Amy Yasbeck, who was married to the late comedian John Ritter, talks about how her family remembers him in a special way. They have this unique tradition to honor him.
Amy Yasbeck, 61, reportedly spoke about how the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health is honoring her late husband on Thursday, May 9. She described how her family shared memories and thoughts of him in a group chat to honor the man they loved.
Amy explains that she and John’s four children have a unique way of remembering him. They share videos of physical comedy or funny situations, like people falling over or getting sprayed with bird poop. They say things like, “John would have laughed at that” or “Dad would have loved that.” It’s their way of keeping his spirit alive and sharing memories of him.
Amy adds that they don’t even have to say it out loud because they all share the same love for physical comedy, just like John. It’s a natural way for them to bond with one another and honor their father’s memory.
In memory of John Ritter: A legacy of love and laughter
Amy’s remarks come more than twenty years after the Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner tragically passed away on September 11, 2003 at the age of 54 due to an aortic dissection. Despite the years that have passed, the love and fond memories of John Ritter remain strong in his family.
Yasbeck founded her organization the same year her husband died suddenly. She wanted to raise awareness of the disease that led to his death in a way that everyone could understand.
She explains that events like the gala make a real difference. Sometimes the science behind health issues can be really complicated. But if you can tell it like a story, it’s easier for everyone to understand. That’s what actors do – they tell stories. By sharing people’s experiences and stories, it helps others understand the importance of health issues much better than if they just sit in a classroom and learn the facts.
Yasbeck was reportedly asked at last year’s gala for the foundation created in honor of her late husband how much joy she gets from keeping Ritter’s legacy alive. She replied that it’s a compromise. She explained that thanks to the legacy, his family continues to thrive and stay connected to him, which brings a sense of fulfillment despite the sadness of his absence.
She further explained that John believed deeply that everyone is connected and that everyone is like family to each other. Amy shared that she believes in this idea too, but John was very adamant about it.
For this reason, she has put a lot of effort into understanding what an aortic dissection is, including the genetic component, which is known to be very high. She does this not only to protect John’s children, but also his brother, because she wants to prevent this tragedy from affecting even more lives in their family.
John Ritter and Amy Yasbeck’s journey from co-stars to soulmates
Ritter and Yasbeck met in 1990 at a reading for the film Problem Child at the home of director Dennis Dugan. They hit it off right away and were united by their shared passion for the arts. After nine years together, they married in September 1999.
Yasbeck told PEOPLE in October 2022 that she and John bonded over comedy. They used to watch old comedies together, and he would show her comedic moves, teaching her how to trip, take a fake punch, or do a spit take. She felt like she was learning the art of physical comedy from the master, and John really was. Their shared love of laughter and comedy strengthened their bond.
Despite Yasbeck’s efforts to cherish the memory of her late husband and move on, the thought of opening her heart to a new person was daunting.
She said she wasn’t into dating and mentioned that while it was possible, she just didn’t feel like it. Yasbeck expressed concern that if she went out she might miss John even more, which might sound weird. She clarified that she always feels his presence and it would be weird because then it wouldn’t be just the two of them anymore.
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