What Happened to Jason Morgan Ritter?
Jason Ritter is an American actor known for his diverse roles in television and film, including "Joan of Arcadia," "Parenthood," and extensive voice work. He continues to be active in Hollywood, with recent and upcoming projects in 2026, and is married to actress Melanie Lynskey, with whom he shares a daughter.
Quick Answer
Jason Ritter is currently starring in the CBS reboot of "Matlock," which premiered in October 2024, and was recently cast in a new role for the third season of HBO's "The Last of Us" in March 2026. He also voiced the lead in Netflix's animated series "Captain Fall" in 2023. Ritter is married to actress Melanie Lynskey, and they have a daughter. In April 2026, it was announced that Lynskey would return to "Matlock" and share a scene with Ritter.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Los Angeles, California
Jason Morgan Ritter is born to actors John Ritter and Nancy Morgan.
First Onscreen Appearance
Made his professional acting debut in the TV movie 'The Dreamer of Oz: The L. Frank Baum Story' alongside his father.
Feature Film Debut in 'Mumford'
Ritter made his feature film debut in the movie 'Mumford'.
Breakthrough Role in 'Joan of Arcadia'
Starred as Kevin Girardi, the disabled brother of the titular character, in the CBS family drama series.
Wins Clarence Derwent Award
Received the 61st annual Clarence Derwent Award for his performance in Wendy Wasserstein's play 'Third'.
Critical Acclaim for 'Parenthood'
Played Mark Cyr, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2012.
Voice of Dipper Pines in 'Gravity Falls'
Voiced one of the main characters in the popular Disney animated series.
Welcomes Daughter
He and Melanie Lynskey welcome their first child, a daughter.
Voices Ryder in 'Frozen II'
Lent his voice to the character Ryder in the highly successful Walt Disney animated film.
Marries Melanie Lynskey
Secretly married actress Melanie Lynskey after four years of dating.
Appears in 'Candy' with wife
Starred as Deputy Denny Reese in the Hulu miniseries 'Candy,' which also featured his wife Melanie Lynskey.
Voices Lead in 'Captain Fall'
Voiced the main character, Jonathan Fall, in the Netflix animated series.
Stars in 'Matlock' Reboot
Began a main role as Julian Markston in the CBS reboot of 'Matlock' alongside Kathy Bates.
Cast in 'The Last of Us' Season 3
Announced to play the original character Hanley, a Washington Liberation Front soldier, in the third season of the HBO series.
To Share Scene with Wife in 'Matlock'
It was revealed that his wife, Melanie Lynskey, would return to 'Matlock' for its Season 2 finale and share a scene with him.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jason Morgan Ritter, born February 17, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, is the son of acclaimed actor John Ritter and actress Nancy Morgan. Following in his parents' footsteps, Ritter pursued an acting career, making his first onscreen appearance in 1990. He gained early recognition for his role as Kevin Girardi in the CBS drama "Joan of Arcadia" (2003–2005), portraying a paraplegic brother.
Ritter's career expanded into both dramatic and comedic roles across film and television. He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2012 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Mark Cyr on "Parenthood" (2010–2014). His versatility is also evident in his extensive voice acting work, notably as Dipper Pines in Disney's animated series "Gravity Falls" (2012–2016) and as Ryder in Disney's "Frozen II" (2019).
In recent years, Ritter has maintained a strong presence in television. He starred in Netflix's superhero series "Raising Dion" (2019–2022) and appeared in the Hulu miniseries "Candy" (2022) alongside his wife, Melanie Lynskey. In 2023, he lent his voice to the titular character in Netflix's animated dark comedy "Captain Fall." A significant recent development in his live-action career is his main role in the CBS reboot of "Matlock," which began airing in October 2024, where he plays Julian Markston opposite Kathy Bates.
As of 2026, Ritter continues to take on new and prominent roles. In March 2026, it was announced that he was cast as Hanley, a Washington Liberation Front soldier, in the highly anticipated third season of HBO's "The Last of Us." This follows a cameo appearance as a clicker in the first season. Furthermore, in April 2026, news broke that his wife, Melanie Lynskey, would be returning to "Matlock" for its second-season finale, and the couple is set to share a scene on screen. Ritter married Melanie Lynskey in 2020, and they welcomed their daughter in December 2018. He has openly discussed how his relationship with Lynskey has positively impacted his life.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jason Morgan Ritter made different choices?