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By Misti Date: 2003 Sep 12 Comment on this Work [[2003.09.12.16.36.29780]] |
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John Ritter. A man I grew up watching and adoring in the Seventies. "Three's Company" is one of the very few sitcoms I never tire of watching. I especially like the earlier episodes that featured the Ropers. Chrissy always annoyed the hell out of me but she was a good target for Janet and Jack, the only two characters who had any sense at all. I hated Larry but he was hilarious to watch. I didn't like looking at Don Knotts as Mr. Ferley (sic?)but his expressions often cracked me up. I loved the innuendos...like the time Jack was in the bathroom with Janet, if I remember correctly, trying to fix the tub and Mr. Ferley was outside the door and from what he heard he thought they were having sex. John Ritter as Jack Tripper represented the kind of man I idealized. He was good-looking in a somewhat goofy way, witty, gregarious and warm. I wanted him to actually have sex with Chrissy or Janet but I was glad he didn't. He was classy. I loved the sweaters he wore. I loved watching him drink beer at the Regal Beagle, the best name for a bar I've ever heard. I also love the role John Ritter played in "Slingblade." He had a haircut that made him look like a Kooza (a Cabbage Patch animal toy from the '80s)and I feel that he took an artistic risk playing a gay man in such an honest way. I love the scene with Billy Bob in the diner when John Ritter asks him what's he thinking. John Ritter was the true heart of that film. He reminded me of my deceased uncle, who was gay and gregarious and witty. In fact, my uncle was like a gay Jack Tripper. I was surprised when I learned that Tex Ritter of Nederland, Texas was John's father. I went to the museum with my husband when we lived there. When I get disgusted thinking about how much money celebrities make, I realize that there are a few actors and actresses who are worth every penny they make because they bring such light into our lives. John Ritter was one of those. |