Joyce DeWitt Reveals Toddler Jason Ritters Surprise Cameo in Threes Company Credits
Joyce DeWitt shares the charming story of toddler Jason Ritters surprise appearance in the Threes Company opening credits . Learn how the young son of John Ritter ended up in the iconic sitcoms sequence and went on to become a successful actor .
A Toddlers Unexpected TV Debut
At a fan panel on August 10 at the Southfork Experience Threes Company star Joyce DeWitt delighted fans with a never beforeshared behind the scenes story . She revealed that Jason Ritter — now a celebrated actor and the eldest son of the late John Ritter — made an unplanned blink and youd miss it appearance in the sitcoms opening credits when he was just a toddler .
Filming from the Cuff
DeWitt recalled that the opening credits filmed at the Los Angeles Zoo during the shows later seasons were created in a lighthearted and spontaneous spirit . Director Dave Powers often improvised capturing candid interactions rather than staging them . Cast members sometimes brought family along and Powers would simply add them into the shots . “Davey was just grabbing anybody and everyone to throw into those credits” DeWitt explained .
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A Tiny Walker in Blue Overalls
One of the most charming moments came during DeWitts segment . She remembered crouching down to feed animals when a toddler suddenly toddled into the frame . “In my credit where Im down and this little boy toddles in thats Jason Ritter Johns first child” she said . “The Jason Ritter that you see on TV all the time that was his film premiere — his little overall butt walking up to me .”
The toddler dressed in blue overalls wasnt scheduled to appear but simply wandered into the shot creating a spontaneous cameo that would later delight fans .
Zoo Cameo Captured on Classic Sitcom
Fans of the series may remember the moment DeWitt interacting with goats at the zoo as a small boy approaches . At the time most viewers never realized the child was Jason Ritter making the sequence a hidden gem of sitcom history .
From Cameo to Career
Today Jason Ritter is 45 years old and has built a respected career in television and film . He has starred in acclaimed series such as Parenthood A Million Little Things and the recent revival of Matlock. His versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actor has earned him a loyal following .
In 2024 Jason warmed hearts on social media when he impersonated his fathers beloved Threes Company character Jack Tripper. The uncanny resemblance in both looks and mannerisms left fans nostalgic . Reflecting on those moments Jason admitted “Every once in a while … Ill be like Oh wow … Its always nice .”
The Ritter Family Legacy
John Ritter who brought Jack Tripper to life passed away in 2008 at the age of 54 from an aortic dissection . Jason then 23 was the eldest of four siblings Tyler Carly and Noah Ritter . Each has carried their fathers memory in different ways but Jasons career has been most visibly intertwined with Johns enduring legacy .
A Glimpse into the Past
Joyce DeWitts revelation adds a delightful layer to Threes Company history . What began as a toddlers unplanned stroll into a shot at the Los Angeles Zoo became in hindsight the first screen appearance of an actor who would go on to carve out a career of his own .
Its a reminder of the playful improvisational spirit that defined the sitcom era — and a touching link between John Ritters iconic role and his sons continuing success in Hollywood .