The Biggest Thing Kaley Cuoco Learned From Late 8 Simple Rules Co-Star John Ritter: ‘I Live By That Today’

by

The unexpected death of John Ritter in 2003 deeply saddened both his fans and fellow actors. This grief was especially felt by his co-stars on the show *8 Simple Rules*, where he was working at the time. Years later, many of them, including Kaley Cuoco, still cherish his memory. Cuoco, who played his on-screen daughter Bridget Hennessy on the ABC sitcom, is now sharing the most important thing she learned from working with him.

Following the death of sitcom star John Ritter, his wife, Amy Yasbeck, established the John Ritter Foundation. Recently, TV Insider spoke with Kaley Cuoco and other actors attending the foundation’s yearly “Evening From the Heart” event. Cuoco fondly remembered Ritter’s significant impact on her career when she was starting out, and shared how he shaped her comedic style.

John taught me a valuable lesson: always prioritize making people laugh. I still follow that advice. Working with him truly transformed my life and career, and it feels like it happened recently.

It’s a straightforward idea, but it clearly worked for Kaley Cuoco. Even as a viewer of the show, it was obvious that all three young actors were talented comedians. However, Cuoco really stood out and developed her skills, which is clear in her later work. Most people know she got the role of Penny in *The Big Bang Theory* in 2007, and she was a major reason the show became so popular and lasted for so long.

Kaley Cuoco recently shared a simple but impactful lesson she learned from John Ritter, and it made me think about him and his incredible career even more. He was a true Hollywood regular who always delivered a great comedic performance. (To me, his ability to match Carol Burnett’s energy in *Noises Off* perfectly demonstrates his talent.) Cuoco has talked about watching Ritter work, even recalling times when he’d intentionally flub a line just to make the audience laugh.

Kaley Cuoco fondly remembers how John Ritter had a special ability to connect with people, recalling a touching moment when Billy Bob Thornton bonded with her over their shared admiration for Ritter while filming ‘The Big Bang Theory’.

I’m really hoping Kaley Cuoco returns to comedy after appearing in several thrillers and dramas lately. Luckily, it seems like she’s going in that direction! She’s working with the creators of *Hacks* – Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky – on a new show called *Kansas City Star*. The show is still being developed, but it’s about a not-very-famous celebrity who goes back to her hometown and gets involved with the local theater scene.

Disney+ offers a streaming plan with ads for as little as $9.99 per month. You can also choose an ad-free plan for $15.99 a month, or save 16% by paying $159.99 for a full year. Popular shows like *8 Simple Rules* and many other classic sitcoms are available. Check out the deal now!

It’s wonderful that Kaley Cuoco still remembers the valuable advice John Ritter gave her. Though he’s no longer with us, it’s great to think that those who knew and worked with him will keep his memory alive by sharing their experiences.

Need a good laugh? You can watch all three seasons of *8 Simple Rules* on Disney+. If you’re interested in newer comedies, take a look at what’s coming in 2025.

Read More

2025-09-23 16:38