Kaley Cuoco has become emotional while remembering her late 8 Simple Rules co-star John Ritter, describing his death as one of the worst days of her life.

Cuoco spoke about Ritter at the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health’s annual gala, where she reflected on the actor’s impact on her life and career. Ritter played her on-screen father, Paul Hennessy, on the ABC sitcom, which premiered in 2002.

“I was 16 when we did our first table read,” Cuoco recalled. She remembered arriving in a revealing outfit before Ritter walked in, took off his jacket and placed it over her, telling her, “You’ll never dress like that again, missy.”

That moment immediately made Cuoco feel that Ritter had become her TV dad. She has continued to speak warmly about their relationship over the years, previously saying that he “changed the course” of her life.

Ritter died suddenly in September 2003 at the age of 54 after suffering an aortic dissection while rehearsing an episode of 8 Simple Rules. Cuoco was 17 at the time.

The actor’s death had a lasting impact on the sitcom and its cast, with the series continuing for another season before ending in 2005.

Cuoco has remained involved with the John Ritter Foundation, which works to raise awareness of aortic health and support research. Her latest tribute once again highlighted the lasting influence Ritter had on her both personally and professionally.