Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes) Jason Ritter
Apr 8, 2026
Jason Ritter, actor and producer and son of John Ritter, talks about sobriety’s positive impact on his marriage and identity. He recalls early industry friendships and stage work. He discusses honoring his parents’ legacy and how his dad influences his acting. He also describes playing a villain on the Matlock reboot and his role on The Last of Us.
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Rookie On Set Mistakes From First Film Experience
- Early on during his first film Mumford, Jason made rookie on-set mistakes like inhaling cigar smoke into a brandy snifter and getting sick.
- He recalls similar embarrassing craft-service and prop mishaps that taught him practical lessons about takes.
Sobriety Revealed The Whole Self
- Sobriety forced Jason Ritter to reconcile fragmented parts of himself instead of masking them with alcohol.
- He learned to accept some things, change what he can, and noticed creativity can come from observation not intoxication.
Use Observation Not Intoxication For Acting
- Observe real people instead of using substances to create authenticity in performance.
- Jason cites Ryan O'Nan as an example who never drank and could play drunk better through observation.