ETonline caught up with the actor to discuss his range of on-screen projects, life after Parenthood, and his beloved father.
One look at the still boyish-looking Jason Ritter and you
can see how much he resembles his charismatic dad, John Ritter. Given the
younger Ritter’s near constant presence on TV over the past decade, it’s almost
hard to believe that it’s been 12 years since his father -- the iconic star of
the much loved television series, Three’s
Company -- passed away.
WATCH: Tyler Ritter Reveals Best Career Advice From Dad John
Ritter has since carved out his own place on TV with
memorable performances in NBC’s Parenthood,
Comedy Central’s Drunk History, and
as Shoshanna’s love interest on HBO’s Girls.
The 35-year-old actor most recently
starred in Comedy Central’s other historical parody, Another Period, which
debuted this summer.
While at Doris Bergman’s sixth annual Emmy Style Lounge
& Party, ETonline caught up with the actor to discuss his range of on-screen
projects, life after Parenthood, and
his beloved father.
ETonline: Your father
was like the gold standard in comedy. Ever watch re-runs of Three’s Company?
Jason Ritter: If
I am flipping through television channels and it’s on, I definitely stop and
watch it. I have not seen every single episode of the show. It’s a nice
feeling, especially when I find one I have never seen before. Actually, today (Sept. 17) would have been his birthday. He’s even more on my mind.
WATCH: Kaley Cuoco Gets Hollywood Walk of Fame Near TV Dad John Ritter
Is there a memory of
your dad that you think about?
Wow, boy, I have so many memories. Sometimes, it’s just
going to the Dodgers game or something like that and hanging out, watching the
game together. Not even much being said -- laughing and having fun, and eating
horrible food!
What do you like to watch on TV?
Trying to think what is on my DVR -- I like American Horror Story, and The Walking Dead. I love The Strain, though I am really behind in
my watching! I really love Drunk History
too. I love scary stuff and horror. And I am still a huge South Park fan.
NEWS: 'Parenthood' Ends With Where It All Began
How is life after Parenthood? Do you see the cast still?
Life is great! I keep in touch, yes! Mainly with Mae
(Whitman), Miles (Heizer) Lauren (Graham) and Peter (Krause).
Are you happy with
how the show ended?
Yes, I am happy for the show. I was glad that my character
was happy -- though I wish that he was happy with Sarah (Graham’s character)!
NEWS: What's Next for the 'Parenthood' Cast?
What are you working
on now?
I am going to do an independent movie in October called Carrie Pilby, which is based on a young
adult novel. This fall, I will be starting back up on the second season of Another Period. The show is like a mix between Downton Abbey and the Kardashians --
something like that! I play one of the dumbest people of all time! He thinks
rocks are alive which is not smart! It’s really funny and fun. We’ve had
hilarious people like Ben Stiller and Jack Black come in and have done guest
spots.
And I have one of my favorite things I have ever been
involved in: a cartoon for Disney Channel, called Gravity Falls. Alex Hirsch, who created the show, is a mad genius.
It’s pretty incredible; I play a 12-year-old boy named Dipper Pines who along
with his twin sister, Mabel (The Last Man
on Earth’s Kristen Schaal), are trying to solve the mysteries of this small
town. It is amazing, the creators have
come up with this whole world with clues and there are things in the
background. You can enjoy the show by watching it, but this whole backstory is
really exciting.
Watch Jason's brother Tyler reflect on his late father and the best advice he ever received: