Kaley Cuoco became emotional while honoring her former 8 Simple Rules TV dad, John Ritter. She spoke about Ritter at the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health’s annual gala, recalling the profound impact his death had on her life and career.
Kaley Cuoco became emotional while honoring John Ritter at his foundation’s annual gala.
Cuoco attended the foundation’s Evening From the Heart gala in Los Angeles. She remembered meeting Ritter when she was only 16 years old. The pair later played father and daughter on 8 Simple Rules.
“I always cry when I talk about him,” Cuoco said during her speech, as reported by Variety. She became emotional while discussing Ritter’s sudden death in 2003. Ritter suffered a fatal thoracic aortic dissection while working on the sitcom.
Cuoco also remembered their first meeting during the show’s table read. She joked about wearing an especially revealing outfit for the occasion. Ritter quickly responded with a memorable gesture that made her laugh.
Cuoco recalled, “He gives me a big hug, and he looks at me. He takes off his jacket, and he puts it on me.” He then told her, “Don’t ever wear that again,” according to Cuoco. “It was the best,” she added while remembering their encounter.
Ritter appeared throughout the first season of 8 Simple Rules. He also filmed three episodes during the sitcom’s second season. His unexpected death deeply affected Cuoco and her fellow cast members.
“When he passed away, I don’t want to get dramatic,” Cuoco said. She described that moment as “one of the worst days of my life.” “I feel like I lost my dad,” she remembered thinking after his death.
Cuoco said Ritter’s influence continued throughout her acting career. “He always has been the north star in my career,” she said. She also described him as “somebody who I adore.”
The tribute came during a gala supporting the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. Ritter’s widow, Amy Yasbeck, hosted alongside their son, Tyler Ritter. The evening also featured a reunion of Ritter’s former Wings co-stars.
The foundation focuses on raising awareness about aortic dissection and related health risks. According to the organization, around 20,000 people suffer an aortic dissection each year. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve survival, according to the foundation.
Cuoco’s emotional tribute highlighted Ritter’s influence beyond 8 Simple Rules. Her memories showed how deeply their on-screen family bond affected her. Years later, Ritter remains an important figure in Cuoco’s personal and professional life.
