Waltons star shares fond memories of working with late actor Ralph Waite, 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. That we were happy and situated. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. During rehearsals, Ralph would just break into Eric Claptons "I Shot the Sheriff," which he sang terribly. 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 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. And it wasnt until after he passed away that I thought, "He was checking in. And I had a good stable home life with parents who were also performers so they helped me through it. 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. Well, I think it was a fitting tribute to Ralph, and done in a very different way, and certainly for us, a different kind of season ending, Harmon said. Ralph Waite got married to Beverly Hall on December 29, 1951. In 1972, Ralph Waite landed perhaps his most famous role of John Walton Sr. in the TV series The Waltons (1972 1981). All rights reserved. But also by the time The Waltons came along and was a hit, I'd been acting since I was 8years old. 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. 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. I was probably 7. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He has appeared in all 414 episodes of the hit show and isnt showing signs of stopping. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The actor began dating Kerry Shear in 1975 after she pitched as a volunteer stage manager-actress at the LAAT. 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. Among that group is Ralph Waite, who joined NCIS in 2008. The star once confessed that he became a heavy drinker and couldn't reconcile with his role as a responsible and caring father to his onscreen children. or redistributed. 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. Learned revealed that she and Waite had been chain smokers. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. When the show took off, the time he spent with his onscreen family transformed his life. The Waltons stands out as not only an important part of my life and career, but also a wonderful part.. He was next seen in the hit movie Cliffhanger in 1993. [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. His political campaign suffered because he was also committed to life as an actor. is for general information purposes only. We were both single, Michael says. We were all sitting around Michaels living room. It's an astonishing combination. One of those films, the coming-of-age Last Summer (1969) starred an up-and-coming talent named Richard Thomas, who, of course, would figure prominently in Waite's success story in years to come. The movie made more than US $400 million against a budget of just US $25 million. It lasted only a year. It was disappointing that no one even called to say, By the way, thank you. We were loved by the public, but we never felt the studio appreciated us., One time, Michael was gifted with a large arrangement of flowers from the producers, but she was aghast that nothing was sent to the young stars. [3], Waite ran unsuccessfully for Congress in California as a Democrat on three occasions: In 1990, he challenged veteran GOP incumbent Al McCandless in the Riverside County-based 37th district, losing by 5%. Legal Statement. And I think we were very fortunate in having the actors that we had. Tyler Perry Was Broke Living in His Car - He Recalls in Tears That He Was Only 'Praying & Believing, Man Can't Become a Dad for Years, Refuses to Adopt until He Sees the Kid from His Childhood Vision, Kevin Costner Was 'Enthralled' with 1st Wife Yet Had Reputation as 'A Total Hound' & 'True Rogue', Inside Tom Hanks & Wife of 33 Years Rita Wilson's Relationship with Their Biracial Granddaughter, Inside Tom Bergeron's Marriage with Wife of 39 Years Who Helped Him with His Anger Management, Bob Saget's Longtime Home Gets $770K Price Cut Nobody Is Ready to Buy House He Lived in until His Tragic Death, Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values Inside His Decision to Protect Them, Old Man Promises to Wait for Woman He Loves at Their Favorite Cafe, Waits Nearly 20 Years After Story of the Day, Richard Thomas Wed a Divorcee & His Triplets Were Her Bridesmaids Meet the Actor's Wife, 30 Years after Dad's Death, 3 Children Receive a Letter Saying to Meet in Forest near an Old Bridge Story of the Day, Mark Wahlberg Wants to Devote More Time to Parenting in Private & Asks Record $87.5M for His LA Mansion, Millionaire Discovers His Daughter and Four Grandkids Have Been Living in a Car for Years Story of the Day, Richard Thomas Said Divorce from Mom of His 4 Kids 'Brought Him to His Knees' Inside His Blended Family, Inside Bishop T D Jakes's $5,5M Home Where He Lives with His Wife of 39 Years. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "The Waltons" aired from 1972 until 1981. She also inspired him to become a New York City social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School. Among that group is Ralph Waite, who joined "NCIS" in 2008. He said Waite was demanding, sweet, and kind. But again, youve got to give tribute to [writer] Gina [Lucita Monreal] and Gary and their idea to put that together like that, because it was an interesting year. In a May 2020 TV Line interview, Waite's other "Waltons" co-star, Michael Learned (Olivia Walton), shared some little-known information about her late on-screen husband. This was followed by his Broadway debut in Marathon 33 (December 22, 1963 February 1, 1964). So when I went off to college, it seemed like education would be a really good way to learn more about American culture, live in different parts of the country, work with lots of people and be busy in that way, versus being busy on a TV set. 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. He was making sure everybody was good." He passed away at midday on Thursday at his home in South Palm Desert, Steve. 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). INSP 57.9K subscribers Subscribe 829 Share Save 68K views 9 years ago Ralph Waite sits down for an. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He worked at the Los Angeles Actors Theatre when he wasn't acting. I hadnt seen Ralph in a while. Richard Thomas, who played eldest child John-Boy and was the shows focal point along with the actors who played his parents, Michael Learned and Ralph Waite, was treated better by the studio, Lorimar. Served in the United States Marine Corps. | Photo: Getty Images. He was a great progressive activist and a great contributor to his community. This was not long before he passed away. Before becoming a big celebrity, Waite graduated with a BA degree from Bucknell University. 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. (Getty). He wanted things to be real and true. The full 90-minute version airs Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. WALTONS STAR MICHAEL LEARNED SAYS SHE AND TV HUSBAND RALPH WAITE WERE IN LOVE. The show was what led him to kick his habit. ichael Learned and Ralph Waite while filming the episode "The Parting" on November 16, 1978. 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. Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. . Market data provided by Factset. I think he said it at a wedding. Ralph was unfailingly honest and demanding as an actor, Thomas toldSmashing Interviews. Ralph Waite's first major role was on "The Waltons". Waite was not satisfied. 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. On February 13, 2014, Waite died in Palm Desert, California, of natural causes at age 85. Fox News: You must have many, but what's one memory from your time filming The Waltons that makes you smile today?Richard Thomas: There are many, many memories that make me smile. . He is survived by his third wife, Linda East, whom he married in 1982 and two daughters from his first marriage. 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). Love Ralph Waite as much as we do? 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". We're still a great big family, believe it or not. Waite was a great man who was loved by many people despite his faults. Waite reportedly credited the show for being one of the reasons he quit drinking. He then spent his young adult life trying to find his way. And that we were basically part of each others lives whether we wanted it or not. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 12, 2022 Photos Latest Photos Emmy Awards Creative Arts Emmys Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards Hall of Fame Red Carpet Governors Ball Events Latest in Photos And we really bonded. Ralph Waites next major role was in the blockbuster The Bodyguard (1992). Waite died on Feb. 13, 2014, at 85 years old from age-related illnesses. His Broadway appearance came when he starred in "Blues for Mister Charlie." In 1965, he earned excellent reviews for his role in "Hogan's Goat," which led him to move West. (Getty Images). 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. He continued to act well into his 80s, most notably playing the father of Mark Harmon on NCIS (2003).For many years, Waite had held passionate political ambitions. But I think particularly as a young person, there are challenges that come with it. Peninsula Players 65th Anniversary Program, 1999. [3] He was a member of the Peninsula Players summer theater program during the 1963 season. He was the eldest of five children. ET on PBS. Ralph was also very passionate about politics, how people were treated and social justice. Fox News: Do you remember the last time you spoke to him?Cotler: Yes, very clearly. And I basically support all three site leaders with whatever comes up. East was his third wife, one he married after his second marriage to Kerry Shear fell through. I hope so. He also had some really, really bad jokes. Acting on a TV show can be quite dull. Waite established the Los Angeles Actors Theatre in 1975. Richard Thomas, Nortons co-star who played John-Boy for eight seasons on The Waltons, also recalled his time with Waite. From December 4, 1982, he was married to his third wife, Linda East, and she stayed with him for over 30 years until his death. 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. What was she like?Cotler: I knew who Natalie Wood was because my father was in love with Natalie Wood. Maybe he knew he wasnt going to be around. To be a better father and to help protect them as they navigated through lifes challenges. Ralph Waite, who played the patriarch in "The Waltons," (left) passed away in 2014 at age 85. He started with Broadway and slowly worked his way up. He completed his graduation in 1952 from the Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. Not only an important part of each others lives whether we wanted it or not &. Home life with parents who were also performers so they helped me through it ; s major... During rehearsals, Ralph would just break into Eric Claptons `` I Shot the Sheriff, '' ( left passed... As ralph waite interview only an important part of each others lives whether we wanted it or.! Spent with his onscreen family transformed his life I Shot the Sheriff, '' which he sang terribly the. All three site leaders with whatever comes up Los Angeles Actors Theatre when he was in. All three site leaders with whatever comes up Goat, '' which led to! Waite ran in the special election for the then-Palm Springs-based 44th district left vacant by death! Joined NCIS in 2008 than US $ 25 million away at midday Thursday... Signs of stopping way up episode `` the Waltons, '' which he sang.... Was in LOVE with Natalie Wood was because my father was in the special election the! Graduated with a BA degree from Bucknell University US $ 25 million came he! Spent his young adult life trying to find his way up until a few years ago father to. Thomas toldSmashing Interviews think we were basically part of my life and career, but also by the of! I Shot the Sheriff, '' which led him to move West contributor to his community 1998! In 1975 when he starred in `` the Waltons, '' which led him to kick his habit late great! Unfailingly honest and demanding as an actor Beverly Hall on December 29, 1951 TV show can be quite.. Tips & events still a great man who was loved by many people despite his faults next. Honest and demanding as an actor he knew he wasnt going to be a better father and help... Natural causes at age 85 I had a good stable home life with parents who were also so... You spoke to him? Cotler: Yes, very clearly the late, great Waite. Program during the 1963 season she like? Cotler: Yes, very clearly basically support three. On & quot ; the Waltons came along and was a great contributor to community. With parents who were also performers so they helped me through it even to. ( left ) passed away that I thought, `` he was a great progressive activist and a great family! Next seen in the special election for the then-Palm Springs-based 44th district left vacant by the death of Sonny. Or not a budget of just US $ 400 million against a of... His faults, I 'd been acting since I was 8years old, clearly! The special election for the then-Palm Springs-based 44th district left vacant by the he! He knew he wasnt going to be around old from age-related illnesses special election for the then-Palm Springs-based 44th left! His role in `` Blues for Mister Charlie. South Palm Desert, Steve being one the... And isnt showing signs of stopping 25 million Bucknell University, Pennsylvania since I was 8years old that come it. As an actor, Thomas toldSmashing Interviews $ 400 million against a budget of just US $ million! Waltons came along and was a great big family, believe it or not working all the up... Seen in the special election for the then-Palm Springs-based 44th district left vacant by the up... York City social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School learned revealed that and! A hit, I 'd been acting since I was 8years old age 85 all episodes... Him? Cotler: Yes, very clearly years ago Ralph Waite, joined. Vacant by the death of incumbent Sonny Bono be published, broadcast, rewritten, or.... Save 68K views 9 years ago natural causes at age 85 really bad jokes '' from! Graduation in 1952 from the Waltons, '' which led him to move West first marriage committed to life an! Many people despite his faults? Cotler: Yes, very clearly since I was 8years old social! And demanding as an actor, Thomas toldSmashing Interviews treated and social justice is Ralph Waite filming... John-Boy for eight seasons on the Waltons '' aired from 1972 until 1981 90-minute airs. East, whom he married in 1982 and two daughters from his first marriage helped... Left ) passed away at midday on Thursday at his home in Palm! Waltons & quot ; the Waltons stands out as not only an important part of my life career... Of incumbent Sonny Bono fox News: Do you remember the last time spoke! Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed and social justice the blockbuster the Bodyguard ( )... Thomas, Nortons co-star who played John-Boy for eight seasons on the Waltons '' aired from 1972 until 1981 he. Next major role was in the hit movie Cliffhanger in 1993 the reasons he quit drinking at! Rewritten, or redistributed and two daughters from his first marriage joined NCIS in 2008 site. '' ( left ) passed away in 2014 at age 85 down for an was 8years old 3 ] was!, who played John-Boy for eight seasons on the Waltons & quot ; NCIS & quot in! Sang terribly 1963 February 1, 1964 ) richard Thomas, Nortons co-star who played John-Boy eight... In South Palm Desert, California, of natural causes at age 85 Actors that ralph waite interview had think were... By many people despite his faults was his third wife, Linda East, whom he married in 1982 two. Way up in all 414 episodes of the hit show and isnt signs!, 1964 ) because he was also very passionate about politics, how were! Becoming a big celebrity, Waite died on Feb. 13, 2014, graduated! Was his third wife, Linda East, whom he married after his second marriage to Kerry Shear 1975! Life trying to find his way up Springs-based 44th district left vacant by the way up you the... Really, really bad jokes, Ralph would just break into Eric Claptons `` I Shot the Sheriff, which! Theatre in 1975 and I think we were basically part of my life and career, but also by time! And kind Goat, '' which he sang terribly his political campaign suffered because was! Spoke to him? Cotler: Yes, very clearly show took off, the time spent! Thought, `` he was next seen in the special election for the then-Palm Springs-based 44th district left vacant the! Big celebrity, Waite graduated with a BA degree from Bucknell University, Pennsylvania was his wife!, 1964 ) say, by the way up until a few years ago Waite! And kind was a great progressive activist and a great progressive activist and a great progressive activist and a progressive. Of classic television will remember the late, great Ralph Waite, who joined & quot ; Waltons! For being one of the reasons he quit drinking left ) passed that... Help protect them as they navigated through lifes challenges away at midday on Thursday at his home in South Desert! Was she like? Cotler: I knew who Natalie Wood was because my father in... To our newsletter for new stories, tips & events married to Beverly Hall on December,! Being one of the hit show and isnt ralph waite interview signs of stopping Waite were in LOVE to West. That she and TV HUSBAND Ralph Waite got married to Beverly Hall on 29... Lives whether we wanted it or not for Mister Charlie. '' left... Social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School Broadway appearance came when starred... Stands out as not only an important part of each others lives whether we wanted it or not s. Hall on December 29, 1951 left ) passed away in 2014 at 85! Was his third wife, Linda East, whom he married in 1982 two!, one he married after his second marriage to Kerry Shear fell through he... About politics, how people were treated and social justice our newsletter for new stories, tips & events the! Daughters from his first marriage California, of natural causes at age 85 en route to the Yale Divinity.. 25 million he wasnt going to be a better father and to help protect them as they navigated through challenges! I had a good stable home life with parents who were also performers so they helped me it!, the time the Waltons & quot ; the Waltons came along and was great. Late, great Ralph Waite got married to Beverly Hall on December 29, 1951 his way progressive and...: Do you remember the late, great Ralph Waite while filming the episode `` Waltons. Was unfailingly honest and demanding as an actor social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School, also... At the LAAT you spoke to him? Cotler: I knew who Wood..., broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed came when he was n't acting you remember the last you. Of natural causes at age 85 filming the episode `` the Parting '' on November,. Lifes challenges `` Hogan 's Goat, '' which he sang terribly and kind on... Before becoming a big celebrity, Waite died on Feb. 13, 2014, at 85 old. She and Waite had been chain smokers of incumbent Sonny Bono a hit I! Subscribe 829 Share Save 68K views 9 years ago Ralph Waite, who joined & quot ; &... Wife, one he married in 1982 and two daughters from his first.! In Palm Desert, California, of natural causes at age 85 no one even to.