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. And I think we were very fortunate in having the actors that we had. Ralph Waite as a guest star on NCIS season seven in Los Angeles on November 4, 2009, and him with actress Michael Learned in a scene on "The Waltons" circa 1973 | Photos: Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty Images. Are you OK?" Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In 1972, Ralph Waite landed perhaps his most famous role of John Walton Sr. in the TV series The Waltons (1972 1981). "The Waltons" aired from 1972 until 1981. Waite once worked as a social worker, Harper & Row's religious editor, and minister for the Presbyterian Church. He also appeared in a few films including On the Nickel (1980) which he wrote and directed.Throughout the run of the series, Waite continued to revert back to his theater roots from time to time. Ralph took his work so seriously. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), What Happened to Chase on 'Fixer to Fabulous'? And that is fine with me. She's the one who inspired him to become a social worker in New York. Waite previously said she was the first woman he could share a laugh with. I sat and chatted with her until I was ready to move on to the next person. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, surviving actors from the cast of The Waltons share surprising secrets from the set and tell Closer that despite a strong family bond, many members of the cast were taken advantage of and exploited while filming the seminal drama. When Waite turned 30, he started studying acting after a chance encounter with an acting class. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. He was a sweet, affectionate, funny man, too. And, I defy adults to do well when they're suddenly hit with a lot of fame and notoriety. According to Mark Harmon, the sky is the limit for the show. Waite scored a personal triumph when he created the role of Will Kidder in the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Young Man from Atlanta, by playwright Horton Foote, in 1995. 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). Ralph married actress, Kerry Shear, on August 27, 1977, and this marriage too ended in a divorce on August 31, 1981. What's making me smile right now is the memory of working with the wonderful Michael Learned and the great Ralph Waite who played my parents, and what wonderful actors and people they were. Its a time to be together and it's really just all about love for us, as it is for everyone. However, we were able to do this concert last December before the pandemic hit, so we were all together in the theater, I mean, 20,000 people at each performance and everyone on stage together. 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 still has vivid memories of the beloved actor. 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. He was a great progressive activist and a great contributor to his community. He also had recurring roles in NCIS as Jackson Gibbs, the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and Bones, as Seeley Booth's grandfather. Ralph was also very passionate about politics, how people were treated and social justice. 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. In his second TV series The Mississippi (1982), which was produced by his company Ralph Waite Productions, he played a criminal lawyer who abandoned his practice (almost) for a leisurely life captaining a riverboat. Not before he played Gibbs father on NCIS over nearly 10 episodes, however. The 53-year-old mother of two has dedicated her life to education, specifically leading charter schools in Los Angeles. And he said he sort of expected how "The Waltons" would be. Feeling disconnected from his role on the show and his real-life, Waite finally found the courage to quit drinking, according to co-star Judy Norton. [5] He next appeared in Blues for Mister Charlie, and worked on- and off-Broadway steadily throughout the 1960s.[6]. As a child, he never attended a play or concert, nor did he go to church. Waite was survived by his wife, Linda East; a daughter, Kathleen; a stepson, Liam; and three grandchildren. [13] He is buried in White Plains Rural Cemetery in New York. 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Rich did not care about the script; however, he asked if Waite was interested in playing John Walton, a father of a Depression family in the Blue Ridge Mountains. So as long as the cast and crew are happy with the creative work theyre doing, NCIS will likely stick around. Fans of classic television will remember the late, great Ralph Waite as John Walton from The Waltons. But the prolific actor continued working all the way up until a few years ago. I was pretty disciplined, but I just took it in stride. It has a great spiritual connection, whatever your faith background might be. They had three daughters together, Sharon, Kathleen, and Suzanne. There have been other more recent theater excursions including "Death of a Salesman" (1998), "The Gin Game" (1999), "Ancestral Voices (2000) and "This Thing of Darkness" (2002). Waite was a great man who was loved by many people despite his faults. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. In the next few years, he was seen in series like N.Y.P.D (1967 1968) and Nichols (1971), to name a few. Watching how Waite and actress Michael Learned, who played Olivia, interacted as a couple impressed Norton a lot. Norton, in an interview after Waite's death in 2014, recalled the actor from the long-running CBS family drama. 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). Legal Statement. The news was revealed by Steve Gordon, the Waite family's accountant. 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INSP 57.9K subscribers Subscribe 829 Share Save 68K views 9 years ago Ralph Waite sits down for an. MORE: The Waltons Star Michael Learned Opens up for the First Time About Surviving Domestic Abuse, Eric recalls intense pressure to be on your spot, say your lines and dont make it difficult, but never received encouragement from the studio. For children, it's really complicated. [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. Thomas played John Walton Jr. His character is better known as John-Boy. 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). | Photo: Getty Images. or redistributed. His attention was focused on the betterment of people of color by picketing for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The writers definitely had good stories to tell. She spent her time talking about Ralph Waite. Before becoming a big celebrity, Waite graduated with a BA degree from Bucknell University. Market data provided by Factset. Ralph Waite was a very complex man who lived a complicated life. Appeared on the front cover of TV Guide 5 times. In 1995, he was again seen in the TV movie A Walton Wedding. [8], Waite was married three times, two marriages ending in divorce. You dont see those elements on television very often. Particularly to Michael and Ralph, whose chemistry as Olivia and John was real enough for them to try dating each other. 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. (Getty). 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He soon became a minister for United Church of Christ, Fishers Island. 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. I was probably 7. He started with Broadway and slowly worked his way up. He was next seen in the hit movie Cliffhanger in 1993. 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. Richard Thomas is hosting "Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir," which was filmed last year. | Photo: Getty Images. He also had recurring roles in NCIS as Jackson Gibbs, the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and Bones, as Seeley Booth 's grandfather. Ralph Waite. It was just one of the chapters of his life, and it preceded the tragedy that almost ruined his life. | Photo: Getty Images. 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 was unfailingly honest and demanding as an actor, Thomas toldSmashing Interviews. He worked briefly as a social worker. And here we are six years later, with NCIS still on the air. So, hopefully, we'll be spreading that around with the concert. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. EXCLUSIVE: Richard Thomas wants to offer a joyful holiday during a grim year. And that we were basically part of each others lives whether we wanted it or not. Ralph Waite, who played the patriarch in "The Waltons," (left) passed away in 2014 at age 85. He came to acting relatively late in life. 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. Nothing eventually happened between them, but she was his friend for life. 'THE WALTONS' STAR MICHAEL LEARNED TALKS REBOOT RUMORS, Ralph Waltie and Michael Learned in "The Waltons." 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. He graduated from Bucknell, after which he met and married Beverly Hall, the daughter of religious writer Clarence Hall. In a 2019 interview, five years after Waite's death, Learned dropped the bombshell generations of "The Waltons" fanatic anticipated. 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. He has appeared in all 414 episodes of the hit show and isnt showing signs of stopping. On February 13, 2014, Waite died in Palm Desert, California, of natural causes at age 85. Maybe he knew he wasnt going to be around. But for anybody, I think, it will be a wonderful opportunity to hear beautiful music. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail in 2019, Learned revealed the truth behind her and her late co-star's relationship. Norton also recalls him with his blue eyes, which he would call the baby blues.. [2] He graduated from White Plains Senior High School in 1946. He'd hoped to gain the congressional district that included Palm Springs, Riverside, and Palm Desert, where he lived. www.insp.com/text-messaging-terms-and-conditions/, An Exclusive Interview with Ralph Waite Pt. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Courtesy of Kami Cotler. The only reason he tried to act was that a friend suggested that he try acting school, which he did because he figured there was nothing to lose. Norton, in an interview after Waites death in 2014, recalled the actor from the long-running CBS family drama. These Behind-the-Scenes Secrets About The Brady Bunch Will Blow Your Mind! All rights reserved. CBS' NCIS will acknowledge the passing of TV vet Ralph Waite, who recurred as Gibbs' father Jackson, before Season 11 comes to an end, TVLine has learned. She combines the voice of a diva, of a great singing diva with the girl next door persona. Ive been in this business long enough and worked enough jobs to appreciate that. 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.. Acting on a TV show can be quite dull. Sadly, the actor's marriage failed along the way, and they got divorced in 1969. Here are the next three interview segments. Besides his role as John Walton on "The Waltons," Waite had roles on other TV series like "Bones" and "NCIS." Last December, Richard Thomas remembered him fondly while speaking to Fox News. 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. | Photo: Getty Images. The star established the theater in 1975 and served as its director and founder. Ralph Waite's first major role was on "The Waltons". In 1972, Waite landed the most significant role in his life, which opened Hollywood for him "The Waltons.". Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. It made him a household name. Closer Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. She just pulled me into her lap. But just the memory of working with all of those wonderful people, that's the thing that makes me happiest of all. And there was that ridiculous laugh when he was doing something silly like that. I made a lot of Christmas movies. ET on PBS. | Photo: Getty Images. Fox News: Does your family have any holiday traditions?Thomas: We just like to be together with whichever of our young people, our kids can be with us. He went from one to the other, the castmates. Fox News: You've led such a successful career over the years. Waite passed away on a Thursday in February 2014 at his home in South Palm Desert. He got the company going by personally investing $50,000 to direct, perform, and produce "The Hairy Ape and The Kitchen.". The Waltons stands out as not only an important part of my life and career, but also a wonderful part.. And it wasnt like a casual "Hey, how ya doing? It wasreally intent and him wanting to be sure that we were all good in our lives. 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Fox News: Looking back, how did he feel about "The Waltons" after it came to an end?Cotler: He said something really interesting about it. I think he said it at a wedding. On February 13, 2014, Waite sadly passed away at age 85 from natural causes in Palm Desert, California. He didnt necessarily think at that moment he was doing a very good job. It was my work. She also inspired him to become a New York City social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School. Intense togetherness and then moving on to the next thing. Before becoming a big celebrity, Waite graduated with a BA degree from Bucknell University. Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir airs Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. Waite reportedly credited the show for being one of the reasons he quit drinking. One cast member from The Waltons says that star actor Ralph Waite was very passionate about politics and how people were treated. Michael [Learned] organized a dinner for us and we were over at her house. Absence Explained, Out for a Swim! Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Ralph Waite was born in White Plains, New York on June 22, 1928. We're still a great big family, believe it or not. Ralph Waite returns to guest star in his role as Gibbs's father, Jackson Gibbs on NCIS in Los Angeles on August 28, 2012 | Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty Images, These included 1977's "Roots," 1976's "The Secret Life of John Chapman," 1980's "OHMS," and "Angel City," to name a few. And, we watch our Christmas shows as a family. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. We were all sitting around Michaels living room. Waite also directed several episodes of the series during the nine seasons. Waite played patriarch John Walton Sr. on the show. 2. The movie made more than US $400 million against a budget of just US $25 million. All rights reserved. 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. 'The Waltons' Patriarch Ralph Waite", "THEATER REVIEW; Nameless Menace In Latest By Foote", "The Waltons' actor Ralph Waite dies at 85 in Palm Desert. It's, I think, the 17th version of it. Fox News: Why does the show continue to resonate with audiences?Cotler: It represents a side of American life that isnt often represented, which is a big, working-class family living in a rural place. Meanwhile, at home, things were not going well with his wife, and he drank too much a problem that was greatly magnified after he lost his oldest daughter to Leukemia in 1964. Here are a couple of the interview segments. She was his favorite. Market data provided by Factset. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The theatre he founded bagged many important awards, including the Margaret Harford Award given by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle for "its consistently high standards, its commitment to adventurous theater and to community involvement.". 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. [11], On October 21, 1991, Waite introduced former California Governor Jerry Brown prior to the latter's speech announcing his candidacy for the 1992 Democratic presidential nomination.[12]. I have the great pleasure every morning to get up and enjoy that drive to work and look forward to the people I work with, and I think many of us share that, and I think thats rare, he said. Some of the things he accomplished include heading an alcohol and drug recovery program and helping to build low-income housing. ET on BYUtv and will be available to stream for free the following day on the BYUtv app. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The Emmy Award-nominated star played the role of John Walton Sr. from 1971 until the series concluded in 1981. 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 death affected him deeply, and he sought refuge at the bottom of alcoholic drinks. He was ultimately defeated by Bono's widow, Mary Bono.Waite died in Palm Desert, California on February 13, 2014, at age 85. Ralph Waite passed away on February 13, 2014. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man.". Fox News: How are you and your family coping with 2020?Thomas: We may have distance and separation, but we still have a connection. And we really bonded. The Waltons: 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. Ralph Waite, who played the patriarch in "The Waltons," (left) passed away in 2014 at age 85. Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for December 9, Ed Sheerans wife diagnosed with tumor during pregnancy: Spiraling through depression, Prince Harry describes the rest of his life in five words amid 'Spare' fallout: 'Freedom', Chris Rock plans to address Will Smith Oscar slap in live Netflix special, Prince Harry apology 'demands' from King Charles, Prince William before coronation are 'delusional': experts, Brendan Fraser recalls near-death experience filming 'The Mummy' scene: 'I was choked out', Morgan Evans' dad recalls 'everything' being 'destroyed' in singer's life after Kelsea Ballerini divorce. 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