When people think of the Ritter family, their minds usually jump straight to the legendary John Ritter and his manic, physical comedy. Or maybe they think of Jason Ritter, the actor with that specific, endearing nervous energy who has been crushing it on shows like Parenthood and Matlock. But there’s a massive piece of the puzzle often left out of the spotlight. Honestly, if you've ever wondered who is Jason Ritter's mom, you're looking for Nancy Morgan. She isn't just a "famous person's ex-wife." She is a veteran actress with a wild career and a history that is pretty much baked into the DNA of 70s and 80s Hollywood.
Nancy Morgan was born in Minneapolis back in 1949. Her family tree has some serious history, too. Her uncle was John "Red" Morgan, a World War II hero who actually won the Medal of Honor. That’s a lot of pressure to live up to. By the time the mid-70s rolled around, Nancy was finding her own way in Los Angeles. She wasn't just some background player; she was starring in major projects. In fact, she played Paula Powers in Ron Howard’s directorial debut, Grand Theft Auto, in 1977.
The John Ritter Era and That Famous Family
Most people know her through her marriage to John Ritter. They got married in October 1977. It was a big deal at the time. John was becoming a household name on Three's Company, and together, they became this sort of Hollywood power couple that focused a lot on charity. They co-hosted the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon for years. It’s kinda sweet when you think about it—two actors using their peak fame to just sit on a stage for 24 hours to raise money.
They had three kids: Jason, Carly, and Tyler.
👉 See also: Billie Eilish Therefore I Am Explained: The Philosophy Behind the Mall Raid
Jason was the firstborn in 1980. You’ve probably seen the opening credits of Three’s Company where a little toddler walks up to Joyce DeWitt at the zoo? That’s him. Nancy and John were right there behind the scenes. They even worked together on screen multiple times. They both appeared in the movie Americathon and the TV movie The Dreamer of Oz: The L. Frank Baum Story. In that one, Jason actually played their son on screen, too. It was a total family affair.
Life After the Divorce
Things didn't stay perfect forever. The couple separated in the early 90s and officially divorced in 1996. It’s something Jason has actually talked about quite a bit lately. On a podcast recently, he mentioned how the separation was tough on him as a kid. He felt a lot of anger and even felt like the split "hurt us as a family." It’s a very human perspective that reminds you that even "perfect" Hollywood families deal with the messy stuff.
Even after they split, Nancy and John stayed close. They were friends right up until his sudden death in 2003.
✨ Don't miss: Bad For Me Lyrics Kevin Gates: The Messy Truth Behind the Song
Nancy Morgan's Solo Spotlight
It’s easy to get lost in the "wife of" or "mother of" narrative, but Nancy Morgan’s resume is actually pretty stacked. She wasn't just doing cameos. She had roles in:
- The San Pedro Beach Bums (she played Julie)
- Lucky Luke (she played Lotta Legs alongside Terence Hill)
- Romance Theatre
- Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes (classic guest spots)
She even popped up in more modern projects like the 2008 indie film Good Dick, which actually starred Jason's then-partner Marianna Palka. She keeps it in the family. She’s currently 76 and has mostly stepped back from the relentless Hollywood grind, but her influence on her kids is undeniable.
Tyler Ritter is also a successful actor, and Carly Ritter took a different path into folk and country music. It’s clear Nancy raised a group of highly creative, expressive people.
🔗 Read more: Ashley Johnson: The Last of Us Voice Actress Who Changed Everything
Why It Matters
Understanding who Nancy Morgan is helps make sense of Jason Ritter’s career. He didn't just inherit his dad’s comedic timing; he inherited a deep respect for the craft from a mother who was working the trenches of 1970s television and film. She was there for the telethons, the guest spots, and the big movie breaks.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the Ritter family legacy, the best way is to actually watch Nancy’s early work. Seeing her in Grand Theft Auto gives you a glimpse of the screen presence that Jason clearly carries today. You can also look up archives of the United Cerebral Palsy telethons to see her and John's real-life chemistry. It’s a great way to see the woman who helped shape one of the most beloved acting dynasties in modern TV.