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Katey Sagal: John Ritter's Spirit Lives On
6 Aug
Summary
- Sagal feels Ritter's energy and love for laughter.
- Ritter died in September 2003 from an aortic dissection.
- He passed away during the filming of "8 Simple Rules".

Katey Sagal, star of "8 Simple Rules," recently shared that she continues to feel the presence of her late co-star John Ritter, more than two decades after his untimely death. Sagal reflected on the profound loss during an appearance on Ted Danson's podcast, recalling the suddenness of Ritter's passing.
Ritter, who was 54 years old, died in September 2003 due to an aortic dissection. At the time of his death, he was actively filming "8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter," a series that was subsequently renamed "8 Simple Rules" following the lead actor's passing.
Sagal described feeling Ritter's vibrant energy and his profound love for laughter and life surrounding her. She believes his bright spirit continues to bring light, underscoring the lasting impact he made on those around him.
Following Ritter's death, the show saw new cast members like James Garner and David Spade join. Despite these additions, "8 Simple Rules" concluded its run on ABC in April 2005 after three seasons, impacted by lower viewership ratings.