The Waltons - Ralph Waite - behind the scenes with Judy Norton 

Ralph was the father everyone wanted... his screen persona was magnetic. Miss him so much. What did you like most about Ralph?

That man truly deserved an Emmy and any other award you could give him..

I loved the scene when he drove his old pickup to John Boy's college and the kids made fun of him and his truck. John Boy just walked right over to him as if to say....That's my father and he's a lot better man than all of you.

Whenever Olivia got angry about something she thought was improper he always knew how to talk her down. No arguing no raised voices, he was the voice of reason in the family.

It is a real shame, that he never won an Emmy.

When I turned 17, my father took me to a nice restaurant in Los Angeles. Who was sitting two booths over was none other than the very gracious Ralph Waite. I was excited to see him there and he nicely offered a birthday wish I didn't forget. Thanks Judy for your loving comments on one of my favorite shows!

Ralph Waite was born to play the role of John Walton. He was truly the quintessential father figure. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful look back Judy!

I loved Ralph Waite as John Walton. He was so cool and natural. I couldn’t tell that he was ever acting, he was that good. Yes I agree he should have won awards. 😎👍

I grew up watching the Waltons. I wish they still made quality shows like this. Children learn wholesome values, courtesies and what a loving family is. Shows today are violent, crude and morally bankrupt. This is a lovely tribute to a beloved actor. RIP Ralph Waite. Blessings to all of you. 😇❤️🙏

I loved Ralph Waite...his character, John Walton, was one of the better TV fathers...RIP Ralph Waite! You are missed!

Ralph & Micheal landon are 2 of the greatest father's that were ever on TV.

I love the scenes with John and Olivia.They acted like they were so much in love

I’ve always liked and admired the character of John Walton. He was the father everyone should have in their lives. Thank you, Mr. Waite for all of the memories.

Judy, this made me cry. Ralph's character, your memories, delivery, and character. Thank you so much you beautiful, wonderful human being.

I own the entire series and anytime life gets overwhelming I watch The Walton’s. It’s very calming and comforting . My brother who is a pastor says the way John approached being a father was spot on what a child needs in a Dad ❤️ So happy to have found your channel!!

There is no other show that can compare to The Waltons , the talent and the love is very real , and there will never be another like this one !

"Always pay your debt, son. Don't take unfair advantage of any man. Don't let any man take unfair advantage of you. Find yourself a good woman. Remember...you're my son." -John Walton-

He was perfect for the part. I couldn't imagine anyone else. Glad he took on the role.

Judy, my wife and I are going thru the series once again currently at the end of season 2. I am so touched and can't believe how natural the acting was all of you were so gifted and you gave us all a "GIFT " THAT WILL LAST FOREVER! YOU ALL ARE SO BELOVED BY MILLIONS OF US BABY BOOMERS!

When Ralph passed I cried because he was my Dad every Thursday night while I was growing up. I have all nine seasons of the show, and I treasure them! I cried over grandpa passing too !

He was absolutely PERFECT as Gibbs' dad on NCIS. He brought John Walton to the role and it worked SO well. There will never, EVER be another Ralph Waite.... his passing left a huge hole in a lot of our hearts, but oh heaven gained a wonderful man.

What a great husband and father figure he portrayed . I truly believed he loved and cared for his fellow characters on The Waltons very much . This is my favorite show of all time and watch it every day . Thank you for what you do for so many fans of the show. I bet no one knew back then the affect this show would have on so many lives.

John Walton was ordinary, yet with an underestimated sense of kindness about him. I like the scenes when he helps someone with concerns they are experiencing. Ralph Waite was an actor who could draw you into a character's life.

He had a great head of hair. And he should have gotten an Emmy

Always LOVED John Walton! His protection of the family was such an important part of the show. And his love for Olivia was so special to watch. Of course, he was easy on the eyes, too! Great character and great actor. May he rest in peace.

I remember Ralph talking about his alcoholism and how representing the Walton father changed his heart and provoked him to go to A A. Thank you, Judy for honoring him and all of your cast mates. I actually had tears in my eyes, watching this. Ralph, indeed, was the Daddy every son and daughter admired. The chemistry between Ralph and the entire cast was truly remarkable. He should have won an Academy Award. He has won my heart.

My father walked out when I was a kid, point blank saying that he didn't want to be a father anymore. I used to watch The Waltons and wish that John Walton was my dad!

He made me wish I had a dad like him.

John and Livvie are one of my favorite TV couples. The actors had chemistry to spare, and they made it clear that John and Livvie enjoyed a very good romantic relationship (well, the seven children helped make that clear too).

Ralph Waite was America’s dad.

I grew up with the Waltons and I always thought that John Walton's character was one of the centerpieces of the show. I still love the Waltons; the show represents a special time when family was everything. Thanks for your beautiful and moving tribute to Ralph Waite!

I could listen to Judy’s voice forever. So pleasant and relaxing.

My Nana, my Mom and I used to watch the Waltons together. It is my favorite memory which I carry with me to this day. I chose as a teenager to live up to Andy Griffith and Waltons values, which became who I am. Thanks to you at all.

growing up through the troubles in Northern Ireland the waltons were a safe place during my school days. my sister and I always talk with fond memories about watching The waltons on BBC2 on a Monday evening it took us away from the realities of Belfast in the 1970s and took us to waltons mountain to our other family! Thank you Judy and Ralph ❤️😊 ...xx

The Waltons are showing daily on two or three networks. I watch frequently. This show is so critical, especially now, with all the turmoil going on in the world. It allows me to feel real again and realize what is important in life. This show was so well-acted and well-produced. It's a classic that will always remain relevant. Judy should do voice-overs. She has a very comforting, soothing voice and delivery.

I've been binge watching and the charisma he and Michael had was something to see ~ excellent casting. Such a wonderful man who is truly missed as is Grandpa & Grandma.

I had a chance to meet him in person when he was running for mayor of Palm Springs. He seemed genuine, sincere & down to earth. Just like his character John Walton. You’re correct Judy, he would have been a good politician...representing the common man. Loved The Waltons & your character Mary Ellen. You’re still lovely. So glad you are doing these videos.

No matter what...He played the kind of Dad we all hoped to be.

Ralph was so good as John Walton Sr. Overall, I think the casting for the Walton's was absolutely perfect. I can't imagine any other actors portraying those parts any where near as good as you all did. Perfection!

The Waltons reruns on MeTV are currently my favorite show on TV, right up there with Gunsmoke & Bonanza. I wish there were more quality TV shows like this on today. This country NEEDS it right now. I loved seeing Ralph Waite on NCIS as Mark Harmon's TV Dad. :)

I 💜 the whole cast. I record every episode. It brings me comfort. When the 🌎 gets too crazy, I turn on The Waltons.

I loved Ralph , such a talent … RIP Ralph ….❤️👍🙏

Judy, he was truly one of my favorite tv dad's! He should've been anominated for an Emmy.

Thank you Judy ; I loved this man and his character .

I love watching the Waltons. I was born years after it ended. John Walton, is an example of the father and man I want to be. The Waltons bring me back to center where I have strayed. So glad my late Father introduced me to the Waltons. On a side note, anyone reading this, treasure the time you have left with your parents and grandparents. Its precious time you can not get back. Thank you Judy for this video!

I love hearing the "behind the scenes" from you Judy! Thank you!

When you say Ralph's character was "tough but fair" and loving through it all, that really resonates with me. Wouldn't we all like to become that kind of person? Again, it's so encouraging to hear that these cast members are good people off camera. Knowing that makes me want to re-watch the series again and again.

I am listening to this on Feb.13, 2024, on the anniversary of his passing. May he continue to rest in peace. Thanks Judy.

Judy, you and your cast mates never be embarrassed about your show. Literally the greatest American TV family show. The detail on the sets were fantastic.

He was my favorite on the Waltons. There was just something about him.

He reminded me of my own Dad, and maybe that's one reason he seemed so genuine to me. Judy, you have such a warm, dear way of describing your fellow cast members; you must miss each other even now. I wonder if there will be an anniversary show in another couple of years. That would be nice to see.

The Waltons was one of my favourites growing up, and often used to wish I was a member of that family. They made the most of what they had and their love for each other never diminished.

When you look up father in the dictionary there’s a picture of Ralph Waite aka John Walton 😉

Ralph was definitely underated an all around great actor loved him on the waltons as well as other shows and movies he did

My husband and I watched Roots a couple years ago and I saw the shady character he played...and my reaction was, "No, John Walton can't be that sketchy!"

Loved this show the-people...my heart breaks we have no shows like this on now...love we saw love

Watching Ralph take care of his family and be a terrific father is what every family wants...A strong, but sensitive man to admire your whole life... He was a outstanding actor...

The chemistry of the entire family was extraordinary. Truly. I recently purchased the entire Walton’s series from the pilot movie to the last episode. I grew up with the Waltons and now they still provide me with so much warmth, love, and leave me feeling all the good there is in life. Bless you and thank you. ❤️

Hearing Ralph talk about how the Waltons turned his life around was so very honest & wonderful. You know people that are stuck in a rut of their own making are too prideful to make the change. They feel more comfortable staying "victims" & blaming others for their circumstances. Yet another reason The Waltons & Ralph was so special.

This brought tears to my eyes hearing about your last meeting with Ralph Waite at Michael Learned’s home. What a special man and actor he was - he totally deserved to win an Emmy for his wonderful portrayal of John Walton. I just rewatched The Carnival last night, and I truly enjoyed the expression on your face when you were up on the roof “tightrope walking” with the parasol and John Walton drove up and saw you and yelled out your name. You looked down at him with the cutest expression! On a side note - I was wondering if the twins who played John Curtis stayed in the acting business and if you are still in contact with them?

I always wished he was my dad, having a father that left us when I was 2 years old.

I was Elizabeth's age when the show started and I am still watching reruns and I never got over the show when it stopped and I always loved it and still do.

What A Very Special Tribute To Mr. Ralph Waite. He was a Very Genuine Man. Thank You Ms. Norton for sharing.

This series just had the most perfect casting. such solid performers. a true classic.

I like when all of them sitting around table praying before they ate I also love when the family showed no racism That was my getaway from what was happening in the world in the 70s and now it's back on TV now. I miss grandpa and olivia verdi actually everybody I wish it would come on twice a day ♥️♥️♥️♥️

He was wonderful in that role. Totally believable. I especially loved his scenes with Ike Godsey!

To me the “Home Coming” was about him. It was about a family trying to survive the Depression without him. About a family waiting for him to come home.

You were all so perfect. My father was an alcoholic and had left when I was young. I learned from Ralph what a father is. I always wished for the life the Waltons had. I still do.

Thank you for sharing, Judy. Was such a treat to see him on NCIS. Mark Harmon has a way of bringing truly great talent from years past to the present for us to enjoy again. Blessings!

Thank you for doing these behind the scenes. My husband and I watch the show together almost every single day. It is one of the only shows I allow myself to watch on TV anymore. I absolutely love every single character. You all did an amazing job on the show! I'm so grateful for the reruns. You are still just as beautiful now as you were on the show. Take care and God bless.

Thank you for sharing about Ralph. I can tell that there was something special about him. He was perfect as John Walton and he also played in the movie called letters to God which he was wonderful in , as well. I think his name was Mr periwinkle. That was a good movie and a true story. Very touching. Thank you for sharing your memories with us all. Good night Judy ❤

England loved the Waltons! Such fantastic memories of the whole family sitting around the tele watching the Waltons. Thank you so much for sharing your memories. Cheers ❤👍

Thank you!! Raised by my grandparents who actually lived that generation , born in the 20 and Grandpa a Dday veteran,the Waltons really helped us children identify with our grandparents and great grandparents.What a wonderful era and wonderful show. Bless all that where involved. How I wish the young people of today understood the quality and benefits of such wholesome living “ good night Sue Ellen” and thanks for a moment of a joyous, tearful memory God bless.

Thank you for this very touching tribute to one of my favorite characters on The Walton's. I loved Ralph's acting ability and I too, thought he was so underrated. His facial expressions, his timing..always flawless.

Ralph's character in Cool Hand Luke was "Alibi". R.I.P. Mr. Waite. Every Thursday night at 8 my mom and grandmother would watch the show. And let me tell you sometimes I wish I could be a kid again. Thanks Judy!

I always loved everybody that played in the walton's especially mary ellen

Being familiar with alcoholism and alcoholics, I could tell/suspected, Ralph was alcoholic and actually drunk on set and can pick off which episodes. He still played the part well and being the same age as you, I thought he would be a great dad to have. I admired the show for writing alcoholism into an episode with Corabeth struggling with her inner demons and suffering from the disease. Speaking of Corabeth, she did a WONDERFUL performance with Jim Bob explaining how not to give up on his dreams to fly. She wasn't just a fussy prissy...she was very deep. It was always evident in every episode the real affection "John and Olivia" had. Ralph helped Michael with her drinking issues as well so it was a total blessing they were cast on the show because it turned their lives around. I sometimes wonder if they realize now, that they really were playing deeper, meatier roles than they thought. We cling to this show for it's feelings, messages, and values it imparts. Not like the trash talk, dysfunctional junk now that I doubt will be remembered.

If there is ever another Waltons Christmas Special, I'd love to be a guest star and do what I've done with the poem The Night Before Christmas and my poem I wrote for the season: Birthplace of the King. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It brought tears to my eyes Judy hearing how fond You are and will always hold a special place in Your heart for your on screen Dad, Ralfe Waite... He should have won an award, He was a good actor.

The Waltons changed everyone’s life who watched. Thank you for bringing this to us Judy!

When you say the name John Walton ...to me he was a simple man an loving caring Family man ..Son ..Husband ..Father ..Friend...I always wanted the love that the family gave to each of them...that family keeps my feet planted on the ground ...an I love that ...those were the better days ....I don't miss a show at all lol ..my son told me I was tuff like Mary Ellen an I reminded him of you ...I started watching the Walton's at 12 back in 1972...I'm 60 now an I believe ur a couple yrs older than me Judy ..but you always look Gorgeous. an our birthday's are in January !! ♥️♥️♥️♥️

He truly was underrated. His acting always seemed like he was simply having a natural conversation. What a great role model to work with. Thank you for doing these videos

Hello Judy. I just want to say thanks for the childhood memories. In the 70's and 80's I couldn't wait to get home from school to watch The Waltons as reruns on TV. In fact, as I type this I have the whole collection of the show and movies on my desk.

I started re-watching the Waltons on the Hallmark Channel and I thought to myself" Man, Ralph Waite is a really, REALY excellent actor. He's so natural, uncontrived & convincing. It's like he's not even acting." He DEFINITELY should have won an Emmy. Also, John Boy (Richard Thomas) ... AWESOME actor. Two EXCELLENT actors!!! Oh, and Ike Godsey was sooo natural in that role.

He reminded me of my own father. Our family was much like the Walton's. We always said good night, hugged and kissed each other and said I love you. Miss those days and my parents and grandparents;3 generations of love in our house too♥️

Yes Ralph was everyone's "DAD"... All of you all played your roles so well. I think when watching as young as you kids were how did you all remember the dialog so well. Gift for sure from God.

Beautiful story of a great man and family.. 3 generations of my family love and have watched every episode so many times.. ❤ Thank you for your story's Judy!!

Im watched every episode of the waltons so many times growing up and this last week I've been watching all the episodes again. It never gets old.

Ralph Waite was said to have encouraged John Ritter to do the role of Jack Tripper, when the offer was made to John, who was sad about the prospect of leaving The Waltons

Judy it's so wonderful that you take time to do these little Walton's behind the scenes videos for us fans! Thanks so much! My family and myself are huge fans from Toronto Canada!!

Judy, a perfect description of Ralph. (or John Walton). He was the man I tried to be.

I'm a 59 year old man who laid in bed last night and cried like a baby, watching this on my tablet before going to sleep. I loved the Waltons growing up, and still do. Judy your voice & words are so filled with kindness.. thank you for making these.

Ralph Waite said that, after The Waltons, he wanted to use actual locations for later projects. That was noted when he did The Mississippi, playing the steamboat captain.

I find it interesting that in the original special, "The Homecoming," that the only one of the four adult family members (Ellen Corby) retained her part in the TV series.

The relationship that he and Olivia shared in the show was so heartwarming, the show was the type of show of how we all would like our families to be ❤

He did embody a loveable father you would want to have. So many of my favorite lines delivered in The Waltons came from him, from him telling Elizabeth he found her behind one of her mama's smiles . Or MaryEllen asking why would mama want another baby since she had all of them. He simply said, "You know your mama." He would often say something that would make me tear up.

Loved Ralph! One of my first ’crushes’! 🥰 Was sad when he passed! 😢

Definitely "America's Dad "

I remember the first time I saw Ralph. It was in "Cool Hand Luke" as a prisoner who paid another prisoner a dollar to get a better job on the chain gang. Didn't work out to well for him as I recall. RIP Ralph and thanks for your work in "The Waltons"

The Waltons was one of my favorite tv shows. I was in the same age group as the young actors, and my family lived in the country with acreage, a barn, chickens and other farm animals. We all worked with Mom or Dad around the place doing all the things that country folks do, so my life very much resembled The Waltons, it was a good life. My Mom said once that I reminded her of Mary Ellens character, I couldn't see it then, but maybe there are a lot of similarities. Thank you Judy for this tribute, it's nice to reflect. God Bless