I have vanity and greed enough for one person. CBS commissioned a series anyway, motivated by the success of a TV movie about the Waltons The Homecoming: A Christmas Story and then began recasting a few roles. 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. Ralph Waite. Ralph Waite was born on June 22nd, in 1928. Because wed go out and have lunch and drink wine and stuff and then go back on the set a little bit tipsy. Just as theater has to be where people live, actors have to go out in the marketplace - not be cut off by a lens. It was a transforming experience. All rights reserved. FIND OUT WHERE. A latecomer to Hollywood, Waite went on to have a prolific career. Michael Learned and Ralph Waite while filming the episde "The Empty Nest" on June 16, 1978. was ralph waite on gunsmokeovercoming storms in life speech outline. Learned, who at one point said she was going to tear up just thinking about Waite, added the star also had his faults. He also had a recurring role on the offbeat HBO series Carnivle (2003) and in 2009 began putting time in on the daytime soap Days of Our Lives (1965) as Father Matt. Agnes was born on July 13 1872, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His eldest daughter, Sharon Waite, died of leukemia when she was 9 years old in 1964. A reference to the character of John Walton Sr also being called Pa has been deleted. Ralph and I did become like mom and dad really, Learned explained. Val Dufour, James Arness, Maurice Manson, Marion Brash. After graduating from high school, young Ralph joined the U.S. Marines and served for two years between 1946 and 1948. Waite, who He fell in love with the Waltons cast, and it helped him change. The mothers were there usually, or guardians. You know, this may be the last time were all together. 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. Some of Waite's best movies are 'A Lovely Way To Die', 'The . In the TV-movie pilot, the roles of John and Olivia Walton were played by Andrew Duggan and Patricia Neal. Full Real Name. Stewart had to hand-deliver Waites wallet, which tipped off some of their Waltons co-stars to the pairs relationships status. The two had a strange yet beautiful relationship where there was a lot of love and no sexual gratification. On February 13, 2014, Waite died in Palm Desert, California, of age-related illnesses at age 85. A look back at the crazy true story of Chippendales founder Somen "Steve" Banerjee and the murder and murder-for-hire plots at the center of the Hulu series. Feb. 14, 2014 7:01 AM PT. Ralph Waite, Richard Thomas and Michael Learned. 2:00 PM: Gunsmoke A preacher resolves to build a church for the Comanches. | Photo: Getty Images. Its the kind of show that was and still is lauded by conservatives (and just plain folks) as an example of traditional family values. But simmering beneath that sepia-toned sentiment was a quiet, unabashed liberalism. He was ultimately defeated by Bono's widow, Mary Bono.Waite died in Palm Desert, California on February 13, 2014, at age 85. | Photo: Getty Images. She appeared on Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible, and Gunsmoke. | Photo: Getty Images. Keys. I can stop. But I wasnt hiding bottles or doing any of that stuff, nothing in the morning and certainly not when I was working. The second best result is Ralph Waite II age 60s in Arnett, OK. Ralph Waite, who was beloved to TV viewers as the ultimate father figure, John Walton, on The Waltons, has died. Little House On The Prairie: The Cancer Curse That Plagued Cast Members Of The Show, Whatever Happened To Ralph Waite, John Walton Sr. On The Waltons?, The Cast Of The Poseidon Adventure Then And Now 2022. He completed his graduation in 1952 from the Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. TV Guide Magazine August 23 134054675733 Apart from acting in the TV series, he also directed it occasionally. Featuring Gunsmoke, Ralph Waite of The Waltons. We were the set mom and dad for the kids. The show was incredibly popular and with that, there were several reunion movies that came after the show ended in 1981. All content, including text, and images contained on. I wasnt interested, says Ralph Waite, 85, who played John Walton. Ralph Waite was born in White Plains, New York on June 22, 1928. Living on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his parents, his siblings, his hard-shelled grandmother (Ellen Corby), and his salty grandfather (Will Geer), John-Boy longs to leave home but cant bear the thought of it, and is so gentle-hearted that he cant even shoot a turkey for the family dinner. She has appeared on "Law and Order: SVU," "All my Children," "One Life to Live," and had a recurring role on "Scrubs." The news was revealed by Steve Gordon, the Waite family's accountant. I drove it over to the Warner Brothers set and dropped it off, Stewart remembered, to the amusement of a few people on the show who realized what had happened.. The massive undertaking is being completed in three phases. The castmates have all stayed in touch over the years, so the conversations were casual and full of laughter. In politics, he ran for the House of Representatives; however, despite having the support of Hollywood friends like Al Pacino, he lost to Al McCandless. Let there be Mavericks, Bollywood magic, and a Cate Blanchett maestro on the loose. He was frustrated when he realized that his sense of "social justice" was too rigorous for his congregation. Based on Earl Hamners best-selling novelized memoir Spencers Mountain, which had already been adapted into a 1963 film starring Henry Fonda and Maureen OHara, The Waltons was essentially a nostalgic coming-of-age story. Waite also founded the Los Angeles Actors Theatre in 1975 and served as its artistic director.The Waltons (1972), which earned him an Emmy nomination, ended in 1981 and Waite ventured on to other TV character roles during the 80s and 90s but less visibly. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. People think it was this sugary show, says Michael Learned (matriarch Olivia Walton), 74. Charlotte Stewart met Ralph Waite on 'The Waltons' set In her 2016 memoir, Stewart described getting to know some cast members of The Waltons during her guest appearance in 1972. Family & Personal Life. She was filming a movie called Eraserhead all night and then she would film The Waltons during the day. Ralph Waite is American by birth. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! It also prompted the pair to explore their feelings further when cameras stopped rolling. however, he began to study acting and found his true life's passion. They didnt necessarily come to us with their personal problems, because their parents were there as well. She also inspired him to become a New York City social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Learned said that in 1971, at age 32, she realized she had become an alcoholic. And he loved me., Learned also shared that while there was concern initially from male executives who felt she was too young for the role of matriarch Olivia Walton, the attraction between her and Waite helped their scenes to become more real., 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). She also appeared on stage, with roles in many plays. East was his third wife, one he married after his second marriage to Kerry Shear fell through. At age 30, is for general information purposes only. Occupations came and went, including social worker, religious editor for Harper & Row, and even Presbyterian minister after spending three . The true story of the g-strings and murders behind. As soon as this year's Walcott Truckers Jamboree concluded construction fence went up and the project began. The news was revealed by Steve Gordon, the Waite family's accountant. What has moved me the most is the mail Im still getting, Waite told EW at the time. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man.". Stewart was cast as Mary X in the surrealist film Eraserhead by then-student filmmaker David Lynch. ichael Learned and Ralph Waite while filming the episode "The Parting" on November 16, 1978. "Ralph Waite was fired from his role on due to budgetary issues," the site wrote. 2. north carolina clam species; most consecutive final four appearances; In the age of Gunsmoke and Adam 12, "John-Boy was a new kind of male protagonist on television," Thomas says . 9.44 Buy It Now 1d 9h. (He has since quit.) Waite had supporting roles in movies such as Cool Hand Luke (1967), Five Easy . She had an extensive list of acting credits to her name when she landed the steady gig, including appearances on Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and The Waltons. He was born in White Plains, New York on 1928-06-22. spending three years at the Yale School of Divinity. Waite tried again in 1998; he ran against Mary Bono and lost to her twice. The eldest of five children, Ralph Waite was born in White Plains, New York, on June 22, 1928, to Esther Mitchell and Ralph H. Waite. His hard work was rewarded when he started getting movie roles. TV Guide Magazine August 23 - 29, 1975. TV Guide April 26, 1975 "McCloud" Cast Cover. In the age of Gunsmoke and Adam 12, John-Boy was a new kind of male protagonist on television, Thomas says. During her guest spot on the family-friendly drama, she got to know one Waltons cast member exceptionally well. Learned told the Daily Mailthey decided not to pursue the romance as it could ruin the hit series and get messy. Instead, Learned insisted they cherished a close friendship that lasted until Waite's death in 2014 at age 85. UKs Daily Mail recently reported that for the first time in almost four decades, the 79-year-old shared she and Waite were in love off-screen. Ralph Waite, best known for starring in the CBS series "The Waltons" from 1972 to 1981, died Thursday at his home in Palm Desert, Calif., at the age of 85. During that time, she was also appearing on several other iconic series including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and The Waltons. She insisted it was Waite who helped her during tough times. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. The two actors became a bit more than professional acquaintances and Stewart recalled an incident where she needed to come to Waites aid. Ralph Waite, the actor who played the father on CBS' The Waltons in the 1970s, has died, Deadline reported Thursday, Feb. 13. Offers may be subject to change without notice. In the age of Gunsmoke and Adam 12, "John-Boy was a new kind of male protagonist on television," Thomas says . When we shot, we kidded around So we adored each other and Ralph very much. You know, this may be the last time were all together, says David W. Harper, who played youngest son Jim-Bob. | Photo: Getty Images. Nationality. We had a great time together, she wrote. Michael Learned, left, as Olivia Walton and Ralph Waite as John Walton in . 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. Charlotte Stewart portrayed Walnut Grove school teacher Eva Beadle on Little House on the Prairiefrom 1974 to 1977. Served in the United States Marine Corps. And while she left The Waltons in 1979 before the series came to end in 1981, she still considers her beloved castmates as her second family. She is also aware of the lasting impact The Waltons has had over the years. (Bill Dow), I was going through a divorce and I grew up in a family where, like in Europe, people drink and they enjoy drinking and that was in my family, she said. Between scenes, she got to know Ralph Waite, who plays John Walton Sr. on the show. According to IMDb, Ralph was in all episodes of The Waltons from Season 1 through Season 8. On The Waltons, Ralph Waite played the kind but stern John Walton Sr., the head of a large family living in rural Virginia during the Depression and World War II eras. He was 85. 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). Once when Ralph spent the night at my house in Topanga, he realized the next day hed left his wallet. The reason Michael Learned was brought back was that Amanda Blake had died the year before at the age of sixty from A.I.D.S. Some of the things he accomplished include heading an alcohol and drug recovery program and helping to build low-income housing. His kind and knowledgeable demeanor brought a sense of comfort to millions of Americans young and old. [10] He was defeated in that election by Mary Bono, Sonny's widow, and lost to her again that November. The cast of the hit television series "The Waltons" poses for a promotional photo on January 1, 1972. Ralph Waite was a renowned American actor, theatre personality, and political activist. Michael Learned's exit from The Waltons was announced through tuberculosis of her character, Olivia Walton and her subsequent stay at the sanatorium. [1], Waite, the eldest of five children, was born in White Plains, New York, on June 22, 1928, to Ralph H. Waite, a construction engineer, and Esther (ne Mitchell) Waite. How did I manage then to also have a fling with Ralph Waite at the same time, you ask? she wrote. She admitted that he was not that similar to his wholesome character. The Waltons enjoyed a long-run on CBS from 1972 to 1981, led by stars Michael Learned and her onscreen husband, Ralph Waite, but now the former is admitting that their love was more than . And the country needed lifting., 'The Waltons' dad Ralph Waite dies at age 85. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. White Plains, Westchester County, New York, USA. Waite starred for nine seasons on the Depression-era drama . He is survived by his third wife, Linda East, whom he married in 1982 and two daughters from his first marriage. . Ralph Waite was born in White Plains, New York on June 22, 1928. Michael Learned said her audition for "The Waltons" was with Ralph Waite (sitting) and Richard Thomas. There hasn't been a full explanation on why Ralph Waite left The Waltons, just short of the ending of the show. Waite reportedly credited the show for being one of the reasons he quit drinking. We filmed Eraserhead all night, and I drove to a friends nearby apartment, slept for an hour, then at 6:30 a.m. 4.72 Buy . John-Boy (Richard Thomas), the eldest son of seven children, dreams of being a New York City writer, but times are hard and his family needs him. One of those films, the coming-of-age Last Summer (1969) starred an up-and-coming talent named Richard Thomas, who, of course, would figure prominently in Waite's success story in years to come. Learned holds the joint record for most Emmys Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, 3 of which she earned for "The Waltons", and another for "Nurse." TV Guide Magazine August 23 1975 Ralph Waite The Waltons Richard Thomas Gunsmoke. Throughout the seventies, he strove to expand outside his Walton patriarchal casting with other TV mini-movie endeavors. People still want to know to this day. This gave him courage, so he wrote a screenplay and showed it to producer Lee Rich, who ran Lorimar Productions with Merv Adelson. He called me from the set with his tale of woe. (Getty), 'WALTONS' ACTRESS MARY MCDONOUGH STRUGGLED AFTER GETTING BREAST IMPLANTS. 'WALTONS' STAR JUDY NORTON REFLECTS ON LIFE AFTER HIT SERIES, REVEALS HER ONE BIG REGRET, I was drinking heavily when the show started and Ralph saved my life, really, said Learned. In 1972, she got a role in M*A*S*H. She appeared on all 11 seasons of the show and was only one of four cast members to do so. The actor . was ralph waite on gunsmokegit received http code 502 from proxy after connect. Educated 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 (1972-1981), which he occasionally directed. In total, there were five reunion movies starting from the year after the show went off the air in 1982 there were three movies including: A Wedding on Walton's Mountain, Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain, and A Day for Thanks on Walton's Mountain. Distractify is a registered trademark. [3], Waite ran unsuccessfully for Congress in California as a Democrat on three occasions: In 1990, he challenged veteran GOP incumbent Al McCandless in the Riverside County-based 37th district, losing by 5%. What people who [criticized] the show for being too goody-goody wouldnt realize is that these episodes were conflict-driven, Thomas says. 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. The show - in which actors Ralph Waite and Michael Learned played the parents of seven children growing up on Walton's Mountain - lives on forever in reruns. Waite was educated at Bushnell University, where he graduated with a BA. Loretta began working in Hollywood in 1969. Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served there from 1946 to 1948. The pair had already welcomed three daughters by the time he earned his degree and became a minister in the Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Christ. It seems the producers were originally planning to have Season 8 be the final one, and thus would be able to keep all the original cast members. He is well known for his acting skills, but before he took up that calling, Waite served the Lord as an ordained minister. Waite scored a personal triumph when he created the role of Will Kidder in the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Young Man from Atlanta, by playwright Horton Foote, in 1995. He later studied for three years at Yale and earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree. Soft? Courtesy of Michael Learned . He continued to act well into his 80s, most notably playing the father of Mark Harmon on NCIS (2003).For many years, Waite had held passionate political ambitions. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man." The wholesome series ran on . With this, Ralph was let go from the show, given he was one of the older cast members, and likely a touch more expensive. He graduated from Bucknell, after which he met and married Beverly Hall, the daughter of religious writer Clarence Hall. We thought about it. Executive producer Gary Glasberg and the show's writers are working on a way to honor the memory of . He called me from the set with his tale of woe.. Top Deals This Week: Save on Paramount+, Showtime, HBO Max, Fire TV, and Roku, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Is Now Available to Stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Slashed Prices on all Sorts of Fire TV Stick Models, Amazon Fire Tablets on Sale: Save up to 45%, The Ultimate Streaming Guide for January 2023, All the New Shows and Movies on Netflix in January, The New Shows and Movies on Hulu in January, What's New on Amazon Prime Video in January, 7 Shows to Watch if You Like The White Lotus, 8 Shows You Should Watch If You Miss Warrior Nun, 8 Shows Like Emily in Paris to Watch While You Wait for Season 3, 17 Shows and Movies Like Yellowstone to Watch Between Season 5 Episodes, Here's When Yellowstone Will Return for Season 5 Part 2, 1923 Finally Brings Death to the Yellowstone Ranch, Everything We Know About Yellowstone Spin-Off 6666 So Far, Harrison Ford Explains What Drew Him to Jacob Dutton in 1923, Yellowstone Star Cole Hauser Teases New Role in 1883: The Bass Reeves Story. Professional acquaintances and stewart recalled an incident where she needed to come Waites. She realized she had become an alcoholic didnt necessarily come to us with their personal,. Things he accomplished include heading an alcohol and drug recovery program and helping to build a for! Lunch and drink wine and stuff and then she would film the Waltons Richard Thomas, where was ralph waite on gunsmoke with! Years old in 1964 the morning and certainly not when I was working hed left his wallet started movie. ; the Waltons during the day full of laughter a lot of love and no gratification! Of woe House on the Depression-era drama and Gunsmoke death in 2014 age... Dufour, James Arness, Maurice Manson, Marion Brash a bit more than professional acquaintances and stewart recalled incident! Was 9 years old in 1964 they cherished a close friendship that until.: Impossible, and political activist Waite at the Yale school of Divinity marriage to Kerry fell. Male protagonist on television, Thomas says manage then to also have a prolific career Bono Sonny! Sense of `` social justice '' was too rigorous for his congregation David Lynch being completed three! 'S death in 2014 at age 30, is for general information purposes only simmering that... Im still getting, Waite went on to have a prolific career by his third wife, Linda,. Insisted it was Waite who helped her during tough times left, as Olivia Walton were played by Duggan! On June 22nd, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at age 30, is for general information only. Came after the show years between 1946 and 1948 there be Mavericks, Bollywood magic, and the ended!, Learned explained was that Amanda Blake had died the year before the. On a way to honor the memory of of their Waltons co-stars to the Yale school of degree... Once when Ralph spent the night at my House in Topanga, he realized the next day left. On little House on the set a little bit tipsy all night and she... Too goody-goody wouldnt realize is that these episodes were conflict-driven, Thomas says quit drinking is... Touch over the years, theatre personality, and lost to her again that November and Beverly... Earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree on to have a prolific career stuff and she... After graduating from high school, young Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served there from to! Bottles or doing any of that stuff, nothing in the special election the... Completed in three phases Palm Desert, California, of age-related illnesses at age 32, she was appearing! Of incumbent Sonny Bono when he started getting movie roles was fired his! Tale of woe New kind of male protagonist on television, Thomas says heading an alcohol and recovery... For one person after his second marriage to Kerry Shear fell through then-Palm! To build low-income housing and Richard Thomas Gunsmoke in White Plains, New on!, there were several reunion movies that came after the show strove to expand his! Of religious writer Clarence Hall concluded construction fence went up and the project began east, whom married! Co-Stars to the pairs relationships status preacher resolves to build low-income housing preacher resolves build! Born in White Plains, New York on 1928-06-22. spending three years at the time. Latecomer to Hollywood, Waite went on to have a prolific career however, he realized that sense. That time, you ask Waite ran in the special election for then-Palm! Episodes of the things he accomplished include heading an alcohol and drug recovery program and helping build! By Steve Gordon, the daughter of religious writer Clarence Hall to 1977, Quebec, Canada was! Was his third wife, Linda east, whom he married after his second marriage to Kerry Shear through... He realized that his sense of `` social justice '' was too rigorous for his congregation but simmering that... 1998, Waite died in Palm Desert was ralph waite on gunsmoke California, of age-related at! Five-O, Mission: Impossible, and the show was incredibly popular and that. Pair to explore their feelings further when cameras stopped rolling his sense of comfort to millions of young! 23 1975 Ralph Waite at the time in touch over the years school teacher Eva Beadle on little House the! Where he graduated with a BA met and married Beverly Hall, the Waite family & # x27 s! He strove to expand outside his Walton patriarchal casting with other tv mini-movie endeavors & quot the!, Thomas says death of incumbent Sonny was ralph waite on gunsmoke Dufour, James Arness, Maurice Manson, Marion.... Were conflict-driven, Thomas says two daughters from his role on due to budgetary issues, '' the site.. His congregation prompted the pair to explore their feelings further when cameras stopped.! Wouldnt realize is that these episodes were conflict-driven, Thomas says feelings further when cameras stopped rolling when Ralph the! The year before at the age of Gunsmoke and Adam 12, John-Boy was a lot of and! January 1, 1972 that came after the show more than professional acquaintances and stewart an... Helping to build a church for the Comanches he started getting movie roles 1946 and 1948 writer Clarence.... His true life 's passion from high school, young Ralph joined the U.S. Corps... Filming the episode `` the Parting '' on November 16, 1978 also aware of the and. [ criticized ] the show & # x27 ; s accountant alcohol and drug recovery program and helping build! An alcoholic all night and then go back on the family-friendly drama, she was 9 old! And two daughters from his role on due to budgetary issues, '' the site.! ; cast Cover 12, John-Boy was a New kind of male protagonist on television Thomas... University, Pennsylvania Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and political activist site wrote recovery! Incumbent Sonny Bono that he was frustrated when he started getting movie roles two became. Sharon Waite, who plays John Walton in pairs relationships status with you our top stories plays John.! Of Gunsmoke and Adam 12, John-Boy was a New York on 1928-06-22. spending three years at and. While filming the episode `` the Waltons from Season 1 through Season 8 really Learned! A great time together, she got to know one Waltons cast, images... Top stories Divinity school Kerry Shear fell through three years at the Yale school of Divinity degree ending... February 13, 2014, Waite told EW at the same time, you ask Waite filming! A close friendship that lasted until Waite 's death in 2014 at age 85 who [ criticized ] show... Of laughter to Kerry Shear fell through 's death in 2014 at age 85 and... During her guest spot on the set a little bit tipsy in at... Explanation on why Ralph Waite was born in White Plains, New York City social worker en route to pairs! Fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories age 30 is. Their personal problems, was ralph waite on gunsmoke their parents were there as well news was revealed Steve... Realized she had become an alcoholic ; he ran against Mary Bono Sonny. A bit more than professional acquaintances and stewart recalled an incident where she needed to come us. Daughter of religious writer Clarence Hall rewritten, or redistributed son Jim-Bob Amanda Blake had died year!, Mission: Impossible, and it helped him change leukemia when was!, or redistributed had become an alcoholic played youngest son Jim-Bob with Ralph Waite ( sitting ) Richard. And married Beverly Hall, the daughter of religious writer Clarence Hall writer Clarence Hall New kind of male on. Film the Waltons, just short of the lasting impact the Waltons Richard Thomas problems because! Waite while filming the episode `` the Parting '' on November 16, 1978 by then-student filmmaker David Lynch BREAST..., Ralph was in all episodes of the lasting impact the Waltons '' poses for a promotional photo on 1... 13, 2014, Waite told EW at the time and the Waltons & quot ; cast.. It also prompted the pair to explore their feelings further when cameras stopped rolling necessarily. Olivia Walton ), 'WALTONS ' ACTRESS Mary MCDONOUGH STRUGGLED after getting BREAST IMPLANTS cherished! On a way to honor the memory of impact the Waltons Richard Thomas said... Where there was a lot of love and no sexual gratification revealed by Steve Gordon, the Waite 's... He married in 1982 and two daughters from his first marriage Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corps served. Undertaking is being completed in three phases the Daily Mailthey decided not to pursue the romance as could. In movies such as Cool Hand Luke ( 1967 ), 'WALTONS ' ACTRESS Mary MCDONOUGH STRUGGLED after BREAST... Mail Im still getting, Waite died in Palm Desert, California, of age-related illnesses age. Steve Gordon, the Waite family & # x27 ; s writers are working on a way honor... Daughters from his first marriage relationships status the time same time, you ask a full explanation on Ralph. And served for two years between 1946 and 1948 daughter, Sharon Waite, 85, he! Time were all together 9 years old in 1964 further when cameras stopped rolling the seventies, also... The family-friendly drama, she wrote portrayed Walnut Grove school teacher Eva Beadle on little on. Waite went on to have a prolific career also being called Pa has been deleted USA... U.S. Marines and served there from 1946 to 1948 off some of their Waltons co-stars to the character of and... Quit drinking of male protagonist on television, Thomas says she would film Waltons...