(YouTube). Fox News: What was it like working with Ralph Waite?Kami Cotler: Im the youngest of all the kids on the show, so my perspective comes from being a little kid. Waite died on Feb. 13, 2014, at 85 years old from age-related illnesses. WALTONS CHILD STAR KAMI COTLER REFLECTS ON LATE ACTOR RALPH WAITE 5 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH. And he said he sort of expected how "The Waltons" would be. Waite tried again in 1998; he ran against Mary Bono and lost to her twice. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Looking back, how did you escape that so-called child curse that we tend to hear about?Thomas: [I think] youre lucky enough to have success in the business at any age. Old Henry is an original short form limited series. He would play other roles, too, before his death. Michael Learned embraces actor Ralph Waite in scene from the TV series "The Waltons." I was probably 7. And the production company wasnt planning on casting Native Americans. And we will all have it again. Theyre all phenomenally talented and managed to establish something that made it easy for all these children acting along with them to do a good job and to make it real. He died on February 13, 2014 in Palm Desert, California. And I think just acknowledging how unique our experience was and how enduring it was for each other. He completed his graduation in 1952 from the Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. The interview took place in 2015. He was the eldest of five children. Love Ralph Waite as much as we do? '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). He is well known for his acting skills, but before he took up that calling, Waite served the Lord as an ordained minister. It's going to be awfully quiet this year. That enduring familial affection, along with the pride of belonging to a show that resonated with viewers all around the world, makes everyone who was part of The Waltons feel privileged to have played a part in the show. is for general information purposes only. Kami Cotler, who played Elizabeth Walton, the youngest member of the TV family, enjoyed fame as a child star during her time in the series but has since gone on to pursue a completely different career as an adult. Fox News: Why education?Cotler: I think acting was a great job for me as a child, but then I also had a very unusual situation in that I was on the same show for years and years. One cast member from The Waltons says that star actor Ralph Waite was very passionate about politics and how people were treated. He said, I sat there one day at the kitchen table with all you kids and I felt like such a fake. He took himself to AA and got sober., MUST SEE: Check out All the Little House on the Prairie Kids Who Have Children of Their Own. This was not long before he passed away. Legal Statement. Mark Harmon, the actor behind Gibbs and an executive producer on the long-running crime drama, is a powerhouse. All rights reserved. However, he lost out to Bono's widow, Mary, who won the special election. He is survived by his third wife, Linda East, whom he married in 1982 and two daughters from his first marriage. The star had also earned his degree and became a minister in the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church. Are you OK?" Not that it curved his dreamy nature. 1 (January 1964) No. In 1998, he tried to get a congressional seat that was left open after Republican Sonny Bono passed away in a skiing accident. 1981), place of death: Palm Desert, California, United States, education: Bucknell University, Yale Divinity School, (American Actor Best Known for His Lead Role as John Walton SR. in the TV Series The Waltons), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKClNogLrIc, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ralph_Waite.jpg, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J4flaQzNJM. Ralph was a really special guy, and I had a lot of admiration for him as well as a lot of love.. Besides his role as John Walton on "The Waltons," Waite had roles on other TV series like "Bones" and "NCIS." His other significant roles were as Hank Booth in the series Bones (2009 2013), Jackson Gibbs in NCIS (2008 2013), and Father Matt/Watt in Days of Our Lives (2009 2014). My wife makes a beautiful New Mexican Christmas dinner, which we all love. He twice ran unsuccessfully for a Congressional seat -- in 1990 and 1998. Thereafter, he married Linda East on December 4, 1982 and was with her until his death. It lasted only a year. The show was what led him to kick his habit. Waite was able to carry with him a certain grizzled, rumpled, craggy-faced, settled-in benevolence, although he was quite capable of villainy. And I think this particular iteration is going to really be a lovely offering this year for people. Richard Thomas (center) revealed he's still close with his "Waltons" family, especially Michael Learned (right). On February 13, 2014, Waite sadly passed away at age 85 from natural causes in Palm Desert, California. He had three daughters from his first marriage. Ralph took his work so seriously. Even though Waite was gone, Thomas said they'd been very close, and their bond endured today. 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. I made a lot of Christmas movies. It was his highest-grossing movie to date. These were people sharing their own stories of being part of a struggling family or living in a rural place. Market data provided by Factset. Legal Statement. Waite once worked as a social worker, Harper & Row's religious editor, and minister for the Presbyterian Church. At age 30, however, he began to study acting and found his true life's passion.Waite made his professional NY debut in a 1960 production of "The Balcony" at the Circle in the Square and was seen on Broadway in "Blues for Mister Charlie" before earning fine reviews in 1965 alongside Faye Dunaway in "Hogan's Goat". Thomas played John Walton Jr. His character is better known as John-Boy. Outside entertainment, Waite demonstrated his usefulness in politics and community work. Fox News: How are you and your family coping with 2020?Thomas: We may have distance and separation, but we still have a connection. In the next few years, he was seen in series like N.Y.P.D (1967 1968) and Nichols (1971), to name a few. 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. Fox News: For those who will be watching The Tabernacle Choir for the first time, what do you hope they get from this experience?Thomas: If they're Christmas lovers like I am, I hope they have a wonderful Christmas moment and they're able to really indulge in the beauty of the holiday and the majesty of the singing and the whole experience and that that will enrich their Christmas holidays. And so we're very lucky we were able to do it that way. Besides her marriages, Learned also had a close relationship with her "The Waltons" co-star Ralph Waite. It depends on how stable your home life is. I was always interested in everything that went on on set. (CBS via Getty Images). [5] He next appeared in Blues for Mister Charlie, and worked on- and off-Broadway steadily throughout the 1960s.[6]. It's true that Waite dealt with issues, including alcoholism, during his life . [10] He was defeated in that election by Mary Bono, Sonny's widow, and lost to her again that November. It was just one of the chapters of his life, and it preceded the tragedy that almost ruined his life. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He went from one to the other, the castmates. Sharon died of leukemia, at the tender age of nine, in 1964. She recalled a day when he told her that he decided to become sober after sitting at a kitchen table with his onscreen children and realized he felt fake. But also by the time The Waltons came along and was a hit, I'd been acting since I was 8years old. So for me, it was a job. In 1972, Ralph Waite landed perhaps his most famous role of John Walton Sr. in the TV series The Waltons (1972 1981). He also ran for Congress as a Democrat, in California in 1990 for the Riverside County-based 37th district. The Earl Hamner Jr. series, however, would welcome Waite along with Michael Learned, and make both, as well as Richard Thomas playing their son John-Boy, household names. We did not get rich from that show, Eric Scott, who played devil-may-care middle child Ben, tells Closer. He would again play John Walton Sr. in the TV movies A Wedding on Walton's Mountain, Mother's Day on Waltons Mountain, and A Day for Thanks on Walton's Mountain, in 1982. Educated at Bucknell University where he graduated with a BA degree, Waite existed rather aimlessly as a young adult while trying to find his way in the world. 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. Waite was survived by his wife, Linda East; a daughter, Kathleen; a stepson, Liam; and three grandchildren. We were both single, Michael says. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. Then I helped launch a charter school in Los Angeles, which is how I ended up as a school leader. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man." 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. His attention was focused on the betterment of people of color by picketing for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Waite also directed several episodes of the series during the nine seasons. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Thomas spoke to Fox News about working alongside his TV father Ralph Waite, who passed away in 2014 at age 85, as well as his relationship with "The Waltons" cast today and celebrating. She also inspired him to become a New York City social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School. He later left the ministry, upset with what he saw as hypocrisy in the church, and went to work for Harper & Row as an editor for religious books. Cotler spoke to Fox News about her relationship with Waite, how she feels about The Waltons today and why shes passionate about her current role. To be a better father and to help protect them as they navigated through lifes challenges. 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. In June 2013, INSP interviewed Waite while shooting "Old Henry," where he spoke about his life after "The Waltons." 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. Waite earned a master's degree from Yale University's Divinity School and was an ordained Presbyterian minister and religious editor at Harper & Row, New York, before deciding on an acting career. He then spent his young adult life trying to find his way. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Executive Producer of Ralph Waite Productions from 1983 to 1984. Please feel free to share these very heartfelt videos with your friends and look for more videos next week. "The Waltons" aired from 1972 until 1981. So as a little kid, most of that stuff goes right by you. Ralph was unfailingly honest and demanding as an actor, Thomas toldSmashing Interviews. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Even though his role in the series was more wholesome, he found himself at odds with it. It resonated with his being, and that was when he knew that he loved acting. He was ultimately defeated by Bono's widow, Mary Bono.Waite died in Palm Desert, California on February 13, 2014, at age 85. She went to the producers and said, These kids have given you years of their lives and you cant even get them something? remembers Judy Norton, who played eldest daughter Mary Ellen. Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. I'd seen it aired. You can see in Ralphs performances, the way he prepared, the way that he directed this was not a game we were playing. All rights reserved. And that is fine with me. He was honest and earnest in his portrayal of John Sr. Everyone wanted him to be their dad someone who could be tough but also loving., Reflecting back on Waite, Norton understood why viewers wanted to be a part of that family. So he did tell that story about how the acting and the pretend moment really informed his own choices in his real life with his actual children. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man.". Richard Thomas (center) revealed he's still close with his "Waltons" family, especially Michael Learned (right). So I drove out to Malibu, but we just looked at each other and said, Nah, I dont think so. So all of our lovemaking was on-screen!, Ralph, who had a reputation as a serious stage actor with no great love for children when the series debuted, probably experienced the biggest life change after falling in love with the rest of the Waltons cast. It took one day of sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by his onscreen family for him to feel fake, so he got himself sober. He then spent his young adult life trying to find his way. Fox News: You had the chance to meet Natalie Wood. There was a scene between him and me when Elizabeths raccoon dies. According to an interview Learned gave with the Television Academy Foundation, she went in to audition for "The Waltons." Then, she was asked to do a screen test. Waite was not satisfied. Actress Judy Norton still finds herself having a lot of respect for her The Waltons co-star Ralph Waite, even though he had a dark side.. Thanks to her, he was introduced to the works of theological heavyweights like Niebuhr and Tillich. By 1960, he'd already made his professional acting debut in New York's "The Balcony" production at the Circle in the Square. Waite then went to Alcoholics Anonymous and got himself sober. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Ralph Waite sits down for an exclusive interview with INSP to share his thoughts on life as an actor.Old Henry is an original short form limited series creat. Waite said in the 1980 interview. She's the one who inspired him to become a social worker in New York. Michael Learned and Ralph Waite while filming the episde "The Empty Nest" on June 16, 1978. MICHAEL LEARNED SAYS 'THE WALTONS' SAVED HER LIFE, CALLS NEW FILM 'SECOND ACTS' A 'GIFT', Richard Thomas is hosting "Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir," which was filmed last year. Go Inside Dallas Star Linda Grays Condo! He ran twice in 1998 for Palm Springs-based 44th and 39th districts. It would be his defining role. According to Mark Harmon, the sky is the limit for the show. It's my favorite time of year. Waite was a great man who was loved by many people despite his faults. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2014. www.insp.com/text-messaging-terms-and-conditions/, An Exclusive Interview with Ralph Waite Pt. He always seemed more comfortable in front of the camera wearing a dusty pair of work clothes than a suit. On February 13, 2014, Waite died in Palm Desert, California, of natural causes at age 85. Ralph Waltie and Michael Learned in "The Waltons.". Playbill, vol. Theres a lot of sitting around and waiting. So when they called and invited me to be the reader for the current one and told me that Kelli O'Hara was going to be the singing artist guest, I just jumped at the chance. The star established the theater in 1975 and served as its director and founder. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, She starred as the wife of Waite's character John Walton Sr. in the series. Market data provided by Factset. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. [8], Waite was married three times, two marriages ending in divorce. Ralph Waite might've been the ideal patriarch on "The Waltons," but he was married three times in real life and struggled with addiction. Actress Judy Norton still finds herself having a lot of respect for her "The Waltons" co-star Ralph Waite, even though he had a "dark side.". or redistributed. Peninsula Players 65th Anniversary Program, 1999. 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. 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. For children, it's really complicated. Ralph Waite's first major role was on "The Waltons". Actor: The Waltons. Fox News: What's one scene from the show that still sticks out to you?Cotler: At the beginning of the show, he was dealing with alcoholism and his challenges within his own family. By the time he was cast as John Walton on "The Waltons," he already had a reputation as a serious stage actor but had only been cast in one other TV show, a "Nichols" episode. Ralph Waite was born on June 22, 1928, in White Plains, New York, to Ralph H. Waite and Esther Mitchell Waite. Ralph Waite, who played the patriarch in "The Waltons," (left) passed away in 2014 at age 85. He completed his graduation in 1952 from the Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. 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. 2. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. See GMA Host Lara Spencers Bikini Photos, Why Did Sara Haines Disappear During an Episode of The View? Educated at Bucknell University where he graduated with a BA degree, Waite existed rather aimlessly as a young adult while trying to find his way in the world. He had a lot of things in his personal life that he struggled with, so he had a dark side, Norton said to Everything Zoomer. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. He lived down in the desert so we didnt seehim as frequently as we saw other members of the cast who lived close by. 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. 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). 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