Can someone please tell me how the John Ritter memorial went?

It was today, Oct. 14.

I was hoping they would show something on Entertainment Tonight but they didn't show anything.

Could someone please give a link to a video or some photos or an article or anything about the memorial?

It was at the El Capitan Theater.

THANKS A LOT

:wave:

Here you go!
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/7017634.htm

I was surprised too that there wasn't any mention of this anywhere too :confused:

Posted on Wed, Oct. 15, 2003

John Ritter remembered by family, fellow actors in Hollywood
BRIDGET BYRNE
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - John Ritter was remembered as "a pied piper of fun" by his brother at a memorial service Tuesday night attended by his family, fellow actors and Walt Disney Co. chairman and chief executive Michael Eisner.

About 1,000 people gathered at the El Capitan Theatre to remember the actor who came to prominence as Jack Tripper on the hit sitcom "Three's Company" and died Sept. 11 at age 54 of a tear in his aorta, the result of an undetected heart problem.

Tom Ritter said his brother was "a pied piper of fun, filled with joy and love."

Ritter's widow, actress Amy Yasbeck, stood with photos of Ritter portraying Tripper and as loving dad Paul Hennessy in the ABC series that signaled his successful return to sitcoms last year, "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter."

"Sorry, John, but tonight we are here to love you out loud," she said.

Others who spoke included Eisner and actor Billy Bob Thornton, who starred with Ritter in the sitcom "Hearts Afire," the movies "Sling Blade" and the upcoming "Bad Santa." Writers Larry Gelbart and Harry Thomason, actress Katey Sagal, who played Hennessy's wife Cate, and actor-director Peter Bogdanovich also spoke.

"What John seemed to be, he was," said Bogdanovich, who guest starred in the final "8 Simple Rules" episode Ritter taped. He described Ritter as "loving, funny, warmhearted, kind, generous, mischievous as a young kid, unpretentious."

The crowd watched a tribute film compiled by Ritter's longtime friend, director Jack Bender. It included home movies and extended clips emphasizing Ritter's dramatic skills and his slapstick comedy.

The Trojan marching band from Ritter's alma mater, University of Southern California, played as the crowd emptied out of the theatre.

I had the great privilege to attend the tribute to John last night at El Capitan. The love in the room for John was palpable. Everyone who knew him adored and admired him.

John's brother, Tom, and son Jason delivered beautiful tributes to John, as did Amy Yasbeck, whose love for John was so evident. John's first wife, Nancy Morgan, also was there, and also was very gracious. Jason saluted John and Nancy as "the best parents in the world."

Three's Company's exec producers, writers, and director, Dave Powers, were in attendance, as were Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline. Robert Mandan from "Three's a Crowd" was there, too, along with legions of other actors, producers, directors, crew members and others whose lives John touched.

A one-hour compilation of home movies and clips from John's TV and film roles capped the two-hour-plus tribute. John's good friend, Jack Bender, did a great job showcasing many of John's best moments captured on film and video.

It was a fitting tribute for a very deserving man.

Chris Mann

Thanks for telling us.

Rest in peace, John. :(

Wait, are you trying to tell me that you are the real Chris Mann? It's sorta hard to believe that of all places, you decided to come here... Anyway, whoever you are... Nice post!

Originally posted by chrismann
I had the great privilege to attend the tribute to John last night at El Capitan. The love in the room for John was palpable. Everyone who knew him adored and admired him.

John's brother, Tom, and son Jason delivered beautiful tributes to John, as did Amy Yasbeck, whose love for John was so evident. John's first wife, Nancy Morgan, also was there, and also was very gracious. Jason saluted John and Nancy as "the best parents in the world."

Three's Company's exec producers, writers, and director, Dave Powers, were in attendance, as were Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline. Robert Mandan from "Three's a Crowd" was there, too, along with legions of other actors, producers, directors, crew members and others whose lives John touched.

A one-hour compilation of home movies and clips from John's TV and film roles capped the two-hour-plus tribute. John's good friend, Jack Bender, did a great job showcasing many of John's best moments captured on film and video.

It was a fitting tribute for a very deserving man.

Chris Mann


so Chris...

No Suzanne huh? Well that makes sense because there wasn't any TV Coverage.. so she can get Promotion for herself & her stupid Chocolates:rolleyes:

No Suzanne huh? Well that makes sense because there wasn't any TV Coverage.. so she can get Promotion for herself & her stupid Chocolates

lol!

Yeah, I realized that too... She really should've came but I'm still sticking up for Chrissy... maybe she couldn't make it because she was doing some sorta somersize thing

It sounds like it was a great memorial service. I'm glad so many people he met during his long career were there to honor him. He was most definitely loved by a lot of people.

Originally posted by Austin Tripper
so Chris...

No Suzanne huh? Well that makes sense because there wasn't any TV Coverage.. so she can get Promotion for herself & her stupid Chocolates:rolleyes:

Jenilee Harrison and Don Knotts (although he is an upcoming octogenarian, so he has an excuse) weren't there either according to Mr. Mann, yet no one comments on that...

There's always the possibility that she attended the private ceremony and did not attend this one. I remember Jean Stapleton did not attend Carroll O'Conner's funeral when he died, yet no one said anything bad about her. I don't see why everyone has to pick on her, anyway. She was good friends with John. I don't see why people have to make it seem like she wasn't. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by chrismann
I had the great privilege to attend the tribute to John last night at El Capitan. The love in the room for John was palpable. Everyone who knew him adored and admired him.

John's brother, Tom, and son Jason delivered beautiful tributes to John, as did Amy Yasbeck, whose love for John was so evident. John's first wife, Nancy Morgan, also was there, and also was very gracious. Jason saluted John and Nancy as "the best parents in the world."

Three's Company's exec producers, writers, and director, Dave Powers, were in attendance, as were Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline. Robert Mandan from "Three's a Crowd" was there, too, along with legions of other actors, producers, directors, crew members and others whose lives John touched.

A one-hour compilation of home movies and clips from John's TV and film roles capped the two-hour-plus tribute. John's good friend, Jack Bender, did a great job showcasing many of John's best moments captured on film and video.

It was a fitting tribute for a very deserving man.

Chris Mann

Thanks for telling us more about it. It's still hard to believe he's gone. Truthfully, I don't even think it's really sunk in for me yet. It's like, I know it's true, but yet it doesn't seem it. Well, even so he's still alive for us in our hearts, and, of course, on our tv. We'll definately miss him. :(

Jenilee Harrison and Don Knotts (although he is an upcoming octogenarian, so he has an excuse) weren't there either according to Mr. Mann, yet no one comments on that...

What is an octogenarian????

:confused:

What is an octogenarian????

i would also like to know...

Originally posted by 3scompanyfreak
What is an octogenarian????

:confused:

A person between 80 and 90 years of age

Originally posted by 3scompanyfreak
What is an octogenarian????

:confused:

Someone in their 80's.

Thanks!!:)

Originally posted by chrismann
I had the great privilege to attend the tribute to John last night at El Capitan. The love in the room for John was palpable. Everyone who knew him adored and admired him.

John's brother, Tom, and son Jason delivered beautiful tributes to John, as did Amy Yasbeck, whose love for John was so evident. John's first wife, Nancy Morgan, also was there, and also was very gracious. Jason saluted John and Nancy as "the best parents in the world."

Three's Company's exec producers, writers, and director, Dave Powers, were in attendance, as were Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline. Robert Mandan from "Three's a Crowd" was there, too, along with legions of other actors, producers, directors, crew members and others whose lives John touched.

A one-hour compilation of home movies and clips from John's TV and film roles capped the two-hour-plus tribute. John's good friend, Jack Bender, did a great job showcasing many of John's best moments captured on film and video.

It was a fitting tribute for a very deserving man.

Chris Mann

Are you really the Chris Mann? Thanks so much for sharing! I really wanted to go, but I never found out how one can get an invite. Do you know how it was arranged?

I really miss John. My heart still hurts and my eyes still cry. :(

Originally posted by Crimson and Clover
A person between 80 and 90 years of age

Oh, interesting! I didn't know that either, so when I read the word, I thought of something in the range of "vegetarian" or something. :rolleyes:

Can someone please tell me of any TV/video coverage of John Ritter's memorial?

John was loved by SO many people I'm sure there must have been some TV coverage there.

Was there anything on Entertainment Tonight on the day of the memorial or the day AFTER the memorial?

Please let me know of any video or pictures you know of from the memorial.

THANKS SO MUCH

:thanks:

Don Knotts is still in Kansas doing a play, or he would have been there for sure.
And Entertainment Tonight and EXTRA had a segment on the memorial on Wednesday.

Originally posted by pavanbadal
Don Knotts is still in Kansas doing a play, or he would have been there for sure.
And Entertainment Tonight and EXTRA had a segment on the memorial on Wednesday.


Could someone please save me a copy of the Entertainment Tonight and EXTRA broadcasts and I can buy it from you?

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!

:thanks:

Originally posted by Big3sCompanyFan
Could someone please save me a copy of the Entertainment Tonight and EXTRA broadcasts and I can buy it from you?

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!

:thanks:


ME TOO!! I'M BEGGING YOU!!:crying:


THANKS!!

:thanks: :yourock:

Originally posted by grade4
Yeah, I realized that too... She really should've came but I'm still sticking up for Chrissy... maybe she couldn't make it because she was doing some sorta somersize thing

It just goes to show you that in her life... she comes first, as usual!!!

Originally posted by chrismann
I had the great privilege to attend the tribute to John last night at El Capitan. The love in the room for John was palpable. Everyone who knew him adored and admired him.

John's brother, Tom, and son Jason delivered beautiful tributes to John, as did Amy Yasbeck, whose love for John was so evident. John's first wife, Nancy Morgan, also was there, and also was very gracious. Jason saluted John and Nancy as "the best parents in the world."

Three's Company's exec producers, writers, and director, Dave Powers, were in attendance, as were Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes and Richard Kline. Robert Mandan from "Three's a Crowd" was there, too, along with legions of other actors, producers, directors, crew members and others whose lives John touched.

A one-hour compilation of home movies and clips from John's TV and film roles capped the two-hour-plus tribute. John's good friend, Jack Bender, did a great job showcasing many of John's best moments captured on film and video.

It was a fitting tribute for a very deserving man.

Chris Mann

I think it is so cool that you are posting here. It's like you're a celebrity. I feel so privelaged to be able to respond to your words. You did an excellant job on your book. I admire the fact that you dedicated your time to a show you admired as a child so much. If it hadn't been for you we would probably never really know what happened behind the scenes seeing the producers took everything out of you context to make the behind the scenes movie. You are a hero to the show and to all of us who loved watching it. :wave:

Originally posted by grade4
Wait, are you trying to tell me that you are the real Chris Mann? It's sorta hard to believe that of all places, you decided to come here... Anyway, whoever you are... Nice post!

It's really him. He's posted here many times before. You can tell from his words that he's a dedicated fan of the show's and the actors who were a part of it. You should check out his website, it's really cool and has alot of info about the show and actors and producers, pretty much whoever was a part of it.

Originally posted by pavanbadal
Don Knotts is still in Kansas doing a play, or he would have been there for sure.
And Entertainment Tonight and EXTRA had a segment on the memorial on Wednesday.

Wow. I didn't know he was doing a play. That sounds cool that he's doing one.

I also missed the segment. *le sigh* I wish that I had caught it. What about the memorial did they show?

Originally posted by LILFACE23
It's really him. He's posted here many times before. You can tell from his words that he's a dedicated fan of the show's and the actors who were a part of it. You should check out his website, it's really cool and has alot of info about the show and actors and producers, pretty much whoever was a part of it. Really?? What's his website?

Originally posted by grade4
Really?? What's his website?

I'll go find it and write you right back hon. hang on.

Thanks so very much for the very kind words about me and my book. Writing "Come and Knock on Our Door" was truly a wonderful experience, and I thank John Ritter first and foremost for that opportunity. He was the first to interview, and he remained supportive of me and the book years after it was published. Interviewing him for the book and receiving his encouragement and support through the years has been a huge honor. He was a great person.

A few people have asked about the memorial. I can say that it was a beautiful tribute, and that the following people spoke: Amy, Jason Ritter, Tom Ritter (John's brother), Bernie West, writer/producer Larry Gelbart (who wrote the first 3's Company pilot), director Peter Bogdonavich, Billy Bob Thorton, Harry Thomason ("Hearts Afire" producer), Bob Myman (John's best friend), comedian Carol Leifer (who produced "The Ellen Show" for CBS) and Katie Segal (who was there along with the rest of the 8 Simples Rules cast and crew). A couple of other friends of John spoke, but their names escape me at the moment.

The common theme among all of the speakers: How John loved life, loved work, and loved making people laugh. His impact on those who worked with him or otherwise knew him was profound.

I'm so thrilled you guys have enjoyed the book and see it as a memento of a treasured show and a true telling of what really happened behind the scenes. Again, that would not have been possible without John.

As for the web site, I think you're referring to jacksbistro.freeservers.com. I don't actually run that web site, but a friend of mine named Pavan does. He does a great job with it, and he's been kind enough to promote the book on it.

I want to thank you all again for your kind words and support. It's moving to see everyone share their love for John on this message board. He would be very touched and flattered to know how much you all loved him and how much you want to keep his memory alive.

Sincerely,
Chris Mann

Chris, Mr. Mann, whatever you would like to be called, do you think that you are going to make another Come And Knock On Our Door book? It's sort of outdated because there is no memorial for John Ritter or Norman Fell. It's just a suggestion...

That would be nice. Perhaps an update of "Come and Knock on Our Door" could come out sometime next year. I'll check with my publisher. In addition to the tributes to John and Norman, it could offer some stories about the making of the TV movie, among other things.

I'm working on a couple of other projects right now (unfortunately can't say what at the time!), but would love an updated version of "Come and Knock..." Maybe it could coincide with the release of the series on DVD...

Thanks for asking.

P.S.: Please call me Chris...

Originally posted by chrismann
A few people have asked about the memorial. I can say that it was a beautiful tribute, and that the following people spoke: Amy, Jason Ritter, Tom Ritter (John's brother), Bernie West, writer/producer Larry Gelbart (who wrote the first 3's Company pilot), director Peter Bogdonavich, Billy Bob Thorton, Harry Thomason ("Hearts Afire" producer), Bob Myman (John's best friend), comedian Carol Leifer (who produced "The Ellen Show" for CBS) and Katie Segal (who was there along with the rest of the 8 Simples Rules cast and crew). A couple of other friends of John spoke, but their names escape me at the moment.

Thanks for the full info on the memorial.

Let's see if I know John well. I know some of his other friends were Paul Linke ("Chips" and John's college roommate!), Joe Landon (from his high school days), and of course Henry Winkler. I guess now you can tell by the names if they spoke?

Originally posted by chrismann
Thanks so very much for the very kind words about me and my book. Writing "Come and Knock on Our Door" was truly a wonderful experience, and I thank John Ritter first and foremost for that opportunity. He was the first to interview, and he remained supportive of me and the book years after it was published. Interviewing him for the book and receiving his encouragement and support through the years has been a huge honor. He was a great person.




hey!
I think it's very cool that you take the time to give us some information about yourself, the book and the memorial. I just wanted to let you know that even here in germany (where the show is not as famous as in the us) are people who enjoyed your book. I am one of them :)
I was very happy when I saw that I could order your book at amazon (even here in ger) and I have to say that I think you did a very good job on it. It would be really nice if an update would come out next year.
keep up your good work... :)
Bert

U know i go to the same school as GRADE 4 and well i think it was a good idea for GRADE 4 to give u the idea. Also please try and add a section for 8 Simple Rules... Actual Title : 8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter. I mean after all Mr. Chris Mann u are making a memorial in the book for John Ritter and thats the show he was doing and i think that its only right that he also has a memorial for the show he was working on. Im only saying this because of the reason that John Ritter in heaven will probally be happy seeing that people really care.

Chris, I think THREESCOMPANYGEEK has a point... You should make an updated biography, like a Where Are They Now sort of thing...

That'd be so cool!!:)

3scompanyfreak, r u talkin to me or THREESCOMPANYGEEK?

You, grade4!!! About Chris Mann making another book!!!

sorry if i was mean but still.. i think John ritter would be happy if there was a book even though on Threes company that honored his most current work. 8 simple rules. Who agrees with me?
I mean there could be a book that talks about him thru the years such as all of the shows he was in. I mean he is in heaven and it is supposed to be a memorial right? Sorry when i type i can be mean and not know it so im sorry if i am.

Originally posted by THREESCOMPANYGEEK
sorry if i was mean but still.. i think John ritter would be happy if there was a book even though on Threes company that honored his most current work. 8 simple rules. Who agrees with me?
I mean there could be a book that talks about him thru the years such as all of the shows he was in. I mean he is in heaven and it is supposed to be a memorial right? Sorry when i type i can be mean and not know it so im sorry if i am.
I don't think there should be a book, maybe a magazine... But I think that John should've wrote an autobiography like Suzanne did... If he did, you know that it would've been off the shelves (as in people bought it like crazy) before and after he passed away, especially after!

Originally posted by grade4
I don't think there should be a book, maybe a magazine... But I think that John should've wrote an autobiography like Suzanne did... If he did, you know that it would've been off the shelves (as in people bought it like crazy) before and after he passed away, especially after!

well possibly John Didnt have time. After all he did have a sudden death... and a Sad one for us all.