- Kaley Cuoco honored John Ritter
- He passed away in 2003
- THIS was her emotional presentation
In a touching tribute that lit up the Sunset Room Hollywood, Kaley Cuoco, the beloved star from 'The Big Bang Theory', stepped out in style to honor her late TV dad, John Ritter, at the gala event "An Evening from the Heart."
This emotional night, presented by The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health on May 9, celebrated the life and enduring legacy of the '8 Simple Rules' star, who tragically passed away in 2003 from a misdiagnosed acute aortic dissection at the tender age of 54.
A Night to Remember
"He touched a lot of lives," Cuoco shared an exclusive 'People' interview, reflecting on Ritter's profound impact. The event wasn't just a tribute; it was a heartfelt reunion and a call to action.
Alongside stars like Cheri Oteri and Holly Robinson Peete, Cuoco joined forces with Ritter's family, including his widow, Amy Yasbeck Ritter, and son, Tyler Ritter, to raise awareness and funds for aortic health.
Cuoco and Ritter shared more than just the screen; they shared laughs, memories, and a bond that transcended their roles as "Paul" and "Bridget Hennessy" on '8 Simple Rules'. Cuoco fondly recalled Ritter's unique approach to comedy: "He would mess up in front of the audience on purpose to make them laugh," a testament to Ritter's dedication to his craft and his fans.
"And I was like, 'No way!'" she recalled. "And then I would watch him mess up over and over when I knew he knew the scenes, and I took that with me for a long time."
"He didn't take himself seriously. And I feel like we need to get back to what that is not taking ourselves so seriously," Cuoco added.
"He touched a lot of lives," Cuoco tells 'People' magazine at the event. Cuoco said she became very close to Ritter's family, who has "worked very hard" for the past two decades to bring awareness to aortic dissection.
"I will do anything for his wife and his kids," Cuoco says. "And I'm so really very proud to be here and honoring him."
The event, which also saw a reunion of Cuoco with her '8 Simple Rules' family members Katey Sagal, Amy Davidson, and Martin Spanjers, was a testament to Ritter's lasting impact.
Cuoco's heartfelt speech underscored the evening's emotional resonance, "I think John is laughing his a-- off right now. He cannot believe we're here," capturing the spirit of a man whose legacy continues to inspire laughter and love.
Seventeen years after the television star passed away Kaley had reflected on the actor's enduring legacy.
"Can't believe you have been gone 17 years," Cuoco, 34, who played the actor's daughter on the sitcom, wrote Friday alongside a smiling Instagram photograph of the pair. "Thank you for continuing to make me laugh every single day."
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Kaley Cuoco's commitment to honoring John Ritter's memory goes beyond just one night.
From her ongoing support for the foundation to her personal tributes, Cuoco keeps Ritter's spirit alive, reminding us all of the power of laughter, the importance of heart health, and the indelible mark one person can leave on the world.
