Kaley Cuoco Said Working With John Ritter ‘Changed The Course Of My Life,’ And Got Candid About Why

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It’s been over 20 years since the world lost John Ritter, the beloved comedy actor. He’s remembered for his significant contributions to Hollywood, but even more so by those who knew and loved him. Kaley Cuoco, who worked with Ritter on *8 Simple Rules*, has consistently paid tribute to him since 2003, and recently shared how profoundly he impacted her life and career.

Kaley Cuoco, known for *The Big Bang Theory*, has often spoken about her admiration for John Ritter. Her time working with him as his on-screen daughter was a significant experience for her, and she frequently shares fond memories of their positive relationship. At a recent John Ritter Foundation gala, she told *People* magazine just how much of an impact he had on her. She explained that she was relatively new to the industry when they met, but he quickly became a mentor and role model.

He had a huge impact on my life and career. I worked with him for a year and a half, and that time completely changed my path.

I truly believe what she said. It’s impossible to work with someone as gifted as John Ritter without being changed by the experience. Her point about his lasting influence makes sense – Kaley Cuoco mentioned feeling a connection to Billy Bob Thornton on *The Big Bang Theory*, and described it as John Ritter having a way of bringing people together, even after his passing.

I’m probably an easier fan to win over when it comes to loving the late John Ritter than most younger millennials. Hopefully, people my age and younger will discover his comedy. Regardless of how much I enjoy his work, Kaley Cuoco shared that she feels Ritter has always been with her, and she revealed some key comedy lessons he taught her, saying:

I still talk about him as if it all happened yesterday, and his influence feels present in my life even now. He showed me how to make others laugh, encouraged me not to take things too seriously, and taught me to go to any lengths for a good joke. He was a truly kind and generous person.

It’s wonderful to see such a special connection between the *Flight Attendant* actress and her mentor/friend. It’s a shame they didn’t have more time together – they clearly had great comedic chemistry! It seemed like they clicked immediately, especially after the actor who played Paul Hennessy admitted he intentionally flubbed a line to make people laugh.

Even after all these years, it’s wonderful that Kaley Cuoco still feels connected to John Ritter. As a viewer, it’s clear how much his professional guidance shaped her work. If you want to see them together, you can stream *8 Simple Rules* on Disney+.

You can also see her latest work in Season 5 of *Harley Quinn*, which came out earlier this year. All seasons of the show are available to stream on HBO Max if you have a subscription.

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2025-10-12 03:08