Richard Kline Once Recalled His Late Friend and 'Three's Company' Co-star John Ritter
16 years after the death of John Ritter, his "Three's Company" co-star, Richard Kline, looked back on his relationship with the late actor.
When asked what words came to his mind whenever Ritter's name came up, Kline described the late actor as a friend, comedy genius, a great father, and an all-round good guy.
John Ritter attends the afterparty for opening night of Woody Allen's new play, "Writers Block" at Metronome on May 15, 2003 in New York City. | Photo: Getty Images
Going deeper into his description of Ritter as a guy, Richard explained that although John was the star of the show, "Three's Company," he never had an egomaniac aura and was gracious to everyone on the set of the show.
Richard Kline during the Opening Night Celebration for "Daniel's Husband" at the West Bank on October 28, 2018 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images
Richard also maintained that although the show was called "Three's Company," it might as well have been called the "John Ritter Show," because of how John passionately took on the comedy of the series.
"Three's Company" aired on ABC for seven years between 1977 and 1984. After the show, the cast went on with their separate lives. Still, Richard explained that there had been a reconnection between him and John shortly before he passed away.
Ritters died on September 11, after being diagnosed with a condition called aortic dissection.
Richard Kline attends "The Sting" Opening Night at South Mountain Tavern on April 8, 2018 in South Orange, New Jersey | Photo: Getty Images
He recalled his last encounter with the late actor was going to see a "Dodgers" game with Ritter and his brother. Despite the years that had passed, Kline said John was still the same person he had been years ago.
Back in 2017, another of John's co-star on "Three's Company," Suzanne Somers, revealed that John had surprisingly reached out to her a month before his passing.
Suzanne Somers arrives at the premiere of Columbia Pictures' 'Passengers' at Regency Village Theatre on December 14, 2016 in Westwood, California | Photo: Getty Images
According to Somers, he called to tell her he had forgiven her, after which they discussed a possible collaboration between them.
Speaking on the late actor's death, Sommers revealed that she was glad there had been a resolution between them, adding that his death would have been unbearable if they hadn't settled.
John Ritter and Amy Yasbeck at the premiere of " Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" Nov. 14, 2002. | Photo: Getty Images
On September 11, 2003, John was rushed to the hospital from the set of the show, "8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter" after complaining of feeling sick to his stomach.
He died a few hours later after being diagnosed with a condition called aortic dissection. John's death came six days before his birthday at the age of 54. He is survived by his four children; Jason, Tyler, Carly, and Noah.
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