Amy Yasbeck

John Ritter was one of my TV heroes -- a comedic actor, adept at both witty dialog and absurd pratfalls, but who managed to remain a "good guy" in real life. From his early parts and recurring role as the paster on The Waltons, to his star turns on Three's Company, Hearts Afire and Hooperman, I had followed his career with pleasure, enjoying each of his performances, but enjoying reading about his behind-the-scenes life almost as much. His death in 2003 was so sudden and shocking, it threw show more me for a loop, and hearing after-the-fact that it was due to an undiagnosed medical condition was all the more alarming. Ritter's second wife, Yasbeck, does a tender job of looking back at Ritter's life -- the celebrity of his parents Tex and Dorothy Ritter, and his innate need to perform. Counter-balancing Ritter's career trajectory, Yasbeck shares her own background and upbringing, leading to their relationship and the child they had together. Though the last couple of chapters deal with the heartbreak of Ritter's death and the medical issues associated with the condition he fell victim to, the majority of this book is a feel-good tribute to one of our best comic actors, taken from us too early. I enjoyed this tremendously.

Originally reviewed for my local libraries' website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec11-04.htm show less

Loved everything about this book--

Amy writes with such emotion, a type that you never really saw in a memoir. Found myself going misty at several turns in the book.
The words lovingly illustrate fond recollections of this gifted actor..makes one wish to have known him, if not at least met.
The book exemplified the difference between sympathy and empathy for me--tended to turn towards the latter throughout.

I expected much more about John, and less about Amy. I find it insulting that his children (besides Stella) are barely mentioned. You won't find much here about his life outside of his relationship with Yasbeck. There are even no pictures of his children (besides Stella). Yasbeck comes off as self absorbed and you can't help but feel sorry for his children. I can't help but feel she used her husband's name to sell her writing. This book made me sad and made me NOT a fan of Ms. Yasbeck.

A very well written, FUNNY and touching book.