Can't believe it has been five years. It went by so fast, but that day felt like it lasted 5 years. Here is my tribute:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/09/cbs-fall-pilot-review-worst-week.html

Share your thoughts also.

:rip: John!!!!

http://wallstcheatsheet.com/entertainment/10-actors-who-died-during-production.html/3/

3. John Ritter

He collapsed while on the set of 8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter on September 11, 2003. Ritter had become ill while working on the ABC series and ended up collapsing on set. He was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery for a tear in his aorta, a rare medical condition that can hit without warning, writes Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/story/2003/09/12/john-ritter-dies-at-age-54/). Ritter died that evening, per Fox News. The show was retitled 8 Simple Rules and continued for another season with David Spade and James Garner as replacements, writes Access Atlanta (http://www.accessatlanta.com/gallery/entertainment/actors-who-died-middle-filming-movies-tv-shows/gCB6t/#3643449). Ritter was well-known for his many works in television and on film, particularly for his role as Jack Tripper in Three’s Company, according to Madame Noire (http://madamenoire.com/287846/gone-too-soon-actors-who-died-while-filming-a-movie-or-tv-show/5/).

Has it been that long? A very funny man we'll never forget.

It is kind of morbidly interesting to look at (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075596/board/flat/228475259?d=228571914#228571914) John Ritter in hindsight (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075596/board/flat/228475259?p=1):( :
The actor who played Cliffy on Cheers was one year older than John and looked better on the exact same set.

I noticed that in season 2 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075596/board/flat/228475259?d=228571914#228571914)...the year he collapsed on the set...they started using much darker lighting on the sets. His aging is less noticeable with that absence of overhead lighting, and maybe that was the intended effect.

I read yesterday how John's physician had warned him in 2001 that he had blockages in 3 major arteries. I imagine vascular disease to that level might exhibit symptoms in physical appearance.

It's amazing he didn't have surgery (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075596/board/flat/228475259?d=228732981#228732981) for it or something. His dad (Tex Ritter) died of a heart attack and his mum had a major stroke.

John Ratzenburger who played outlasted John Ritter and both were in the same condition? Hard to believe.

It is kind of morbidly interesting to look at (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075596/board/flat/228475259?d=228571914#228571914) John Ritter in hindsight (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075596/board/flat/228475259?p=1):( :

Why was John so nonchalant about his health? Was he just a very stubborn guy who didn't like being told what do? Or was he simply afraid of going to the doctor (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000615/board/flat/170785831?p=1)? Or maybe he was worried that if word got out about his health issues, he would have a hard time getting insured for future work?