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Long-time UCP Supporter John Ritter Passes Away

John Ritter has been a part of the UCP family for more than 20 years, and was both an immensely talented entertainer and a compassionate volunteer dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. UCP is devastated by his loss; we will sorely miss him.

A native of Los Angeles, John was the younger son of Western film star and country music great, Tex Ritter, and Dorothy Ritter, who founded UCP's affiliate in Los Angeles. John's brother has cerebral palsy, leading to his close involvement with UCP beginning in the late 1970's. For more than 15 years, John was one of the national hosts for UCP telethons to raise funds and awareness for UCP.

Ritter came to national prominence in 1977 as the star of television's long-running hit comedy series "Three's Company," for which he won Emmy, Golden Globe and People's Choice Awards. He also had appeared in more than 25 television movies, a number of films and on Broadway. His current television series, "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter", has received critical acclaim.

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