Joyce DeWitt credits “absolute trust” with making her physical comedy partnership with John Ritter work on Three’s Company.
DeWitt, 77, recalled their partnership while speaking with PEOPLE at a New York City benefit on November 2. Her remarks first appeared in the magazine’s November 3 coverage.
DeWitt’s Janet Wood and Ritter’s Jack Tripper shared an apartment with Suzanne Somers’ Chrissy Snow when the ABC sitcom debuted in 1977. DeWitt and Ritter stayed through all eight seasons, until the series ended in 1984.
Ritter died on September 11, 2003, at 54 after suffering an aortic dissection. More than 23 years later, DeWitt joined his widow, Amy Yasbeck, for an evening that brought the show’s characters back to the stage.
DeWitt and Ritter Found Their Rhythm From the First Meeting
Remembering their first day together, DeWitt said, “our bodies communicated kinesthetically.” She took an immediate liking to Ritter and recalled meeting members of his family soon afterward. Rehearsal gave them a shared plan for the show’s physical gags. Each could commit to an exaggerated movement knowing the other would be where they had practiced, ready to follow through.
DeWitt couldn’t recall seeing Ritter doubt himself when it came to comedy. Describing his approach to humor, she said, “It just fell out of him.” She also saw a connection between Ritter’s personality and Jack’s appeal. He wanted the people around him to feel included and enjoy themselves, and he brought that warmth to a character who regularly found himself in trouble.
Looking dignified wasn’t a priority. DeWitt remembered that Ritter would happily make himself appear ridiculous if it meant entertaining the audience. He wanted viewers laughing so hard they fell off their couches. DeWitt couldn’t say whether anyone actually did, but she remembered the cast trying to make it happen.
A New Cast Revisited the Sitcom’s First Episode
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The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health organized the gathering at Joe’s Pub to support research, education and families affected by aortic disease. DeWitt and Yasbeck co-hosted the fundraiser, which opened celebrations ahead of the sitcom’s 50th anniversary in March 2027.
Jason Biggs took on Jack, with Bellamy Young playing Janet and Christine Taylor portraying Chrissy. Richard Kline, the original Larry Dallas, narrated, while Richard Kind and Susie Essman played Stanley and Helen Roper.
According to SitcomsOnline, which attended the benefit, the cast read the premiere episode, “A Man About the House.” Yasbeck also performed, taking the guest role of Patricia Crawford.
Dan Finnerty sang the theme song before the reading, and Ritter’s son Tyler spoke about the foundation. Another familiar face was in the audience, Jordan Charney, who played Jack’s boss, Mr. Angelino.
The foundation has announced further anniversary readings in Dallas on February 27, Cleveland on March 13 and Los Angeles on September 9, 2027.