For years, millions of viewers watched the opening credits of Three’s Company without realizing they were witnessing a tiny piece of television history.
That adorable toddler in blue overalls who briefly toddles toward Janet at the zoo?
He wasn’t just a random child extra…
He was actually Jason Ritter — the real-life son of series star John Ritter.
🎬 A Blink-and-You-Miss-It Cameo
The iconic opening sequences used during Seasons 6 through 8 were filmed on location at the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park. During one particular shot, Janet (played by Joyce DeWitt) is seen crouching down when a small boy in overalls walks toward her.
That child?
Jason — who was only a toddler at the time.
In fact, DeWitt later revealed:
“That’s Jason Ritter, John’s first child.”
And just like that… his acting debut happened completely by accident.
🎥 How Did This Happen?
According to DeWitt, the credits shoot was far from structured. Director Dave Powers reportedly filmed the sequences in a spontaneous, almost documentary-style way — inviting cast members’ families to participate in background moments.
People brought their kids to set, and Jason happened to be there with his dad. When filming began, the crew simply included him in the shot — never expecting that decades later, fans would still be talking about it.
📺 Why Nobody Noticed Until Years Later
Back in the early 1980s, TV resolution wasn’t exactly HD.
That quick moment lasted only seconds — making it nearly impossible for viewers to recognize the child on standard-definition broadcasts. It wasn’t until reruns, DVDs, and streaming releases improved picture quality that eagle-eyed fans began spotting the hidden cameo.
Today, it’s become one of the most heartwarming trivia facts tied to the show’s legacy.
🌟 From Toddler Cameo to Hollywood Career
That tiny, uncredited walk toward Janet would later become Jason Ritter’s very first on-screen appearance — years before he followed in his father’s footsteps to become a successful actor in his own right.
A sweet, unscripted moment between father and son ended up becoming a symbolic passing of the torch… captured forever in sitcom history.