He was making sure everybody was good." He was next seen in the hit movie Cliffhanger in 1993. Ralph Waite, the big-hearted patriarch John Walton in the '70s Depression-era series "The Waltons," passed away five years ago, on Feb. 13, 2014 at age 85 and one co-star who grew up with him. 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. I'd seen it aired. He would reprise the role in the TV movie The Waltons: A Decade of the Waltons (1980). Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. It was disappointing that no one even called to say, By the way, thank you. We were loved by the public, but we never felt the studio appreciated us., One time, Michael was gifted with a large arrangement of flowers from the producers, but she was aghast that nothing was sent to the young stars. 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. 57.8K subscribers Subscribe 13K views 9 years ago Ralph Waite sits down for an exclusive interview with INSP to share his thoughts on faith. [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. 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. 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). Actor Ralph Waite portrayed the patriarch of "The Waltons" for nine seasons. Appeared on the front cover of TV Guide 5 times. He experienced a fair amount of tragic happenings in his lifetime, but he nonetheless lived the way he desired so that when he finally died at age 85, he left a legacy. She called him her spirit husband and has admitted that they loved each other for decades. During rehearsals, Ralph would just break into Eric Claptons "I Shot the Sheriff," which he sang terribly. '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). 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. | Photo: Getty Images. He was part of my second family.. His later films included The Bodyguard, the part of Frank the helicopter pilot in the 1993 film Cliffhanger, and as the mysterious time traveler in Timequest (2002). See GMA Host Lara Spencers Bikini Photos, Why Did Sara Haines Disappear During an Episode of The View? Here are a couple of the interview segments. Then I was doubly blessed because I was working with a really nice group of people. And I said, "My daddy is in love with you." Thomas looked to Waite as a mentor on the shows set. It's true that Waite dealt with issues, including alcoholism, during his life . And I have enormous faith that we'll all be back together again. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. And we really bonded. It was my work. EXCLUSIVE: Richard Thomas wants to offer a joyful holiday during a grim year. 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. He is survived by his third wife, Linda East, whom he married in 1982 and two daughters from his first marriage. 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. 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. Despite their feelings for the studio, there was genuine love among all the actors. [3] He was a member of the Peninsula Players summer theater program during the 1963 season. You can see in Ralphs performances, the way he prepared, the way that he directed this was not a game we were playing. Served in the United States Marine Corps. Ralph Waite might've been the ideal patriarch on "The Waltons," but he was married three times in real life and struggled with addiction. But he realized that, as he looked at each of us as we sat in the audience, that he still felt connected. And I basically support all three site leaders with whatever comes up. In 1972, Waite landed the most significant role in his life, which opened Hollywood for him "The Waltons.". We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. 12, 2022 Photos Latest Photos Emmy Awards Creative Arts Emmys Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards Hall of Fame Red Carpet Governors Ball Events Latest in Photos Watching how Waite and actress Michael Learned, who played Olivia, interacted as a couple impressed Norton a lot. And so as long as this creative process is growing and people are excited by that, as we are at the moment, well be doing it.. The show was what led him to kick his habit. Peninsula Players 65th Anniversary Program, 1999. [7] He also voiced Shadow in Homeward Bound II. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. Elizabeth asks the question, "Why do the things you love have to die?" But I think particularly as a young person, there are challenges that come with it. In fact, he even demanded that the show cast Native Americans for specific parts. I mean demanding in agoodway, demanding that things be clear and well done. I loved Ralph a lot. Fox News: Do you remember the last time you spoke to him?Cotler: Yes, very clearly. And that the bonds we created in this fictional family were family-like connections. Richard Thomas, who played eldest child John-Boy and was the shows focal point along with the actors who played his parents, Michael Learned and Ralph Waite, was treated better by the studio, Lorimar. The actress, best known for playing beloved matriarch Olivia Walton in "The Waltons," is starring in a new film titled "Second Acts," which explores how an elderly couple strikes up a love affair. And it wasnt until after he passed away that I thought, "He was checking in. We have three charter schools in LA. | Photo: Getty Images. That we were happy and situated. (Getty). Acting on a TV show can be quite dull. He soon became a minister for United Church of Christ, Fishers Island. And he said he sort of expected how "The Waltons" would be. Ralph married actress, Kerry Shear, on August 27, 1977, and this marriage too ended in a divorce on August 31, 1981. A Palm Desert resident during his second attempt, the 70-year-old Californian was a Democratic hopeful for a seat left vacant by the late Sonny Bono after his fatal skiing accident in 1998. Ralph Waite passed away on February 13, 2014. But when we would be filming around the kitchen table, hed be full of energy and often tell us bawdy jokes., She remembers Waite having quite a laugh that stood out from other The Waltons cast members. Waite reportedly credited the show for being one of the reasons he quit drinking. He had three daughters from his first marriage. Waite was 39 when he landed a part in "Cool Hand Luke." Waite also was in the cast of the Jack Nicholson movie "Five Easy Pieces." Waite took a chance when he accepted the role of John Walton. Fox News: You had the chance to meet Natalie Wood. It was his highest-grossing movie to date. He said he loved being appreciated and loved by his fans and acting allowed him to be of service to his community. The interview took place in 2015. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. She just pulled me into her lap. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Besides his role as John Walton on "The Waltons," Waite had roles on other TV series like "Bones" and "NCIS." The death affected him deeply, and he sought refuge at the bottom of alcoholic drinks. He then spent his young adult life trying to find his way. He'd hoped to gain the congressional district that included Palm Springs, Riverside, and Palm Desert, where he lived. Just like with Shear, the actor never had any more children with East. Actor Ralph Waite, best known for playing John Walton Sr - Papa Walton - in the long-running TV show The Waltons, has died at the age of 85. . As a child, he never attended a play or concert, nor did he go to church. In 1990, he ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat, challenging a four-term Republican incumbent. Fox News: What was it about The Tabernacle Choir that made you want to ring in the holidays with them?Thomas: Well, of course, I've been listening to their magnificent singing my whole life and we had their Christmas album on the family record shelf while I was growing up. For children, it's really complicated. He started training with the great Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York. He always seemed more comfortable in front of the camera wearing a dusty pair of work clothes than a suit. They had three daughters together, Sharon, Kathleen, and Suzanne. At one point, the US Marine Corps veteran became active in politics. Here are a couple of the interview segments. But just the memory of working with all of those wonderful people, that's the thing that makes me happiest of all. I made a lot of Christmas movies. But again, youve got to give tribute to [writer] Gina [Lucita Monreal] and Gary and their idea to put that together like that, because it was an interesting year. His eldest daughter, Sharon Waite, died of leukemia when she was 9 years old in 1964. Waite had supporting roles in movies such as Cool Hand Luke (1967), Five Easy Pieces (1970), The Grissom Gang (1971), The Bodyguard (1992), and Cliffhanger (1993). Michael Learned embraces actor Ralph Waite in scene from the TV series "The Waltons." Waite passed away on a Thursday in February 2014 at his home in South Palm Desert. Closer Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Occupations came and went, including social worker, religious editor for Harper & Row, and even Presbyterian minister after spending three . And I have to say, opening a charter school is a lot like putting on a show! 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. Michael Learned and Ralph Waite attend the signing of Mary McDonough's book at Book Soup on April 16, 2011 in West Hollywood, California. 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. Thats a rare situation for a TV show to find itself in. Unfortunately, he was appalled by the churchs hypocrisy and quit. And I think offering this concert in a fully live form is going to give people a lot of comfort and make them just feel like they're in the room with lots of people, which is what we all need. Ralph Waltie and Michael Learned in "The Waltons.". Kami Cotler sat down for an interview with Fox News back in 2019, five years after the death of Ralph Waite. 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