Tex Ritter, born Woodward Maurice Ritter in 1905, was one of the most influential figures in early country music. Known as “The Singing Cowboy,” Tex made a name for himself with his rich baritone voice and authentic Western charm.
When he moved from Texas to New York City to pursue entertainment, his thick Southern drawl stood out — earning him the nickname “Tex” and helping launch a successful career in music and film. Between 1936 and 1945 alone, he appeared in nearly 50 Westerns and became a staple of early cowboy cinema.
Beyond the silver screen, Tex broke new ground in music history. He became the first artist ever to release a country album and was among the very first to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
His contributions helped shape what country music is today, blending storytelling and twang into a genre that continues to thrive. Tex passed away in 1974 from a heart attack, but his influence endures through both his recordings and his family.
Continuing a family legacy
Though Jason Ritter never got to meet his grandfather — he was born six years after Tex’s passing — the resemblance between them hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Jason shares many of Tex’s distinctive features: his warm smile, strong jawline, and expressive eyes. While fans often compare Jason to his father, John Ritter, the iconic star of Three’s Company and 8 Simple Rules, Jason himself sees Tex’s legacy in his own career path as well.
In a 2005 interview with CMT, Jason acknowledged the weight of his family’s artistic heritage. “I have kind of just accepted the fact that people are going to compare me to my dad,” he said.
“No one has compared me to Tex, yet.” Despite this, Jason admitted he feels a deep sense of responsibility to honor the talents of both his father and grandfather. “It does push me to want to be the best actor I can and really take it seriously.”
That seriousness shows in his body of work. From heartfelt dramas to dark comedies, Jason Ritter has carved out a career on his own terms, while still honoring the family legacy he inherited.
In addition to his television roles, he’s appeared in films like The Tale and Frozen II, voiced characters in animated series, and even earned an Emmy nomination for his role in Parenthood.
While Jason’s path led him more toward acting than music, the echo of Tex Ritter’s trailblazing spirit can still be felt. With his dedication to his craft and reverence for where he came from, Jason continues to bridge the worlds of old Hollywood, country music, and modern television — a true heir to an enduring American legacy.
