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Ritter Family History & Genealogy

16,340 biographies and 55 photos with the Ritter last name. Discover the family history, nationality, origin and common names of Ritter family members.

Ritter Last Name History & Origin

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Summary

The Ritter family is from the Alsace-Lorraine area of Germany.  The name Ritter means "Knight" in German and two famous family members are "Tex" Ritter (country singer) and his son John Ritter (actor).

History

Ritter is the German word for Knight and stems from German nobility. The "Ritters" were a low status in the nobel class tending to animals including dogs. The Ritter family is from the Alsace-Lorraine area of Germany.  The name Ritter means "Knight" in German and two famous family members are "Tex" Ritter (country singer) and his son John Ritter (actor).

Name Origin

Ritter means "Knight" in German.

Spellings & Pronunciations

We don't have any alternate spellings or pronunciation information on the Ritter name. Have information to share?

Nationality & Ethnicity

The Ritter family is from Germany (the Alsace-Lorraine area). This family is German.

Famous People named Ritter

Tex Ritter - country singer
John Ritter - actor (and son of Tex Ritter)

Early Ritters

These are the earliest records we have of the Ritter family.

Thomas Ritter was born on March 24, 1665 in Berlin, BE Germany, and died at age 64 years old on March 2, 1730 in Rowley, Massachusetts United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Thomas Ritter.
Mary Everden (Strong) Ritter was born on May 8, 1667 in Antrim, Northern Ireland United Kingdom. She was in a relationship with Thomas Ritter, and had a child Daniel Ritter. Mary Ritter died at age 73 years old on August 18, 1740 in Rowley, Massachusetts United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mary Everden (Strong) Ritter.
Lydia (Bailey) Ritter was born on April 14, 1688 in Rowley, Massachusetts United States to John Bailey and Mary (Mighill) Bailey. She was in a relationship with Daniel Ritter, and had a child Moses Ritter. Lydia Ritter died at age 45 years old on August 16, 1733 in Lunenburg. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Lydia (Bailey) Ritter.
Daniel Ritter was born on January 1, 1692 in Rowley, Massachusetts United States to Thomas Ritter and Mary Everden (Strong) Ritter. He was in a relationship with Lydia (Bailey) Ritter, and had a child Moses Ritter. Daniel Ritter died at age 51 years old on January 23, 1743 in Lunenburg. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Daniel Ritter.
Moses Ritter was born on May 14, 1715 in Rowley, Massachusetts United States to Daniel Ritter and Lydia (Bailey) Ritter. He was in a relationship with Hannah (Jackman) Ritter, and had a child Molly (Ritter) Dodge. Moses Ritter died at age 47 years old on December 25, 1762 in Lunenburg. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Moses Ritter.
Hannah (Jackman) Ritter was born on May 28, 1727 in Newbury, Massachusetts United States to John Jackman and Hannah (Smith) Jackman. She was in a relationship with Moses Ritter, and had a child Molly (Ritter) Dodge. Hannah Ritter died at age 73 years old on October 17, 1800 in Lunenburg. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Hannah (Jackman) Ritter.
Molly (Ritter) Dodge was born on January 29, 1753 in Lunenburg, Massachusetts United States, and died at age 57 years old on February 2, 1810 in Andover. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Molly (Ritter) Dodge.
Anna Elizabeth (Ritter) Faust was born on January 3, 1755 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania United States, and died at age 71 years old on June 4, 1826 in Berks County. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Anna Elizabeth Ritter.
Johann Wilhelm Ritter of Australia was born in 1793, and died at age 81 years old in 1874.
Catharine (Ritter) Seagreaves was born on May 8, 1820, and died at age 60 years old on March 20, 1881 at Union & West End Cemetery 326-348 N 10th St, in Allentown, Pennsylvania United States.
Ann Maria Ritter of Australia was born in 1823, and died at age 52 years old in 1875.
Charles Fried Salomo Ritter of Australia was born in 1824, and died at age 51 years old in 1875.

Ritter Family Photos

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Ritter Family Tree

Discover the most common names, oldest records and life expectancy of people with the last name Ritter.

Most Common First Names

Updated Ritter Biographies

Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Maria Graham Ritter.
Louise (Post) Ritter was born on July 28, 1921. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Louise Ritter.
Catharine (Ritter) Seagreaves was born on May 8, 1820, and died at age 60 years old on March 20, 1881 at Union & West End Cemetery 326-348 N 10th St, in Allentown, Pennsylvania United States.
Cecile Johnson Ritter
Cecile Johnson Ritter was born on February 16, 1908 at Salamanca, Cattaraugus, New York, USA, and died at age 91 years old on September 9, 1999. Cecile Ritter was buried on September 12, 1999 at Golden Gate National CemeterySection G Site 2134-A 1300 Sneath Lane, in San Bruno, Ca. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Cecile Johnson Ritter.
John Ritter
John Ritter Born September 17, 1948 in Burbank, California, USA Died September 11, 2003 in Burbank, California, USA (aortic dissection) Birth Name Johnathan Southworth Ritter Height 5' 11" (1.8 m) John Ritter was born in Burbank, California, on September 17, 1948. He was the son of legendary country singer/actor Tex Ritter and his wife, actress Dorothy Fay. The couple married in 1941 and had their first child, Tom Ritter, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His first appearance on TV was in 1966 as a contestant on The Dating Game (1965) where he won a vacation to Lake Havasu, Arizona. After making his very first cameo appearance, he was induced to join an acting class taught by Nina Foch. His TV debut came playing a campus revolutionary on Dan August (1970) which starred Burt Reynolds and Norman Fell, who later starred with him on Three's Company (1976). Then he appeared as "Reverend Matthew Fordwick" on The Waltons (1971). He continued making more guest appearances on Medical Center (1969), M*A*S*H (1972), The Bob Newhart Show (1972), The Streets of San Francisco (1972), Kojak (1973), Rhoda (1974) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970). While working on The Waltons (1971), he received word that his legendary father had passed away, just a day after New Year's Day in 1974. The following year, in late 1975, ABC picked up the rights for a new series based on a British sitcom, Man About the House (1973). Ritter beat out 50 people, including a young Billy Crystal, to get a major role. The first pilot was trashed, and in order for it to be improved, Joyce DeWitt, an unknown actress, played the role of "Janet Wood", along with Suze Lanier-Bramlett as the dumb blonde, "Chrissy Snow". It did better than the first pilot, but the producers still needed a change and Suzanne Somers came to the show at the very last minute to play "Chrissy". The series, Three's Company (1976), was born. When it debuted as a mid-season replacement, it became a ratings hit. It focused mainly on his character, "Jack Tripper", a chef who pretended to be gay in order to share an apartment with two attractive ladies. Before playing "Jack Tripper" on the small screen, he also made his box office debut in the movie Nickelodeon (1976). Two years later, he worked with his close friend, Jenny Sullivan, in Breakfast in Bed (1977), and the following year, played "Pres. Chet Roosevelt" in the movie Americathon (1979). Also in 1977, he and his brother emceed the Annual United Cerebral Palsy Telethon which he continued to support for over 15 years. He also became more popular with movies such as Hero at Large (1980) and They All Laughed (1981). In 1980, when Three's Company (1976) was sold into syndication, the show became a ratings phenomenon. At the height of Ritter's popularity, he won a Golden Globe in 1983 for Best Performance by an Actor after being nominated twice for Best TV Actor in a Musical-Comedy Series and, one year later, he won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor In a Comedy Series after being nominated twice. By its eighth season, the show began to drop in the ratings and was canceled in 1984. After cancellation, he starred in its spin-off, called Three's a Crowd (1984), also starring Mary Cadorette, but it lasted for only one season. His first animated movie was that of a man turning into a dragon, whose job was to defeat "Ommendon" in The Flight of Dragons (1982). Spouse (2) Amy Yasbeck (18 September 1999 - 11 September 2003) ( his death) ( 1 child) Nancy Morgan (16 October 1977 - 1996) ( divorced) ( 3 children) Trivia (41) (September 18, 1999) Married Amy Yasbeck in Wilmington, Ohio. The two had lived together for a couple of years. During an interview on Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993), Ritter claimed that he chose the name "Vaughan Cunningham" for his character in Sling Blade (1996) based on an in-joke with the cast of Happy Days (1974). He was a scout (but not an Eagle). Had starred with his wife, Amy Yasbeck, in The Cosby Show (1984) episode, The Cosby Show: Total Control (1991), eight years prior to their marriage. Coincidently, they played a husband and wife expecting their first child. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. His talent for physical schtick was heralded by television comedy icon Lucille Ball, who hosted a tribute to John's talent on Three's Company (1976). John later appeared in an episode of Lucille's last comedy series Life with Lucy (1986) In that episode, Lucy claims that during the shooting of a scene, it was the third time in her entire career that she had to yell "cut" because he broke her up laughing. His father, cowboy star Tex Ritter, tried to steer him away from an acting career but lived long enough to rejoice in seeing him in a recurring role on The Waltons (1971), which was Tex's favorite television series. He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6631 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on September 28, 1983. One of John's last public appearances was at Disney's Prime Time Weekend at Disney's California Adventure Park, 4 days before his death. Was the first guest of The Wayne Brady Show (2002). Died in the same hospital he was born in, which was the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Father of four children: Jason Ritter, (born on Sunday, February 17, 1980), Carly Ritter, (born on Monday, March 1, 1982), Tyler Ritter, (born on Thursday, January 31, 1985) and Stella Ritter, (born on Friday, September 11, 1998). At the same time he attended Hollywood High School, he fell in love with The Beatles. His favorite musical group was The Beatles, and he even appeared on Ringo Starr's television special Ringo (1978). Paul Hennessy, Ritter's character on 8 Simple Rules (2002), was ranked #48 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [June 20, 2004 issue]. Was nominated for an Emmy Award, for best actor in a comedy, for 8 Simple Rules (2002) one year after his death, after appearing in 31 episodes. Died one day before the death of country music legend Johnny Cash. Incidentally, his father, Tex, had written several songs for Johnny during the 1950s and 1960s. Ended 20 year rift with his Three's Company (1976) co-star Suzanne Somers shortly before his death. On an episode of 8 Simple Rules (2002), he and the cast did a spoof of his situation comedy Three's Company (1976). In the spoof, he played Mr. Roper, Katey Sagal played Helen Roper, Kaley Cuoco and Amy Davidson played Janet and Chrissy respectively, Billy Aaron Brown played Jack and Martin Spanjers played Larry. At the end of the episode, Don Knotts who played Mr. Furley on Three's Company, reprised his role in one short scene. It was, not surprisingly, Ritter's favorite episode. On Three's Company (1976) and Three's a Crowd (1984), he played a straight man pretending to be gay. In Dangerous Perceptions (2005), his son, Jason Ritter, played a gay man pretending to be straight. His final film, Bad Santa (2003), was dedicated to his memory. After his death, the September 29 issue of People magazine featured two different covers - issues distributed to the central and southwest United States (except Florida) showed Johnny Cash who had also recently passed away, the rest displayed a photo of John Ritter taken by veteran photojournalist Michael Germana. Appropriately, he was waving goodbye. Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 464-465. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007. Good friends with Jenny Sullivan Paul Linke, Ralph Waite, Henry Winkler, and Richard Kline. Died on his youngest daughter's, Stella Ritter, fifth birthday. Was considered for the role of Dan Gallagher in Fatal Attraction (1987), which went to Michael Douglas. Attended and graduated from Hollywood High School in Hollywood, California in 1966. Best remembered by the public for his starring role as Jack Tripper on Three's Company (1976). John Ritter died one week before his fourth wedding anniversary to wife Amy Yasbeck. Additionally, Ritter passed away only 6 days before his 55th birthday. John Ritter's great-grandfather Benjamin Franklin Ritter (1834-1902) was an officer in the Confederate Cavalry (37th Texas Cavalry) during the War between the States. Before he was a successful actor, he worked with Harry Morgan in two movies of Ritter's early career: The Barefoot Executive (1971) and Scandalous John (1971). His acting mentor was the late Harry Morgan. Played the clarinet. Attended Walter Reed Jr. High School in North Hollywood, California. Lifelong friend of Kevin Tighe. Was 3 months younger than Phylicia Rashad. He guest-starred with her on an episode of The Cosby Show (1984). Initially misdiagnosed with a heart attack, he died from an aortic dissection, following surgery, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, in Burbank, California.. [11 September 2003]. Director Peter Bogdanovich directed him in three feature films: Nickelodeon (1976), They All Laughed (1981), and Noises Off... (1992). He had earlier considered him for the role of Sonny in The Last Picture Show (1971) that went to Timothy Bottoms. His and Joyce DeWitt's favorite episode of "Three's Company" (1976)_ is titled "Up in the Air" (1982) where he had a long comic dance that earned him an Emmy nomination. His least favorite episode was "Chrissy and the Guru" (1978) where he imitated a walrus. Bret Anthony played him in Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three's Company(2003). Personal Quotes (3) I knew when I grew up, I always wanted to be a liar, and if you're in television, you're lying because you're just pretending to be yourself much like I'm doing now. The Harvey Lembeck Workshop was for me a support group. A place where I had the freedom to fall on my face.
Robert Ritter was born on March 19, 2000. Robert Ritter got married to Emma R Lix on January 29, 2021 at Home in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Robert Ritter.
Patricia Josephine (Breitling) Ritter of Bismarck, North Dakota United States was born on August 9, 1934 in Venturia. She was married to August J Ritter on August 11, 1955 in Ashley, McIntosh County, ND, and they were together until August's death on January 17, 2008. Patricia Ritter died at age 74 years old on December 17, 2008.
August J Ritter of Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota was born on July 21, 1935. August Ritter was married to Patricia Josephine (Breitling) on August 11, 1955 in Ashley, McIntosh County, North Dakota United States, and they were together until August's death on January 17, 2008.
Barbara A Ritter of Lady Lake, Lake County, FL was born on April 13, 1938, and died at age 55 years old in June 1993.
Paul F Ritter of Mason City, Iowa United States was born on October 31, 1922 in Huron, Beadle County, SD. He was in a relationship with Helen v Ritter beginning August 2, 1942, and had children Larry A Ritter and Teresa M Ritter. Paul Ritter died at age 67 years old on January 20, 1990 in Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, IA, and was buried on January 20, 1990 in Mason City.
Helen V Ritter of Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, IA was born on September 1, 1922, and died at age 88 years old on July 20, 2011.
Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Teresa M Ritter .
Larry A Ritter was born on December 26, 1955 to Helen v Ritter and Paul F Ritter, and had a sister Teresa M Ritter. Larry Ritter died at age 57 years old on November 5, 2013. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Larry A Ritter.
Margaret Ellen (Sebranek) Ritter of Onalaska, La Crosse County, Wisconsin United States was born on June 22, 1939 at La crosse in La crosse, and died at age 65 years old on June 21, 2005 in La Crosse. Margaret Ritter was buried on June 24, 2005 in La Crosse.
Woodward Maurice Ritter
Country Music Singer and Actor. A major star in the 1930s and 1940s as western cowboy for PRC and Monogram, he was also the father of actor John Ritter. Known as "America's Most Beloved Cowboy," he went on to star at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Along his wife, Dorothy Fay Southworth, he made four films – "Song of the Buckaroo" (Monogram, 1938), "Sundown on the Prairie" (Monogram, 1939), "Rollin' Westward" (Monogram, 1939) and "Rainbow Over the Range" (Monogram, 1940). Dedicated to preserving the history of country music, he spearheaded the effort to build the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964 as its 5th member, ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 1970 United States Senate race, and was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame (Hall of Great Western Performers) in 1980. His hit songs include 'Rye Whiskey' (1931), 'Jingle, Jangle, Jingle, You Two-Timed Me One Time Too Often, Jealous Heart, Boll Weevil' (1945), 'Wayward Wind, You Are My Sunshine' (1946), 'High Noon' (1952), and 'I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven' (1961). His performance of "High Noon," the title song for the 1952 Gary Cooper/Grace Kelly movie, is one of the classics of film history. He performed in radio, television and approximately 75 western films, spending his later years with the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Popular Ritter Biographies

Jonathan Southworth Ritter
Jonathan Southworth Ritter of Burbank, Los Angeles County, California United States was born on September 17, 1948 in Burbank, and died at age 54 years old on September 11, 2003 in Burbank. Jonathan Ritter was buried on September 15, 2003 at Forest Lawn 6300 Forest Lawn Dr, in Los Angeles.
Thelma Ritter
Thelma Ritter (February 14, 1902 – February 5, 1969) was an American actress, best known for her comedic roles as working-class characters and her strong New York accent. She received six Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress—more than any other actress in history —and won one Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. Thelma was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1902, the first child of Charles and Lucy Ritter, both natives of the United States. According to the New York State Census of 1905, her father at that time was a bookkeeper. Thelma's acting career began as a teenager, when she appeared in high-school plays and stock companies. She later received formal training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Although she subsequently struggled to establish a stage career, Ritter decided to take a hiatus from acting to raise her two children—Monica and Joe—by her husband Joseph Moran (whom she married in 1927), who was also an actor, but changed professions in the mid-1930s, opting to become an agent and then an advertising executive. Ritter did stock theater and radio shows early in her career. Her Broadway credits include UTBU (1965), New Girl in Town (1956), In Times Square (1931), and The Shelf (1926). Ritter's first movie role was in Miracle on 34th Street (1947). She made a memorable impression in a brief uncredited part, as a frustrated mother unable to find the toy that Kris Kringle has promised her son. Her second role, in writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz's A Letter to Three Wives (1949), left a mark, although Ritter was again uncredited. Mankiewicz kept Ritter in mind, and cast her as Birdie in All About Eve (1950), which earned her an Oscar nomination. A second nomination followed for her work in Mitchell Leisen's' ensemble screwball comedy The Mating Season (1951) starring Gene Tierney and John Lund. She enjoyed steady film work for the next dozen years. She appeared in many of the episodic drama TV series of the 1950s, such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, General Electric Theater, and The United States Steel Hour. Other film roles were as James Stewart's nurse in Rear Window (1954) and as Doris Day's maid in Pillow Talk (1959). Although best known for comedy roles, she played the occasional dramatic role, most notably in With a Song in My Heart (1952), Pickup on South Street (1953), Titanic (1953), The Misfits (1961), and Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), for which she received her final Oscar nomination. Her last work was an appearance on The Jerry Lewis Show on January 23, 1968. Ritter died of a heart attack in New York City, nine days before her 67th birthday. During her career, Ritter was nominated for an Oscar six times, giving her the distinction of being one of the three actresses (tied with Deborah Kerr and Glenn Close) most nominated for the award in an acting category without a win. The current record for all actors is Peter O'Toole with eight nominations without a win, followed by Richard Burton with seven nominations. Both Kerr and O'Toole received honorary awards from the Academy, however. In 1954, Thelma Ritter co-hosted the Oscar ceremony, notably trading wisecracks with Bob Hope. Academy Awards Nominated Best Actress in a Supporting Role for: All About Eve (1950) The Mating Season (1951) With a Song in My Heart (1952) Pickup on South Street (1953) Pillow Talk (1959) Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) Emmy Awards Nominated for an Emmy (in 1956), as Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the Goodyear Television Playhouse production of The Catered Affair. Golden Globe Awards Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for: All About Eve (1950) The Mating Season (1951) Boeing Boeing (1965) Tony Awards Awarded Best Actress in a Musical (1957) for New Girl in Town in a rare tie (with her co-star, Gwen Verdon). Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1947 Miracle on 34th Street Peter's Mother Uncredited 1948 Call Northside 777 Receptionist Uncredited 1949 A Letter to Three Wives Sadie Dugan Uncredited City Across the River Mrs. Katie Cusack Father Was a Fullback Geraldine 1950 Perfect Strangers Lena Fassler I'll Get By Miss Murphy All About Eve Birdie Coonan Nominated-Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress Nominated-Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture 1951 The Mating Season Ellen McNulty Nominated-Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress Nominated-Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture As Young as You Feel Della Hodges The Model and the Marriage Broker Mae Swasey 1952 With a Song in My Heart Clancy Nominated-Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress 1953 Titanic Maude Young Pickup on South Street Moe Williams Nominated-Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress The Farmer Takes a Wife Lucy Cashdollar 1954 Rear Window Stella Lux Video Theatre Lux Video Theatre Guest episode: Christmas in July 1955 The Best of Broadway Mrs. Fisher episode: The Show-Off Daddy Long Legs Alicia Pritchard Lucy Gallant Molly Basserman The 20th Century Fox Hour Abby episode: Christopher Bean Goodyear Television Playhouse Aggie Hurley episode: The Catered Affair Nominated-Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role 1956 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Lottie Slocum episode: The Baby Sitter The Proud and Profane Kate Connors 1957 Telephone Time Mary Devlin episode: Plot to Save a Boy The United States Steel Hour Ma Garfield episode: The Human Pattern 1959 A Hole in the Head Sophie Manetta Pillow Talk Alma Laurel Award for Top Supporting Performance, Female (2nd place) Nominated-Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress 1960 G.E. True Theatre Doris Green episode: Sarah's Laughter Startime Mrs. Gillis episode: The Man 1961 The Misfits Isabelle Steers Frontier Circus Bertha Marie Beecher episode: Journey from Hannibal The Second Time Around Aggie Gates Laurel Award for Top Supporting Performance, Female (3rd place) 1962 Birdman of Alcatraz Elizabeth Stroud Laurel Award for Top Supporting Performance, Female (3rd place) Nominated-Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress Wagon Train Madame Sagittarius episode: The Madame Sagittarius Story How the West Was Won Agatha Clegg 1963 For Love or Money Chloe Brasher A New Kind of Love Leena Laurel Award for Top Supporting Performance, Female (3rd place) Move Over, Darling Grace Arden 1965 Boeing Boeing Bertha Laurel Award for Top Supporting Performance, Female (2nd place) Nominated-Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture 1967 The Incident Bertha Beckerman 1968 What's So Bad About Feeling Good? Mrs. Schwartz (final film role)
Woodward Maurice Ritter
Country Music Singer and Actor. A major star in the 1930s and 1940s as western cowboy for PRC and Monogram, he was also the father of actor John Ritter. Known as "America's Most Beloved Cowboy," he went on to star at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Along his wife, Dorothy Fay Southworth, he made four films – "Song of the Buckaroo" (Monogram, 1938), "Sundown on the Prairie" (Monogram, 1939), "Rollin' Westward" (Monogram, 1939) and "Rainbow Over the Range" (Monogram, 1940). Dedicated to preserving the history of country music, he spearheaded the effort to build the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964 as its 5th member, ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 1970 United States Senate race, and was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame (Hall of Great Western Performers) in 1980. His hit songs include 'Rye Whiskey' (1931), 'Jingle, Jangle, Jingle, You Two-Timed Me One Time Too Often, Jealous Heart, Boll Weevil' (1945), 'Wayward Wind, You Are My Sunshine' (1946), 'High Noon' (1952), and 'I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven' (1961). His performance of "High Noon," the title song for the 1952 Gary Cooper/Grace Kelly movie, is one of the classics of film history. He performed in radio, television and approximately 75 western films, spending his later years with the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Martha Lou (Hyers) Ritter
Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Martha Lou (Hyers) Ritter.
Cynthia Anastasia (Knox) Ritter
Cynthia Anastasia (Knox) Ritter was born on November 7, 1970 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Cynthia Anastasia (Knox) Ritter.
Evan Jaynes Ritter
Evan Jaynes Ritter was born on June 10, 1997 in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado United States to William Kenneth Ritter and Brooke Janan (Sievers) Ritter, and has a sister Jordan Kelsey Ritter. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Evan Jaynes Ritter.
Jordan Kelsey Ritter
Jordan is one of those people that would give you her last dollar. She loves helping anyone that needs help..
Molly (Ritter) Dodge was born on January 29, 1753 in Lunenburg, Massachusetts United States, and died at age 57 years old on February 2, 1810 in Andover. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Molly (Ritter) Dodge.
Hannah (Jackman) Ritter was born on May 28, 1727 in Newbury, Massachusetts United States to John Jackman and Hannah (Smith) Jackman. She was in a relationship with Moses Ritter, and had a child Molly (Ritter) Dodge. Hannah Ritter died at age 73 years old on October 17, 1800 in Lunenburg. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Hannah (Jackman) Ritter.
John Ritter
John Ritter Born September 17, 1948 in Burbank, California, USA Died September 11, 2003 in Burbank, California, USA (aortic dissection) Birth Name Johnathan Southworth Ritter Height 5' 11" (1.8 m) John Ritter was born in Burbank, California, on September 17, 1948. He was the son of legendary country singer/actor Tex Ritter and his wife, actress Dorothy Fay. The couple married in 1941 and had their first child, Tom Ritter, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His first appearance on TV was in 1966 as a contestant on The Dating Game (1965) where he won a vacation to Lake Havasu, Arizona. After making his very first cameo appearance, he was induced to join an acting class taught by Nina Foch. His TV debut came playing a campus revolutionary on Dan August (1970) which starred Burt Reynolds and Norman Fell, who later starred with him on Three's Company (1976). Then he appeared as "Reverend Matthew Fordwick" on The Waltons (1971). He continued making more guest appearances on Medical Center (1969), M*A*S*H (1972), The Bob Newhart Show (1972), The Streets of San Francisco (1972), Kojak (1973), Rhoda (1974) and The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970). While working on The Waltons (1971), he received word that his legendary father had passed away, just a day after New Year's Day in 1974. The following year, in late 1975, ABC picked up the rights for a new series based on a British sitcom, Man About the House (1973). Ritter beat out 50 people, including a young Billy Crystal, to get a major role. The first pilot was trashed, and in order for it to be improved, Joyce DeWitt, an unknown actress, played the role of "Janet Wood", along with Suze Lanier-Bramlett as the dumb blonde, "Chrissy Snow". It did better than the first pilot, but the producers still needed a change and Suzanne Somers came to the show at the very last minute to play "Chrissy". The series, Three's Company (1976), was born. When it debuted as a mid-season replacement, it became a ratings hit. It focused mainly on his character, "Jack Tripper", a chef who pretended to be gay in order to share an apartment with two attractive ladies. Before playing "Jack Tripper" on the small screen, he also made his box office debut in the movie Nickelodeon (1976). Two years later, he worked with his close friend, Jenny Sullivan, in Breakfast in Bed (1977), and the following year, played "Pres. Chet Roosevelt" in the movie Americathon (1979). Also in 1977, he and his brother emceed the Annual United Cerebral Palsy Telethon which he continued to support for over 15 years. He also became more popular with movies such as Hero at Large (1980) and They All Laughed (1981). In 1980, when Three's Company (1976) was sold into syndication, the show became a ratings phenomenon. At the height of Ritter's popularity, he won a Golden Globe in 1983 for Best Performance by an Actor after being nominated twice for Best TV Actor in a Musical-Comedy Series and, one year later, he won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor In a Comedy Series after being nominated twice. By its eighth season, the show began to drop in the ratings and was canceled in 1984. After cancellation, he starred in its spin-off, called Three's a Crowd (1984), also starring Mary Cadorette, but it lasted for only one season. His first animated movie was that of a man turning into a dragon, whose job was to defeat "Ommendon" in The Flight of Dragons (1982). Spouse (2) Amy Yasbeck (18 September 1999 - 11 September 2003) ( his death) ( 1 child) Nancy Morgan (16 October 1977 - 1996) ( divorced) ( 3 children) Trivia (41) (September 18, 1999) Married Amy Yasbeck in Wilmington, Ohio. The two had lived together for a couple of years. During an interview on Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993), Ritter claimed that he chose the name "Vaughan Cunningham" for his character in Sling Blade (1996) based on an in-joke with the cast of Happy Days (1974). He was a scout (but not an Eagle). Had starred with his wife, Amy Yasbeck, in The Cosby Show (1984) episode, The Cosby Show: Total Control (1991), eight years prior to their marriage. Coincidently, they played a husband and wife expecting their first child. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. His talent for physical schtick was heralded by television comedy icon Lucille Ball, who hosted a tribute to John's talent on Three's Company (1976). John later appeared in an episode of Lucille's last comedy series Life with Lucy (1986) In that episode, Lucy claims that during the shooting of a scene, it was the third time in her entire career that she had to yell "cut" because he broke her up laughing. His father, cowboy star Tex Ritter, tried to steer him away from an acting career but lived long enough to rejoice in seeing him in a recurring role on The Waltons (1971), which was Tex's favorite television series. He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6631 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on September 28, 1983. One of John's last public appearances was at Disney's Prime Time Weekend at Disney's California Adventure Park, 4 days before his death. Was the first guest of The Wayne Brady Show (2002). Died in the same hospital he was born in, which was the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Father of four children: Jason Ritter, (born on Sunday, February 17, 1980), Carly Ritter, (born on Monday, March 1, 1982), Tyler Ritter, (born on Thursday, January 31, 1985) and Stella Ritter, (born on Friday, September 11, 1998). At the same time he attended Hollywood High School, he fell in love with The Beatles. His favorite musical group was The Beatles, and he even appeared on Ringo Starr's television special Ringo (1978). Paul Hennessy, Ritter's character on 8 Simple Rules (2002), was ranked #48 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [June 20, 2004 issue]. Was nominated for an Emmy Award, for best actor in a comedy, for 8 Simple Rules (2002) one year after his death, after appearing in 31 episodes. Died one day before the death of country music legend Johnny Cash. Incidentally, his father, Tex, had written several songs for Johnny during the 1950s and 1960s. Ended 20 year rift with his Three's Company (1976) co-star Suzanne Somers shortly before his death. On an episode of 8 Simple Rules (2002), he and the cast did a spoof of his situation comedy Three's Company (1976). In the spoof, he played Mr. Roper, Katey Sagal played Helen Roper, Kaley Cuoco and Amy Davidson played Janet and Chrissy respectively, Billy Aaron Brown played Jack and Martin Spanjers played Larry. At the end of the episode, Don Knotts who played Mr. Furley on Three's Company, reprised his role in one short scene. It was, not surprisingly, Ritter's favorite episode. On Three's Company (1976) and Three's a Crowd (1984), he played a straight man pretending to be gay. In Dangerous Perceptions (2005), his son, Jason Ritter, played a gay man pretending to be straight. His final film, Bad Santa (2003), was dedicated to his memory. After his death, the September 29 issue of People magazine featured two different covers - issues distributed to the central and southwest United States (except Florida) showed Johnny Cash who had also recently passed away, the rest displayed a photo of John Ritter taken by veteran photojournalist Michael Germana. Appropriately, he was waving goodbye. Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 464-465. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007. Good friends with Jenny Sullivan Paul Linke, Ralph Waite, Henry Winkler, and Richard Kline. Died on his youngest daughter's, Stella Ritter, fifth birthday. Was considered for the role of Dan Gallagher in Fatal Attraction (1987), which went to Michael Douglas. Attended and graduated from Hollywood High School in Hollywood, California in 1966. Best remembered by the public for his starring role as Jack Tripper on Three's Company (1976). John Ritter died one week before his fourth wedding anniversary to wife Amy Yasbeck. Additionally, Ritter passed away only 6 days before his 55th birthday. John Ritter's great-grandfather Benjamin Franklin Ritter (1834-1902) was an officer in the Confederate Cavalry (37th Texas Cavalry) during the War between the States. Before he was a successful actor, he worked with Harry Morgan in two movies of Ritter's early career: The Barefoot Executive (1971) and Scandalous John (1971). His acting mentor was the late Harry Morgan. Played the clarinet. Attended Walter Reed Jr. High School in North Hollywood, California. Lifelong friend of Kevin Tighe. Was 3 months younger than Phylicia Rashad. He guest-starred with her on an episode of The Cosby Show (1984). Initially misdiagnosed with a heart attack, he died from an aortic dissection, following surgery, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, in Burbank, California.. [11 September 2003]. Director Peter Bogdanovich directed him in three feature films: Nickelodeon (1976), They All Laughed (1981), and Noises Off... (1992). He had earlier considered him for the role of Sonny in The Last Picture Show (1971) that went to Timothy Bottoms. His and Joyce DeWitt's favorite episode of "Three's Company" (1976)_ is titled "Up in the Air" (1982) where he had a long comic dance that earned him an Emmy nomination. His least favorite episode was "Chrissy and the Guru" (1978) where he imitated a walrus. Bret Anthony played him in Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three's Company(2003). Personal Quotes (3) I knew when I grew up, I always wanted to be a liar, and if you're in television, you're lying because you're just pretending to be yourself much like I'm doing now. The Harvey Lembeck Workshop was for me a support group. A place where I had the freedom to fall on my face.
Tyler David Thomas Ritter was born on January 31, 1985 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Tyler David Thomas Ritter.
Sue (Ritter)  Irby
Sue (Ritter) Irby was born in 1890. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Sue (Ritter) Irby.
Joe Ritter has siblings Jane K Ritter, Joan Ritter, Hattie Ritter, and Willie Ritter. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Joe Ritter.
Rosemary (McCord) Ritter was born to Claude McCord and Edith Louise (Hall) McCord, and has a brother Albert E. McCord. She married William Ritter, and they were married until William's death. Rosemary Ritter has children Richard Ritter, Susie Ritter, and Pamela (Ritter) Mcdaniel. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Rosemary (McCord) Ritter.
Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Pamela (Ritter) Mcdaniel.
William Richard Ritter was born on November 15. He was married to Rosemary (McCord) Ritter, and they were together until William's death. William Ritter has children Richard Ritter, Susie Ritter, and Pamela (Ritter) Mcdaniel. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember William Ritter.
Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Katherine Kraeuter Ritter.
Stephen H Ritter
Stephen H Ritter of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado United States was born on October 6, 1958 in Buffalo, Erie County, NY.
Ethel  (Munns) Ritter
Ethel (Munns) Ritter was born on April 3, 1896. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Ethel (Munns) Ritter.
Henrietta (Rompel-Fries) K Ritter
Henrietta K (Rompel-Fries) Ritter was born in 1850. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Henrietta (Rompel-Fries) K Ritter.

Ritter Death Records & Life Expectancy

The average age of a Ritter family member is 74.0 years old according to our database of 13,614 people with the last name Ritter that have a birth and death date listed.

Life Expectancy

74.0 years

Oldest Ritters

These are the longest-lived members of the Ritter family on AncientFaces.

Bessie Ritter of New York, New York County, NY was born on October 1, 1894, and died at age 110 years old on March 19, 2005.
110 years
Lora Ritter of Merrill, Lincoln County, WI was born on December 16, 1887, and died at age 109 years old on December 21, 1996.
109 years
Florence Ritter of Albany, Albany County, NY was born on December 4, 1894, and died at age 107 years old on February 2, 2002.
107 years
Elizabeth R Ritter of Covina, Los Angeles County, CA was born on November 26, 1886, and died at age 107 years old on November 6, 1994.
107 years
Loviecia Ritter was born on October 26, 1886, and died at age 104 years old on March 3, 1991. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Loviecia Ritter.
104 years
Charles Ritter of California was born on July 21, 1874, and died at age 104 years old in January 1979.
104 years
Dell M Ritter of Seattle, King County, WA was born on June 25, 1894, and died at age 104 years old on April 11, 1999.
104 years
Mary J Ritter of Muncy, Lycoming County, PA was born on March 25, 1889, and died at age 105 years old on October 14, 1994.
105 years
Anna C Ritter of Elkhart, Elkhart County, IN was born on August 24, 1887, and died at age 104 years old on February 29, 1992.
104 years
Freda Ritter of Michigan was born on September 21, 1880, and died at age 103 years old in June 1984.
103 years
Marvin Ritter was born on March 14, 1858, and died at age 104 years old in April 1962. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Marvin Ritter.
104 years
Edith A Ritter of Waddington, Saint Lawrence County, NY was born on July 6, 1898, and died at age 103 years old on June 11, 2002.
103 years
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