Amy Yasbeck, the wife of the late actor John Ritter, continues to honor her husband’s legacy and raise awareness about the fatal disease that claimed his life two decades ago. Ritter, best known for his roles in iconic sitcoms like “Three’s Company” and “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter,” tragically passed away due to aortic dissection, which was initially misdiagnosed as a heart attack.
Yasbeck, who was married to Ritter at the time of his death, recently spoke about the events leading to his untimely passing. She recalled the day Ritter experienced severe chest and back pain, along with nausea. A producer quickly rushed him to the emergency room, but the medical staff initially misinterpreted the symptoms as a heart attack rather than recognizing the underlying condition: thoracic aortic dissection.
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition where a tear occurs in the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s primary artery, causing the inner and middle layers to split or “dissect.” Although genetics can contribute to a predisposition for aortic dissection, many individuals at risk are unaware of their vulnerability.
In the wake of John Ritter’s death, Amy Yasbeck established The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, with a mission to prevent unnecessary suffering caused by aortic dissection. The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about thoracic aortic disease through research, education, and advocacy. They offer resources like “aorta advocates” and “Ritter Rules” to help individuals understand their risk and connect with others who have been diagnosed.
Kaley Cuoco, one of Ritter’s co-stars from “8 Simple Rules,” has also been a strong supporter of the foundation. Yasbeck mentioned that Cuoco and her partner, Tom Pelphrey, will serve as chairs for the Ritter Foundation’s event in May, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
John Ritter’s legacy lives on not only through his contributions to the entertainment industry but also through his four children, who have inherited their father’s sense of humor. Yasbeck shared that her grandchildren are a source of joy and laughter, and when the four children are together, they can “recreate John” through their humor and individual talents.
John Ritter left a lasting impact on the world through his extensive career, which included roles in classic TV shows and feature films. He received numerous accolades, such as Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and People’s Choice awards. His legacy continues through his family’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about aortic health, ensuring that his memory endures.
