount of light into the lives of those around him.

Remembering Ritter’s Sense of Humor

Sagal also recalled Ritter’s playful personality and his distinctive facial expressions.

According to the actress, Ritter would joke about his ability to use his face for comedy, something that became part of his recognizable style as a performer.

Ritter had become one of television’s best-known comedic actors through roles including Jack Tripper on “Three’s Company.” His work on “8 Simple Rules” introduced him to a new generation of viewers, where he played the father of a teenage family and starred alongside Sagal.

Their onscreen chemistry became one of the central elements of the sitcom.

“8 Simple Rules” Continued After Ritter’s Death

Following Ritter’s death, “8 Simple Rules” continued production with Sagal and the rest of the cast.

James Garner and David Spade were added to the series as new characters, while Kaley Cuoco and the younger members of the original cast remained part of the show. Despite the changes, the sitcom lasted only through its third season before being canceled.

Ritter’s death also left a lasting impact on his family. He was married to actress Amy Yasbeck at the time and shared a son, Noah Lee, with her. He also had three children from his previous marriage to Nancy Morgan: actors Jason Ritter and Tyler Ritter, and singer Carly Ritter.

A Legacy That Has Endured

More than 20 years after Ritter’s death, his family, friends and former colleagues continue to remember the actor for the humor and warmth he brought to their lives.

For Sagal, those memories remain particularly powerful because her final interaction with Ritter seemed so ordinary at the time. They were simply working together and promoting their television show, unaware that the day would become the last time they shared a professional moment.

Her recollection offers a deeply personal glimpse into the man behind the television roles — an actor remembered not only for his comedic talent, but for the energy and laughter he brought to the people around him.