Miscellaneous
See other Miscellaneous ArticlesTitle: Ralph Waite, Patriarch in ‘The Waltons,’ Dies at 85
Source:
NYT
URL Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/15/a ... -dies-at-85.html?smid=fb-share
Published: Feb 14, 2014
Author: DOUGLAS MARTIN
Post Date: 2014-02-14 21:00:36 by Armadillo
Keywords: None
Views: 218
Comments: 5
Ralph Waite, a multifaceted actor who became etched in television history as the craggy-faced, big-hearted patriarch of a rustic Depression-era clan on the popular 1970s dramatic series “The Waltons,” died on Thursday at his home in Palm Desert, Calif. He was 85.
“The Waltons” made its debut on CBS in September 1972 against two already popular shows: Flip Wilson’s irreverent comedy-variety show on NBC and, on ABC, “Mod Squad,” a drama about young undercover police officers. What some saw as a cornball newcomer was expected to be buried, but within two seasons it had driven its competitors off the air.
The success of “The Waltons” owed much to the actors and the characters they played, members of a homespun rural family used to surmounting challenges through old-fashioned virtues. The foremost was John Jr., known as John-Boy, the oldest of seven children. Played by Richard Thomas, he was a serious young man with a passion to be a writer.
Almost as significant was Mr. Waite’s John Sr., the family patriarch, who displayed wisdom, goodness, courage and a bit of a temper. He did not approve of hunting animals for sport, but hunted to put food on his hard-pressed family’s table. Though he shunned organized religion, his wife, Olivia, played by Michael Learned, called him “the most God-fearing man I know.”
“The Waltons” lasted nine seasons and produced six made-for-television movie sequels. In 1992, President George Bush said he wanted to “make American families a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons.” Click for Full Text!
Poster Comment: I grew up watching The Waltons. It was a wonderful family TV show and I have fond memories of it and the cast. Good night Pa. Rest in peace Mr. Waite, and thank you. Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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