John Ritter was undoubtedly one of the most beloved figures in television, so it wasn’t altogether surprising that his untimely passing in 2003 stirred up an outpouring of sorrow from fans and colleagues alike. Suzanne Pleshette first crossed paths with him when he guest-starred on “The Bob Newhart Show,” and this became the start of a long-lasting friendship.
When John Ritter passed away so suddenly, producers of “8 Simple Rules” faced a challenge to keep the show running. Fortunately, Suzanne Pleshette stepped in and appeared in three episodes as Paul Hennessy’s mother-in-law, offering her talent and support to the cast and crew.
The Queen of Mean
Suzanne Pleshette hit the big stage in 1990 as Leona Helmsley, “The Queen of Mean.” Her riveting portrayal earned her critic-acclaim and two notable award nominations - Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe - for a film that showcased the tumultuous businesswoman's true story with her husband.
She had plans to meet with Helmsley just as she was awaiting sentencing for tax evasion. But she didn't want to risk any interference with the proceedings or put Helmsley in a tight spot with questions about the movie's content. So, she decided to play it safe and skip the meeting. Very smart move.
Her Third Marriage
Now, this is a love story for the books! Many actors fall in love on set, but this one really does take the cake. On the set of 1959's “Golden Fleecing,” Suzanne Pleshette and Tom Poston had a brief but memorable connection. Despite its brevity, they managed to remain good friends - often seeing one another in various productions over their storied careers.
After the devastating loss of their spouses, Suzanne Pleshette and Tom Poston commiserated with each other in solidarity. But out of sorrow came joy – a year later, they were married! In her own words, Pleshette said, "I'm as happy as I've ever been."
Pleshette’s Final Appearance
Many actors fluctuate back and forth between TV and film, and even Suzanne Pleshette would do this from time to time. The actress returned to the small screen in 2002 when she guest starred as Karen Walker's (Megan Mullally) long-lost mom, Lois Whitley, on “Will & Grace.” She briefly returned two years later for a double episode that delighted viewers everywhere.
Mullally's distinctively high-pitched voice provided a striking contrast to Pleshette's deep rasp, resulting in a perfect on-screen chemistry between the two actresses. Pleshette, who was 67 years old during her last appearance, had been anticipating a lengthy and relaxed retirement. But something else came up.
One Last Laugh
Unfortunately, the actress suffered another heartbreak over a decade ago. Suzanne Pleshette and Tom Poston had a great marriage, with both claiming they were as happy as ever for those six years. The devoted couple was inseparable until the end, when sadly, in 2007, Poston passed away from respiratory failure, leaving Pleshette heartbroken.
Despite having ample wealth during his lifetime, Poston was notorious for being a bad tipper – something Pleshette joked about even as she went through the hardest of times. She played one last joke on her beloved by leaving $20 in his casket to “tip the man at Heaven's pearly gates.”