But it made everybody laugh. 'WALTONS' STAR JUDY NORTON REVEALS HER ONE BIG REGRET, Set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II, the show follows the Walton family, consisting of John (Ralph Waite) and Olivia (Michael Learned), their seven children, and John's parents Zebulon "Zeb" Tyler (Will Greer) and Esther (Ellen Corby). These Behind-the-Scenes Secrets About The Brady Bunch Will Blow Your Mind! I was probably 7. It resonated with his being, and that was when he knew that he loved acting. On February 13, 2014, Waite died in Palm Desert, California, of natural causes at age 85. Wanting more, the star looked for other roles that weren't so patriarchal and found that in several parts. The special, which also features Tony-winning star Kelli OHara, was filmed last year before the ongoing coronavirus pandemic impacted the country. Thomas played John Walton Jr. His character is better known as John-Boy. It's so wonderful. Ralph Waite sits down for an exclusive interview with INSP to share his thoughts on life as an actor.Old Henry is an original short form limited series creat. Unfortunately, he was appalled by the churchs hypocrisy and quit. And the way Ralph told the story, he realized he was kneeling in the mud talking to me, that he had a responsibility to raise his children. Among that group is Ralph Waite, who joined "NCIS" in 2008. This was enough to encourage him to move West where he began collecting bit parts in prestigious movies, including Cool Hand Luke (1967) and Five Easy Pieces (1970). In 1995, he was again seen in the TV movie A Walton Wedding. 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We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. All rights reserved. Fox News: Does your family have any holiday traditions?Thomas: We just like to be together with whichever of our young people, our kids can be with us. In fact, he even demanded that the show cast Native Americans for specific parts. Before becoming a big celebrity, Waite graduated with a BA degree from Bucknell University. Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 February 13, 2014) was an American actor, best known for his lead role as John Walton Sr. on The Waltons (19721981), which he occasionally directed. Fox News: You've led such a successful career over the years. When he passed away, NCIS decided to dedicate the entire Season 11 finale to Ralph Waites memory. They were writing about their own upbringings in Kentucky, Tennessee or Virginia. | Photo: Getty Images. What was she like?Cotler: I knew who Natalie Wood was because my father was in love with Natalie Wood. Then I helped launch a charter school in Los Angeles, which is how I ended up as a school leader. The Waltons: Our producers had a unique opportunity to sit down with Ralph Waite during the shooting of Old Henry, an INSP original Short-Form series, to answer some of the questions that you recently submitted through the INSP Facebook page. And everybody was very super gracious about letting this little girl climb all over their equipment and ask 100 questions. Fox News: What surprised you the most about Kelli O'Hara while filming this special?Thomas: Nothing surprised me about Kelli because I've known Kelli and her family for many years, and I know what a magnificent artist she is, and also what a wonderful person. In 1990, he ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat, challenging a four-term Republican incumbent. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. You dont see those elements on television very often. | Photo: Getty Images. Feeling disconnected from his role on the show and his real-life, Waite finally found the courage to quit drinking, according to co-star Judy Norton. It was very easy for him. The writers definitely had good stories to tell. This was not long before he passed away. "The Waltons" aired from 1972 until 1981. Outside entertainment, Waite demonstrated his usefulness in politics and community work. She went to the producers and said, These kids have given you years of their lives and you cant even get them something? remembers Judy Norton, who played eldest daughter Mary Ellen. I was pretty disciplined, but I just took it in stride. Ralph Waite's story tells one of humanity at its finest. He fell in love with the Waltons cast, and it helped him change. But no matter how much you know about Kelli and heard her sing before, when you get on stage and you hear that voice, it's a miracle all over again. Waite never knew he would go into acting. The Emmy-winning actor, who famously played John-Boy Walton in the hit 70s series The Waltons,"is hosting Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir, an Americana-themed special that aims to celebrate soulful holiday traditions, songs and stories. He also acted in movies like The Pursuit of Happiness (1971) and The Magnificent Seven Ride (1972), Although never quite a leading star, he became a stalwart of the industry. 2, Privacy Notice and Disclosure for California Residents. It's, I think, the 17th version of it. Family & Personal Life. They had three daughters together, Sharon, Kathleen, and Suzanne. Ralph married actress, Kerry Shear, on August 27, 1977, and this marriage too ended in a divorce on August 31, 1981. But he realized that, as he looked at each of us as we sat in the audience, that he still felt connected. Ralph Waite, who was beloved to TV viewers as the ultimate father figure, John Walton, on The Waltons, has died. His eldest daughter, Sharon Waite, died of leukemia when she was 9 years old in 1964. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "The Waltons" was one of the defining television shows of the early '70s. The interview took place in 2015. After 50 years away from organized religion, Waite returned in 2010 and became an active member of Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship in Palm Desert, California. Environmental charter schools. Waite was a great man who was loved by many people despite his faults. After graduating from Bucknell, Waite married his first wife, Beverly Hall, the daughter of religious writer Clarence Hall. In an interview with Assignment X in 2015, Harmon recalled how the show handled Waites departure. Child star Kami Cotler shares memories of Ralph Waite, best known for playing big-hearted patriarch John Walton in The Waltons, who passed away in 2014. And there were lots of writers writing from personal experiences. All Rights Reserved. The cast of the hit television series "The Waltons" poses for a promotional photo on January 1, 1972. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), What Happened to Chase on 'Fixer to Fabulous'? The music selection also highlights lesser-known carols and ballads from American composers. Waite was a great man who was loved by many people despite his faults. He also had some really, really bad jokes. Ralph Waite as a guest star on NCIS season seven in Los Angeles on November 4, 2009, and him with actress Michael Learned in a scene on "The Waltons" circa 1973 | Photos: Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty Images. And, we watch our Christmas shows as a family. He also portrayed Reverend Norman Balthus in Carnivle (2003 2005). For more exclusive news from Closer Weekly, be sure to sign up for our newsletter! Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Here are a couple of the interview segments. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/ralph-waite-47183.php, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century American Film & Theater Personalities. He would reprise the role in the TV movie The Waltons: A Decade of the Waltons (1980). Waite would drink at night and on the side. Dec 22, 2021 04:35 P.M. Michael Learned and Ralph Waite had undeniable chemistry as love interests in "The Waltons." However, unknown to many, the romantic bond they shared on-screen uniquely translated into their real lives. It would be his defining role. He'd hoped to gain the congressional district that included Palm Springs, Riverside, and Palm Desert, where he lived. 'THE WALTONS' STAR MICHAEL LEARNED TALKS REBOOT RUMORS, Ralph Waltie and Michael Learned in "The Waltons." Old Henry is an original short form limited series. Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served there from 1946 to 1948. When he passed away, "NCIS" decided to dedicate the entire Season 11 finale to Ralph Waite's memory. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Waite made a go at marriage one more time before his death. He has appeared in all 414 episodes of the hit show and isnt showing signs of stopping. But also by the time The Waltons came along and was a hit, I'd been acting since I was 8years old. In 1965, he earned excellent reviews for his role in "Hogan's Goat," which led him to move West. is for general information purposes only. His political campaign suffered because he was also committed to life as an actor. And that we were basically part of each others lives whether we wanted it or not. He then spent his young adult life trying to find his way. 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And I had a good stable home life with parents who were also performers so they helped me through it. So as long as the cast and crew are happy with the creative work theyre doing, NCIS will likely stick around. But behind-the-scenes, Michael, 79, and Ralph who passed away at age 85 in 2014 were much more than just an onscreen Mr. and Mrs. "It was a story about an enormous family and a mother . He would play other roles, too, before his death. He is well known for his acting skills, but before he took up that calling, Waite served the Lord as an ordained minister. Michael and I are still very, very, very close, as all of us are. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The actor lost himself to addiction following the loss of his little girl, but luckily for him, the "The Waltons" cast was around to help him battle it. In 1998, Waite ran in the special election for the then-Palm Springs-based 44th district left vacant by the death of incumbent Sonny Bono. A lot of that was because of Ralph and his performance, she said. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Once owned a house in Rancho Mirage, California. He twice ran unsuccessfully for a Congressional seat -- in 1990 and 1998. He completed his graduation in 1952 from the Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. And Ralph Waite's hiatus showed him how out of touch people can be with the rest of the country. Its true that Waite dealt with issues, including alcoholism, during his life and time on The Waltons. He also had lingering memories of a daughter, Sharon Waite, dying of leukemia when she was 9 years old. Maybe he knew he wasnt going to be around. The actor began dating Kerry Shear in 1975 after she pitched as a volunteer stage manager-actress at the LAAT. He got the company going by personally investing $50,000 to direct, perform, and produce "The Hairy Ape and The Kitchen.". Those included Roots (1977), for which he received an Emmy nomination, the title role in The Secret Life of John Chapman (1976), OHMS (1980), Angel City (1980) and The Gentleman Bandit (1981). I help troubleshoot whatever exciting new problems might emerge. He worked at the Los Angeles Actors Theatre when he wasn't acting. The show was what led him to kick his habit. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Fox News: How would you describe Ralph Waite when he wasn't playing your father on the screen?Thomas: Id made a picture with him years before [The Waltons], and he was an uncompromisingly honest artist and an actor. The icon admitted she and her onscreen husband were deeply in love in real life. The news was revealed by Steve Gordon, the Waite family's accountant. Picture of Ralph Waite with other cast members on "The Waltons" | Photo: Getty Images. So as a little kid, most of that stuff goes right by you. He didnt necessarily think at that moment he was doing a very good job. I'd seen it aired. 0:00 / 1:50 Ralph Waite on Life after The Waltons - Watch Old Henry at moments.org! Legal Statement. . As the year comes to an end, the 69-year-old has been reflecting on cherished memories, particularly those from his time filming The Waltons, which focuses on a family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. Waite had already developed his drinking problem by that time, and it got worse after 1964. Fox News: Whats one memory of Waite that still resonates with you?Cotler: His singing. It's true that Waite dealt with issues, including alcoholism, during his life . Kami Cotler today. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man." Equipment and ask 100 questions ralph waite interview Norton, who joined & quot was... 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