John Ritter was one the great comedic actors of our time.

[dullnboring]

I only ever saw him on Three's Company so I can't attest for his dramatic acting chops nor his comedy outside of that show, but for what it's worth, I wasn't impressed by him on Three's Company. He overacted like mad. I actually thought he was the weakest actor on that show.

But whatever, just my two cents.

[hew2a]

I have noticed that a lot of comedians seem to transition better to doing more serious roles than those who tend to be more theatrical doing comedy.

Some may disagree, but I was somewhat amazed at the range of acting WIll Farrell did in Stranger Than Fiction. I think it's almost natural for "good" comedians to be able to convey characters to the audience. And isn't that what acting is about? Not taking anything away from actors who are dramatical, that's an art as well.

But I agree, John Ritter was genius...I think it was too bad he got limited to the show Three's Company. Although good, I don't think he was fully realized as an actor/comedian.

[MystMoonstruck]

To me, he was a "so-so" actor. He did better at drama. I just didn't care for "Three's Company" at all because of its tackiness. I never watched his other series; I think there were two others. The only role that stands out for me is the one on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", and he seemed the same as he always does: sort of a neutral actor, neither all that bad but certainly not all that good~just fair. I don't think he was a "comic genius". He was in feature films but never fared well except if it was a bit part as in "The Other" (1972).

I was never a fan. I never went out of my way to see anything he was in; I just happened to view it.

[easherly]

I was and am a fan of "Three's Company," for the light, everyday humor, stuff that makes you laugh and reminds you not to take life too seriously. I see the essence of his acting when I see Kaley Cuoco on TV as well because they were working together early in her career. I don't know if it is just my perception. Child actors tend to take on the facial expressions and skills of the experienced actors that they work with, like Dakota Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer or Shia LeBeof and Harrison Ford.

[D. Scott]

I miss John! He had much talent but came across as a likable, regular guy. The kind of guy you could sit and have beers with. He was capable of drama as well and I think he would have done more serious roles as he got older, like Jeff Bridges standout role in Crazy heart.

[Nanny Goat]

I liked him--I agree with above poster, a kind of guy you could sit down and have a a cup of coffee with.