As a pure fan, with absolutely zero acting ability or experience, I would enjoy hearing your insights and the things you learned…almost like a Judy Norton Master Class on Acting Basics.
I didn’t grow up watching The Walton’s as it aired since I am too young (35), but I do recall some reruns as a child, but I more better got into the show in college watching the reruns again. At whatever stage in life watching the show, however, I always was so drawn to Mary Ellen and her beauty. Perhaps I sound stupid, but seeing her made me long for simple times (not necessarily the timeframe of the show storyline), but just for simpler times period. Seeing Mary Ellen was just comforting to me, and it made me want to be in love with a woman. I hope I don’t sound too silly. But even at a very young age, even less than 10 years old, it made me dream of loving a girl one day…just a good simple life loving her. I hope it can happen. Thanks to Mary Ellen / Judy for those little memories I have.
Hi Judy. I enjoy all of these "Ask Judy" videos, so I would find anything you want to talk about very interesting. The subscribers come up with lots of good questions, but anything you want to add to them makes it extra fun. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos. It is very much appreciated.
Thank you for sharing. I can certainly see, as if live theater, where an actor has the opportunity to witness in the moment an excellent performance from a fellow actor, discerning (noting for themselves) what went into it that made it so; I imagine unlike live theater, the editor does not always capture for viewers at home all of those moments. Just as whole performances by actors of minor characters can end up on the "cutting room floor," so can one's best performance (be reduced or eliminated) at the discretion of the editor. An experienced editor is of great value. Perhaps it is the nature of producing for television, Is a performer often surprised a scene played differently than broadcast.,,
A very moving episode was The Parting, season 7, when Ms. Learned left the show. The last scene was especially touching. Was it actually the last scene filmed and how much was acting, vs. real emotion of saying goodbye to her? Ms. Corby teared up and it was so special.
I don’t exactly recall - but I doubt it was the last scene we shot on that episode. Those episodes when we knew someone was leaving were definitely emotional for real. As when Richard left as well.
I just noticed the rock at the hot springs, looks like the rock by Drucilla's pond that... Jim Bob reading Bible after car mishap Jason singing to Vanessa
@judynorton2598 Sad isn't it, actually, we know that place like the back of our hands, but if we ever went there....we'd be lost! Lol! But the acting made it believable it was up in the mountains, just like where miss Emily and miss Mamie send John boy to get , was it twig water?, for the recipe and there would be an old cup hanging from the tree? Only noticed it because you had the still shot up. Very good directing and art direction to be able to make that pond, Japan, and other places right now not popping into my head, but you know, what I mean. Lol! You all were so very perfectly cast, is exactly why the show worked and has grown into every family's favorite generation to generation tradition to hand down to the next, I'll be gone for the 100th anniversary, but mark my words...put this up in the museum, you have my permission, forecasting the 100th year celebration of a wonderful show and beautiful movie of a wonderful family....and great actors who brought it to life, from the past, in the present, and the future for generations to come!!! What a great thing to have been a part of, and yes, you're all family to me(to us)! Love you all forever!!!
Hi Judy, Just watched the 2 part episode "The Burnout". Wondering if they actually burned down the backlot house used for outdoor scenes & also if another set was made for the fire/smoke damaged kitchen/living room area? Love all your episodes here!
I spoke a bit about The Burnout - here is that link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UYxD55_q9b4.html I’ll try to cover more about it soon.
Hello Judy, I enjoy your commentary. Some my favorite scene's were to hear Mr. Hammer's narration at the beginning and end of each episode. It was such a great introduction and closing. Was he on the set often or did he record these someplace else? Thank you, Keith
I noticed in the typewriter you know that the Baldwin sisters give the recipe away which is whiskey and when John Boy goes over to the Baldwin Sisters house they were telling John Boy bout who there papa wrote to on the typewriter and they mentioned that he wrote that he was concerned bout selling alcohol to someone when he made and sold his own
Hi Judy, this is a little random but they’re playing your episodes of Password Plus on the Buzzr TV channel, with Bert Convy and Tom Kennedy. You guys are so funny!
I love hearing you talk about the process of acting, I am always learning so much from you and always appreciate what you share! I have a question, I always wondered why John-Boy had his own room in the show. I understand in real life Earl Hamner shared a bedroom with three brothers, by the time his fourth brother was born he was in college otherwise there would have been five sharing a room. I always loved the scenes in John-Boy’s room when he was trying to write and one of you or all of you would come in and bug him about something. You really felt his frustration of being torn between trying to find his own identity and develop his passion, and the responsibility of being the oldest and help take care of his brothers and sisters. At times he even seemed like a third parent. I can imagine it must have felt a little like that to Earl being so much older than the rest of his siblings and his father being away so much. Richard always played those scenes so well and even when he lost his temper he was always endearing and lovable, never mean or scary. I always think though how much higher the stakes would have been and how much more tension it would have caused if he had to share a room with all of his brothers as Earl did. Have you ever heard any stories about why it was written that way?
Great question. Not sure why it was written that way. Could have been because John Boy was such a focus of the show and that meant scenes could happen in his room without having to include the other boys. Just guessing here. :-)
You've mentioned in this, and some other segments that rain was created by large sprinklers. Was there ever a time when it was supposed to "rain" but for some reason the sprinklers were not working?
Dear Judy I wonder if you have ever done any teaching because the way you explain things and your knowledge of different things make me think that if you have never taught I think you would be great at it.
Since I worked in theatre, I'd love to see all of those types of videos about technical things and acting. It would be nice if you could maybe get another of your castmates, or another actor friend to have a conversation around that, then we could how different actors approach things.
Unless you were getting wet from being totally dry, you just stayed wet take after take… If you were totally dry, they rehearsed extra times to make sure they could do it in one take.
Sure add the technical part. Was a joker on the show- someone who liked to play jokes on other cast members or purposely mess up lines and how much tolerance the directors had if the jokes happened. Thanks Judy
We had sense about when the work was more intense or emotionally demanding - then no one joked around out of respect for the actors with the emotional demands in the scene.
Yes, I was just starting High School when we started filming the series. Since I’d already done the big group of students in Junior High, I didn’t miss it.
What was the most difficult episode you did. Emotional, number of lines or any aspect that you may have thought for any reason was especially challenging.
I remember either hearing from you, or when Kami was on, but that the kids were told to have fun, so I get the wider shots of you having fun was real……knowing you guys were close, if you guys were to “walk into a scene ‘fighting’ or arguing”, were there ‘scripted lines’ as to what you are supposed to be arguing about walking into a scene? I know certain arguments in a scene were scripted but wasn’t sure about when you were off set, coming into a scene
Q….does just one writer write for the entire cast of characters or does each character have their own writer? Looks like if only one writer was used it would be hard to keep up with each characters likes, dislikes and personality. Just curious. Thanks.
Despite their being created, I thought all the water scenes were natural and beautiful! Sure, I'd be interested in your sharing about the acting process! Do you have a preference for film or stage blocking? I was in a stage play where the Director kept changing the blocking which resulted in my colliding with other actors! 😄 It's hard enough to memorize one set of directions let alone constant changes! Did The Walton's Directors often change blocking? Thanks for continuing your series! You've been so generous to us fans!! Greatly appreciated! Bless you! ✨🧡💐✨
@@judynorton2598 I would imagine tv show directors don't have to worry too much about blocking. So much as getting the lighting right. And meeting deadlines of so many scenes before end of day for so many episodes in a week. Probably tv show directors must have more deadlines than movie or stage directors.
Yes! By all means, I am also very interested in the technical aspects of acting - the process of learning lines, hitting marks etc. - all of it is interesting to me. Thank you for sharing with us!
Happy Thursday Judy! So funny that you bring up the episode The Minstrel I just watched it and wondered on some of the props like the picture Jamie drew of you were you able to keep that picture? If not do you know what ever happened to it? Since it is a picture of you I thought they would allow you to just have it since we see you with it later under your pillow. Another great video thank you Judy have a wonderful weekend!!🥰
Loved this episode, as all others in your series. Just want to say I would be very interested in anything you would like to say about the technical aspects of acting, any special challenges in acting in your role as Mary Ellen on the Waltons, your other acting experiences, your general approach to acting and your own philosophy of acting both for The Waltons, and musical theatre which I know you have said you have done and loved very much, how to prepare for a role, any random thoughts on the subject, anything anything. And PLEASE continue if you get inspired to, the cooking segments. I find those delightful too. Just putting in my two cents in because I have enjoyed any direction you have taken this series of Behind the Waltons and of course also variety still IS the spice of life. Many thanks!!
I always felt it was impressive that both Ralph and Richard both had the opportunity to direct episodes of the show. Must be very challenging to both act and direct an episode. I loved your answer about how your acting process evolved over time. You made Mary Ellen such a fun, relatable and lovable character. I'd enjoy hearing more about the technical process too! Thank you!
I would love to hear more of the things we really don't know or see behind the scenes. You would be surprised of the things we would probably find really interesting. Did you ever have to give advice to some of the younger kids, like Kami? etc. Thanks
Judy in Disguise! LoL Ms Judy it's so wonderful watching all these videos who would have ever thought that someday we would be on RU-vid with Miss Judy/ Mary Ellen Walton! Too Cool!
Thanks for another great episode. Was there a costume that you just hated/loved? Did you ever have any input into you look? I’d love a technical video about acting! That’d be awesome!
I don't know if this has been talked about before, but are there any memorable moments on set where bloopers happened? I was wondering if you could also explain details around the blooper that Richard Thomas did in The Ceremony regarding Reckless the Dog, where to your character instead of saying the line, "That's no reason to hang him from a tree like a Christmas ornament!", he says: "That's no reason to hang him by his balls from a Christmas Tree!".
Many of the “bloopers” were intentional as with Richard’s comment about Reckless hanging. That one is somewhere on RU-vid. Some weren’t filmed. Richard and Will mooning the tour bus I believe is also on RU-vid.
I met Joe Conley at the Walton's Museum in Schuyler several years ago. He spoke at length about Richard Thomas and how much he enjoyed working with him. I remember him telling me that Richard was a very giving actor & would do anything to help the other actors to provide a good performance. He was quite complimentary about Richard as an actor & a person.
I think it would be fascinating to learn from you tips that actors use on a daily. You're a wonderful story teller, I think you would be great at this also!!!
Judy love the Q&A segments . I learn a lot about the art of acting as well your thoughts on different aspects of acting and behind the scenes of The Walton’s . Thanks Judy💕
🙏🏽& ✅ very interested in acting & any other subject you’d enjoy offering. I’ve wondered how you block out the team around you, only feet from you, & everything else that goes into transitioning from your life to a character’s life. Any aspect of supporting imagination is fascinating! Thank you~
Interesting episode. I’d like to know more about the process of memorizing. Do you memorize your scenes for the whole script or do you memorize right before you perform the scene. Do you have to memorize your scene partners’ lines so you know when to speak? If you had a long monologue did you ever get cue cards to help. If you made a mistake in a word that didn’t chance the scene, like A for THE or ON for IN did the directors let that go?
I just happened to bump into your question. I got to meet Jeff Daniels (Dumb and Dumber) along with tons of other things since I once lived in the same town as him. He talked about it and stated that Lloyd Bridges told him 'read it like a grocery list'. Just dry and repetitive. He also said he memorized based on what was shooting the next day so you never memorized the entire thing. Of course that was before he did television shows. This was when he did movies so I have no idea how he would answer about television! And yes, Jeff is the most down to earth person I ever met.
For television I only memorize for the next days filming. How much of the other people’s dialogue I learn depends on what I feel I need to know to cue my own lines. We never used cue cards. When doing stage I had to memorize the whole show - so I’ve always been used to learning extensive scenes, monologues etc. Each actor has their own method for learning lines.
Judy - PLEASE! I would love those videos. The process of acting, learning marks and so on. PLEASE! Do it. It would mean so much to me. I find that so interesting to go behind the scenes. As always, you are so gracious to give your time to this!
This was fascinating. I love learning little bits and pieces about acting. In high school I had the opportunity to be a lead characters understudy and; I think it was due to my being an introvert that I was unable to do it. I really applaud all actors who can emote on camera.
@@judynorton2598 Wow love all those shows. Star Trek could have you working with Jonathan Frakes again. Murder She Wrote, wonder if they cast you as the killer?????
You mentioned John Boy and the typewriter. I have seen that episode and wow, John Boy even had me crying. Was it easy for you to react the way you were supposed to because of his performance?
Judy, I just needed to tell you I never took Algebra for nursing career because I was grandfathered in. I love the episode of Mary Ellen doesn't have algebra and Chemistry. I never took either of them.
Hiii Judy! I loved this video, I love learning so many new things in every video of yours thank you for sharing ❤ I’m on season 8 right now of The Walton’s and I’m so excited to finish and start over and get to The Minstrel episode that you mentioned :) and I hope you have a wonderful day! Love, Jamie ~ huge Walton’s fan ✨
I will forever be extremely moved (and scarred! LOL) by the scene in the chapel with Grandpa, when Grandma is in the hospital due to Mary Ellen's misdiagnosis. I cannot get through that scene without bawling my eyes out!! I think that was the strongest performance you've every given us, Judy, the chapel and when you go into Grandma's room after she comes out of surgery. To this day, I cry through those scenes every time I see them. Thank you for making that so real! I love Mary Ellen!
I wish we could get a link to all the 'Ask Judy' videos. The first one I found was #54 and I appear to have missed #55. I think I might have accidentally stumbled on a much earlier one.
You should be able to see all my videos on my channel home page. They are still up. You could also search “Ask Judy” then by numbers. I didn’t number the first couple, but starting with #3 you can search by numbers.
You asked for opinions on a segment about the technicalities of acting. I'm really just interested in segments about the Waltons. But, as you said, if tons of people are interested in that, I will just skip that one. Thanks for everything that you do Judy!!!
When you were talking with Debbie White I was curious of the scene she and Richard were coming out of the water and they began to laugh....was the laughter scripted or was it just a natural response?
Good question. I’m thinking the script intended the mood switch from the emotion and screaming that led to John Boy tossing her into the pond - then wanting that to have been the catalyst to snap her out of it and a change of mood - whether the script said that they started laughing, or whether it was what both the actors felt, I’m not sure.
Anything And Everything you want to do and talk about is great with us. My biggest wish is to see every aspect of the house and barn on the backlot but I realize it’s not possible because it’s been altered so much over the years it’s not the same place anymore
That would be wonderful, both Michael and Richard. Also Robert Wightman who took over the john boy role. It would be interesting to hear what taking over such an iconic role was like for him.
Many times when vehicles were shown there no windows, one the episode where John Boy reported on the Hindenburg, the bus he took didn't have windows!!??
Pretty amazing that all through my viewing of the show, I thought they were filming somewhere outside of Los Angeles. Kudos to the producers, actors and directors for being able to bring this realistic family into our homes. Very well done. ! Thank you again Judy.
Anything to do with the Waltons will be interesting and especially the technicalities of getting the script to screen. Who created the stories and what was the process and criteria for selecting which stories would be turned into episodes? These are all fascinating things I'd love to know more about as the stories were the best thing about the show without which, there would be no Waltons. Thank you for a wonderful Ask Judy and best wishes to you from your waltonian superfan in a cold, wet and dull England😉
Of all the characters on the show, other than Grandma and Grandpa, Jason was always my favorite, but I do think Mary Ellen's character had the most layers to her, so in the question about your preparation for a scene, at such a young age, trying to become Mary Ellen must have been very difficult.
Always interesting to me how each viewer sees the characters and has varying opinions about them. It’s all so subjective. I have many layers personally, so I was able to relate to Mary Ellen having different feelings and thoughts.
@@judynorton2598 Fun fact - a year after portraying Michael Myers in John Carpenter's 1978 classic, actor Tony Moran appeared in in an episode of the television series "The Waltons" (The Burden) as a character named "Tinker." Who remembers watching this and thinking, "Woah, that's Myers!"
I hope you are ok with so much rain And I really never thought about our drainage in California but I think it’s also maybe really older and not enlarged they probably thought California didn’t need it and I think if they tried to do changes now,would probably be awful to go through! I hope whole family is ok I am concerned for all of you right now please let me know ok?
Always a pleasure watching your videos. I too, enjoy hearing your insight on production details most folks overlook. We get a good idea just how much time & work was involved in each episode.
I'm sorry I don't mean to make you work what the issues are so interesting and actually come up I have to tell you I feel like you're my big sister I need to run and tell you LOL LOL love you sis keep a smile
Thank you Judy, Great video. I for one am interested in how you hit the marks, act out the scenes, and everything about filming.I have never acted except for school plays, church plays, and little plays and skits with friends for fun.There have been a few movies filmed in my small hometown where you could audition to be an extra, I never took advantage of the opportunity,but I was wondering what would be some good tips for auditioning for those "background" parts?Thanks again!
Loved your take on everything. I would enjoy hearing about the acting process and how you learned to do it . When did you know that acting was something you wanted to do?
