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Johnny Cash: 1932-2003

I have felt a surge of loss in regards to the recent passing of John Ritter and Johnny Cash. Similar to how I felt when I first learned that Phil Hartman (one of my favorite comedians) had been killed in 1998.

I wasn’t an avid listener of Cash’s music but had the opportunity to hear his haunting vocals because my Grandmother liked his music and country music in general.

Johnny Cash had a wonderful career ranging from his earliest beginnings with Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis to his career in country music and the Grand Ole Orpy. Nicknamed “The Man in Black”, Cash poured his emotions into his music which reflected successfully in his collaboration with Nine Inch Nails; the song Hurt, which was recognized by several musicians and was nominated at the MTV Awards.

Cash was indeed a legend and leaves behind a legacy which has influenced millions of people young and old.

John Ritter: 1948-2003

When I heard the news of John Ritter’s passing my jaw dropped to the floor because I was literally floored over his passing.

Growing up in the 80s I admired Ritter’s work in Three’s Company which by the time I watched it had already moved into syndication. I was fairly young (couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6) and while I didn’t understand the theme of the show, the focus was undeniably on the character of Jack Tripper. The premise of Three’s Company was borrowed from a British series with a similar concept; Tripper (without a place to stay) is offered the chance to stay with his friends. According to their contract the landlord had say over certain aspects of their rent. In order to play things off without a hitch he pretends that he is gay in order to stay without the complications if he were a straight man, considering at the time it wouldn’t have been “proper”.

Jack Tripper (as played by John Ritter) was like a cartoon character brought to life. He’d stumble on camera, dance like a monkey and act like the biggest fool this side of the Earth and that’s what was great. His comedy and timing matched that of Chaplin and his appeal was infectious.

As you can imagine his death has swelled our hearts and for me memories of watching his performances have flooded into my thoughts. He was truly one of a kind. An all-around nice individual who once was asked why he chose to act in which he replied, “Acting is all I know.”

Thank you Mr. Ritter for your talents. You will be missed.