The Waltons - Father's Day 2024 - behind the scenes with Judy Norton 

Ralph Waite played this role brilliantly. I could not imagine anyone else playing John Walton.

It was like Ralph Waite was never even acting. His delivery was so natural and real

The "hiding behind one of your mama's smiles" scene is one I remember making. My parents had taught me where babies came from when I was 4 or 5, so I was always a little surprised that Elizabeth didn't know. Plus, a least a stork or a cabbage patch was feasible; how do you hide behind a smile? Did he move the smile over to find Elizabeth? How does that work? It didn't make any sense to me at the time, but the script said Elizabeth accepted it, so I did my best to act as if she did.

Ralph Waite ! The ultimate father ! Family first with compassion for all. Made me want to be a Walton.

I loved when John Curtis gets lost briefly and he says to Mary Ellen “ no child has had more looking after than that child and you can’t keep life from happening to your child ! “

I agree with you, John Walton was a great father figure.

Hands down, no question, John Walton was the best TV dad of all time. Thank you for this special addition today Judy!

I've always said John Walton was my favorite TV Father. He set a standard that all fathers should try and follow.

I loved Ralph Waite-he was the best TV fathers ever🤩💕🤩💕🙏🏻🙏🏻

Ralph Waite was superb actor and was perfectly cast as the father in the Walton’s .

OH MY GOSH...when he says "hiding behind your Momma's smile"...how beautiful...he was truly the Best Screen Dad ever...❤

Ralph as John, Michael Landon as Charles, my own Father, My son ,and my husband, my favorite fathers. HAPPY Father's Day gentleman.

Ralph Waite was a wonderful actor. Loved his character! Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. June 2024!!

Judy, It would be nice if Ralph Waite could have been awarded an Emmy for his role as John Walton. I think it would be well deserved.

John Walton was the father I wished mine was. Even half the father he was would have been wonderful.

He is my favorite tv dad ever. His fierce love of his family often has put tears in my eyes.

He was a good dad for the show. We always looked up to him. I never grew up with relatives like grann

My father died in 1969, when I was just a kid. He never got to watch "The Waltons". I believe he would have liked it. He was sure a great father.

Ralph was my favorite TV father I grew up watching the Waltons in the 70s thank you Judy for bringing all this wonderful insight on this character.

I lost my Father when I was three,seeing him as a father made me wish I was a Walton.

Ralph Waite was wonderful as John and deserved many Emmy’s for his acting on The Walton’s . I wished he was still with us. ♥️ Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there who loved and cared for us all.

Happy Father's Day to the Walton's Fathers!

I am blessed to have had a wonderful father, and I, too, love John Walton as a father figure. Another admirable father for me on TV was Hugh Beaumont as Ward Cleaver. Handsome, athletic, a loving husband and father, he provided for his family, spent time with his sons, and would admit when he had made a mistake. I've had a secret crush on him for years.

Happy Father’s Day to your husband and all the Walton dads. And all dads around the world.

Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers here on earth and in heaven 💙

No question about it John Walton was the best father figure in my opinion. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers 🍻

When I watch the series now I appreciate John and Zebs relationship. They supported each other and could disagree at times and always came back together.

That clip from The Foundling gave me chills and made me tear up. That is such a sweet little exchange between John and Elizabeth 🥺

The adult actors had such a loving, respect for each other it came through their characters. Ralph Waite and Will Geer were the best at portraying fathers, men who weren't just fathers, they were dads. Loving, gentle firmness to guide and playful to ensure wonderful relationships. I used a lot of lessons learned from watching my TV family with my son. I want him to live his own life, not what I thought he should live. I am always open to listen and not judge his feelings, thoughts and wishes. Thank you for the time you give us to share your experiences and continuing our love of The Waltons.

Thanks, Judy! I agree... John Walton is the best TV Dad!

You are blessed to still have your father Judy. I hope you and your family have a blessed time with him today. I had mine until 2012 when he died at age 91. My parents were older. Thankfully our relationship improved over the years. It was tempestuous when I was younger to say the least! Even now I tend to remember the bad stuff at times. I guess it is a coping mechanism so that I do not miss him as much during those times.

I absolutely love that ad lib John Curtis had with John.. so sweet and Ralph went along so well with that. 🥺❤️

Happy Father's Day John Walton! ❤

The Prophesy is one of my favorite episodes. You see how the children and family truly respect their dad.

Happy Fathers Day. Let's remember Ralph today

Thank you Judy for this great tribute to Ralph. He is truly a one in a million father. Ralph is for sure on the top of the list along with Michael Landon(Charles Ingalls).

John Walton was so good! I loved him as a father! Ward Cleaver was also great! He would lose his temper and get mad sometimes like John Walton but he also admitted at times he was wrong and would reevaluate a disciplinary situation. 2 great TV fathers.

To John Walton was the absolute best TV father 💙

I loved watching Ralph Waite my parents were divorced too. He always had love and words of wisdom. Happy Father's Day Everyone. ❤❤❤❤

I can't imagine a more perfect fit for John Walton than Ralph Waite. So many scenes were good , but when he ran to the mountain to comfort John Boy when Olivia had polio was a favorite. His comforting turned into a heated debate in an instant and some of the best acting I've seen from both of them. Thanks Judy!

My favorite TV dads: definitely John Walton and also Michael Landon's portrayal of Charles Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie 👌🏻

Ralph Waite and Michael Landon were my favorite TV fathers. My dad passed away last year in May so this is my second Father's Day without him. I miss him but I still said Happy Father's Day to him and to all the fathers out there.

Thank you, Judy, for this tribute. Ralph's portrayal of daddy was exceptional.

I always had John Walton as the number one dad of all time and I’m not just saying that. I’ve been saying that for years that John was number one followed by Charles Ingles number two and Cliff Huxtable in the Cosby show at number three. I always thought that John Walton was the best example not only as a father, but also a man he would’ve made a great president.

Excellent tribute to fathers everywhere. As a father myself, it’s much appreciated. Thank you from fathers all over the world. 👍🏻

John Walton was no doubt the best TV dad. I wish he had won an award. His emotions came through so clear like a real father. He reminds me of my father. As the youngest of 6 children I witnessed my father go through some of the exact same situations and his feelings and actions were very much the same. Still watch the Walton's. I cry sometimes because my children were a product of divorced parents. The Walton's have shown them what a family can actually be like and it has made a difference in their lives.

As I have eluded to before, my own family mirrored The Walton's family in many ways. Growing up with 3 brothers and 7 sisters, I can certainly relate to some of the difficulties of growing up in a large family where money was very limited. I was the youngest of the boys and was babied in a lot of ways. I was always considered too little or too young to do what my older brothers were doing. Partly for those reasons and also the way I was bullied in school, I chose to enlist in the Marine Corps as soon as I graduated from high school. My father seemed to understand my reasons, but my mother took it very hard, when I went off to Parris Island. I was just 5ft 1 1/2in tall and 117lbs. I am thankful for the determination I inherited from my father, for persevering and serving for 6 years.

Thank you Judy for another fabulous episode. You always make me smile….

Dear Judy I just want to thank you for all you do. In today's world to be grounded is so needed. Your channel gives hope and reminds us of what is important....Family

I always loved John Walton Judy. I found MIchelle Landon's character far too simplistic. Ralph's portrayal had so many layers to it which made it so interesting. He was grounded and real. He had struggles and he lost his temper. He never tried to be the ideal father and it was written that way. He just tried so hard to be there for his kids. That to me is what makes him so special. Most other fathers on TV are just the perfect at all times. John Walton was a breath of fresh air. Have a great day Judy!

I remember when he said he found Elizabeth hiding behind one of her momma's smiles.

This was wonderful Judy. My Dad died when I was 17 and John Walton helped me through life as a surrogate father in a way.Happy Father's Day to all you dad's out there.I love and miss mine every day,even after 49 years.

Loved his acting ❤

Thank you, Judy, for your Father's Day message. There is no workshop manual on how to be a good father, however, I always admired John Walton Snr. What a beautiful answer to Elizabeth. ❤️

John Walton was and will always be the best father on tv. I see parts of my father in John, so every time i watch the show, its like a little visit with my dad again 🥰

Ralph Waite should have won an Emmy. I love the scene in 'The Choice' when John-Boy said: "I am going to write a novel about a great man, you." John: "Me? John-Boy, have you been dipping in the recipe." I also love the scene earlier when John-Boy talks about the good things his father has done. John always seemed to want the children to be independent. But in 'The Choice' he didn't want Jason to go to music school. Olivia had to straighten him out. Reading the letter to Erin is Mary Beth's favorite scene and episode. I loved the way John let Ben go in 'The intruders' episode and had to deal with Olivia about his decision. Judy, was that your mother with you when you came here to Nashville last fall?

john walton was a great father definitely someone I'd wanna be like. happy father's day to all father's. very nice thanks.

Ralph was just the Best👍❤️

Happy Father's ♥️ Today In2024 Every one Stacy From Walton show 📺 ❤😊😊😊🎉😊

I didn't have a Father anywhere close to John Walton. Maybe that's why I am so drawn to your Tribute Judy and to Ralph Waite's performance. ❤To all of you who had that Father's Love, you are so blessed. Happy Father's Day to all loving Fathers every day. 👍

Ralph Waite, was a good actor, Happy Father's Day to all of the father's out there. Thanks for the special podcast Judy.

Yesterday, my mom took her dad out to eat at a restaurant called Country Eatery. My mom paid for his meal for his Fathers day present

❤ Beautiful heart felt tribute he was such a great man . I've been watching the waltons evey night 📺

A very thoughtful and insightful introspecton of the character of John Walton! I was fortunate enough to have a father like the character - and although I lost him early in life, the stunning parallels between the two were not lost on me as I evolved as a man, a father and a husband. It's unfortunate that the concept and character of both John and Zeb seem to be lost to the last couple of generations, though. But one thing is sure: Even at my age, I still need my Dad... Best wishes to your Father, Judy - for many more wonderful years to come! 😊

Hands down John Walton best TV Dad ever!!!

What a lovely tribute to fathers..tfs..I loved it..

A surprise bounus segment. Well done. I have to agree with you Ralph Waite was one of the best TV dads ever. You also get credit as a great TV sister. Now your our RU-vid friend, and ambassador to the Waltons. Giving us perspective, and other bits and pieces truly enhances our viewing experience watching the episodes. Nice conclusion, sometimes I'm the dad and other times I need a dad, even at my age at 65.

Hello, I really enjoyed your video today about Father’s Day. You did a beautiful job talking about John’s relationship with each of the children. He did an excellent job. John Walton would have been someone that I would’ve loved to have had for a father. He is my number one pick for a father From TV and my second choice would be Charles Ingles played by Michael Landon those two of the most perfect most the most caring and loving fathers ever on television. I truly believe that everyone could learn so much from watching both shows to Waltons had so many different lessons concerning so many different subjects which still apply today in 2024 and beyond shows like the Waltons can never ever grow old and outdated. Sadly, the lessons that we all need to remember learning from the Waltons are from real life. It’s so easy to forget them and to miss and forget about the lessons that we have learned And having the Waltons on TV and videos will always be there to go back to watch to learn and to remember. Have a wonderful fantastic Father’s Day everybody God bless. Susan from Houston, Texas.

Hi Judy, What an awesome tribute to Ralph Waite as the beloved patriarch, protective and compassionate, who loved all people as much as Earl Hamner did. I always enjoy listening to your storytelling. And that beautiful blouse you are wearing is perfect for today's segment, intimate and elegant. 🤩🤠❤💙🤍

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers that are fans of the Waltons shows. Great job Judy.

Ralph Waite was a great actor. He reminded of my late father. Always ready to lend a helping hand & for always giving great words of wisdom. Happy father’s day to all the dads still living and the ones that are no longer with us. ❤💙

Ralph Waite best TV father for sure. Im 74 now and still watching the Waltons. It was my favorite show when it was on. Ill never get tired of watching this great show.

What I loved rhe most about John and Olivia is that they were no portrayed as perfect parents or people. They had their rough times and their insecurities, but they worked it out in their relationships with their children and also with Jeb and Esther, who also had their shortcomings and faults. As for favorite scenes with Ralph there are so many but there is one that especially dear to me because it reminded me of the pivotal moment in my life. It is an exchange between Olivia and John in "The Honeymoon" when the truck breaks down as they are on their way to the motel and they have to spend the night in the truck. John says something about if she minded sleeping in the truck and she says to him "It depends on who you're with. " When i first met my wife Nancy we were both helping to build a KOA up near Houlton ME and if you have never been up to Aroostook County ME it is as pristine as it was in the 17th Century with pine forests everywhere and moose and bear as well. I was showing Nancy around the campgrounds and telling her about being careful concerning the moose and bear. We were in a wooded area where there was the remnants of an old stone wall that had seen better days. As i was helping her over the fallen stones she asked if I thought it was scary out here. And my answer was "it depends on who you are with." She looked up and me and our eyes caught each other's as a smile came over her face and she blushed. Nothing more was said. Nothing needed to be said. Many years later at one of our anniversaries our kids wanted to do something special so they asked us out of hearing range of each other when we knew that we would be together for a life time. They were going to do something with our different statements, never thinking that it would be that moment for BOTH of us. And of all the wonderful Walton moments that's the one that means the most to me.

Hands down - Ralph Waite as John Walton was the best TV dad ever! As you said, caring, kind, firm, protective AND willing to compromise or change his mind. Always concerned for his family and doing his part to support his family. Such a special father and a great example to us all!

Thank you this wonderful video & tribute to "The Waltons" Dads. I not only think of Ralph but Zeb and then in later years, Curt, and then the Walton boys. I think of Ike and how he was a soft landing for Amy. Wishing all the Dads a happy Father's Day & may the Dads who are no longer with us, rest in eternal peace.

Ralph was born for the role as the Father on ‘The Walton’s’

More clips from the show, please. Audio, too. Thank you for your reflections Judy.

For Fathers Day, I took him out to eat at Mission BQ. I got him a 25 dollar gift card to Ruby Tuesday restaurant

Excellent video. Well put about the relationships with the family members. John Walton is my favorite TV dad.

Hi Judy aw yeah today is kinda tough for me I lost My father back in April the 17th but still Taking day by day , which is probably way you haven't heard from Me I been healing but I'm back I Love you my friend & Yesss Waltons I still watch being both my parents aren't here anymore , yet watching this awesome show makes me feel at Home it makes me feel close to them cause we all would watch this show , I was a little kid back in the early 1980'S and so I grew up on this amazing coolest show ever in my humble opinion , Anyways happy Father's day to u Judy love these videos !!!

Very nice video Wish all fathers in your life happy fathers day

I’m watching the Waltons as we speak. The bicycle.

Today i am thinking about all the wonderful Fathers in my family.

I'm sure your remembering your real life dad today

Thanks so much Judy for making this video on Father's Day. Paying tribute to these awesome characters is very sweet of you. So appreciative for this. ❤👍👌

Judy thankyou for taking the time to share a great video Ralph was a great father both on and off the set.

To answer your question at the end of your video I would say that John Walton was the best dad on tv. Mr. Cunningham from Happy Days is a distant second. Robert Reed of the Brady Bunch is a personal favorite of mine. But my own dad, Gene Marner, was my favorite dad. Uncle Bill, Uncle Dick, and Uncle Perry get honorable mentions, as well as my Uncle Jim and Uncle Clarence. Sorry to list everyone.

Absolutely! John Walton was the best TV dad of all time!! Thank you Judy for sharing this! ❤️

Great episode, Judy. Here are my favorite father moments portrayed by Ralph in the Waltons: * In Season 8, when Elizabeth is hitting puberty and wants to speak to her mother. John goes out of his way to see Olivia, who stitches Elizabeth a camisole. * As you noted, when he reads Erin the letter GW left her. * Around Season 8 or 9, when he tells Jason that he thinks of him as not only a son, but a confidante and friend. * When John Boy is working to get his printing press, and he leaves home to live closer into town, John imparts life wisdom. I love that scene between them. In fact, I feel like John gave him more advice in this episode, than Richard's last one. * In John's last appearance, in Season 9, when he tries to make Ben a partner in the sawmill, but Ben refuses. John hides his pain, but shares with Ike how he feels about Ben also losing interest in the business. Later, Ben steps up and joins his father's business instead of going to college. * When John opposes Mary Ellen from being a doctor, by talking about the valuable time she'll miss with John Curtis. * The episode when Jim Bob's lifelong dream of being a pilot ends because of poor vision. John gives Jim Bob lots of support and understanding. Too bad we only saw Ben become a father, and that too, Virginia was still a toddler. He had a great character transformation from a hot-headed teenager to a loving husband. I'm sure if they'd rapid-aged Virginia, we might have seen a tender side of Ben too. Even though Jason had many kids in the reunion episodes, we did not see him "close up" as a father. Of course John Boy only had children in the last scene of last reunion movie, so we didn't see how he would be as a father. Too bad, as he played a great father figure to his siblings.

I loved watching the Waltons and I think Ralph Waite's portrayal of John Walton was wonderful. We need more TV shows like The Waltons!😊

Thank you, Judy. Happy Father's Day to all the men in your life!

This was, indeed, special. My parents were much older when they married. I came to see Ralph as John Walton as one of the best father figures ever. Will Geer was great as well. I wish he had been mine but true life does not work that way. I enjoyed seeing father figures in Littie House on the Prairie, Father Knows Best and a few other shows but Ralph as John Walton was the best. Thanks, Judy.

@judynortan so glad you did this video John Walton was The American Father

Nice tribute ty

Thank-you for the beautiful description of John Waltons relationship with each child. He was perfectly portrayed by Ralph Waite, as were all the actors in the series.I think it's the honesty & believability of the characters that has made the Waltons a timeless series.

Good Morning Judy!! You are absolutely right without a doubt, hands down, John Walton is the BEST TV dad ever! You gave the most beautiful examples of his love and kindness with his family and how each child had inherented a little piece of what he stood for. I think that is why the Waltons is so unique in that you can really see how one generation can effectively touch the next. I think, though Ralph own life experiences, he purposely directed and acted in each episode to give the audience a lasting impact. I think him being not only a father but a minister may have had something to do with that. Thank you, Judy. I hope you and your father had a wonderful Father's Day!! 🥰

I'm enjoying watching with my dad today old episodes of Father Knows Best

My Father passed at the end of 2022. Still miss him. Fathers Day isnt til September in Australia. I enjoy watching Waltons family occasions. I love how you talked about John in this episode. You did it so well. Thank you.

Wonderful presentation & sentiments judy,i remember all these stories/episodes mentioned here! I introduced my daughter brooke to the walton's when she was 8 years old(she's 19 now)and absolutely loved the show,you were her favourite of course😊,her favourite episode was 'The shivaree' i was so glad she was affected by this wonderful show,as i myself was ad a teenager here in the uk in the 70s,wednesday night was WALTON night! yes,john walton,greatest tv dad ever!!!👍

I always loved the Waltons Frs day episodes.John was a dedicated Fr to his children.He did what he could to support Johnboy leaving home.Each and every child was very supportive by him no matter what they were going through.