Jason Ritter Channels Father John Ritter with Spot-On Impression of Iconic ‘Three’s Company’ Character
Jack Tripper made a surprising — and hilarious — return thanks to a heartfelt tribute by the late John Ritter’s son.
Actor Jason Ritter recently brought a wave of nostalgia to fans of classic television when he paid tribute to his father, the beloved late comedian John Ritter, by recreating one of his most iconic roles: Jack Tripper from the hit sitcom Three’s Company. The moment, both touching and comedic, reminded audiences of the timeless charm that made the character — and the show — a pop culture staple for nearly a decade.
Ritter, currently starring in the Matlock reboot, has carved out a successful career of his own. However, he’s never shied away from honoring his father’s legacy. During a recent appearance, the 44-year-old actor was asked by a fan to mimic one of John Ritter’s most memorable comedic expressions — the exaggerated, wide-eyed “creep face” Jack Tripper would often make while chasing girls around the apartment in a cartoonishly silly way.
Jason obliged with enthusiasm, throwing himself into the moment. He widened his eyes, began breathing heavily and audibly, and darted his head around with the same energy and timing that once made his father a household name. The audience — both in person and online — responded with applause and admiration, many noting how uncanny the impression was.
John Ritter starred as Jack Tripper on Three’s Company from 1977 until 1984, earning both critical acclaim and public adoration. The show centered on the misadventures of Jack and his two female roommates, Janet and Chrissy, as they navigated life, love, and absurd misunderstandings in a shared apartment. One of the central — and now widely acknowledged as outdated — premises of the show was that Jack had to pretend to be gay in order to convince the conservative landlord to allow him to live with two women. Though the show’s humor reflected its time, Three’s Company remains a classic, remembered for its physical comedy, catchy theme song, and John Ritter’s standout performance.
Jason Ritter’s tribute underscores not just his acting talent, but also the deep respect he holds for his father’s legacy. While Jack Tripper may have left the airwaves over four decades ago, moments like this prove that the spirit of the character — and the man who brought him to life — continues to resonate with audiences new and old.
As fans continue to revisit Three’s Company through reruns and streaming platforms, it’s clear that John Ritter’s comedic genius lives on — especially in the loving performances of his son.
