Sitcom actor was 54

American comedy actor John Ritter has died at the age of 54.

He found fame in the Seventies as Jack in Three's Company, the US remake of the British sitcom Man About The House.

His career had stalled since, but he was enjoying a revival with a new ABC show 8 Simple Rules. He collapsed on its Los Angeles set yesterday and was taken to a nearby hospital.

But doctors were unable to save him, and he died from a previously undetected heart problem.

A spokesman for the network said: "All of us are shocked and heartbroken at the terrible news of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children at this very difficult time."

Published: 12 Sep 2003