He made his TV debut with the series Look Up and Live in 1966. 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. To be a better father and to help protect them as they navigated through lifes challenges. Go Inside Dallas Star Linda Grays Condo! Last December, Richard Thomas remembered him fondly while speaking to Fox News. He also had some really, really bad jokes. He started with Broadway and slowly worked his way up. Following that, he gained a Masters degree from the Divinity School at Yale University. Thomas was Waite's co-star and on-screen son on "The Waltons," where he played John-Boy Walton. Ralph Waite made his movie debut in Cool Hand Luke (1967). Fox News: You've led such a successful career over the years. I hope so. It's easy to lose perspective when surrounded by a community of like-minded people. Ralph took his work so seriously. An Exclusive Interview with Ralph Waite Pt. [2] He graduated from White Plains Senior High School in 1946. I think everyone will be able to enjoy it. It would be his defining role. 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 Waite was a very complex man who lived a complicated life. He would tell the same couple of jokes to make everybody laugh. He was ultimately defeated by Bono's widow, Mary Bono.Waite died in Palm Desert, California on February 13, 2014, at age 85. The death affected him deeply, and he sought refuge at the bottom of alcoholic drinks. Wanting more, the star looked for other roles that weren't so patriarchal and found that in several parts. He would reprise the role in the TV movie The Waltons: A Decade of the Waltons (1980). Unfortunately, he passed away in 2014. 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. Waite was survived by his wife, Linda East; a daughter, Kathleen; a stepson, Liam; and three grandchildren. All rights reserved. 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. But he always did it with enormous gusto nonetheless. 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. Intense togetherness and then moving on to the next thing. For children, it's really complicated. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Fox News: Do you remember the last time you spoke to him?Cotler: Yes, very clearly. Michael Learned and Ralph Waite attend the signing of Mary McDonough's book at Book Soup on April 16, 2011 in West Hollywood, California. The two had a strange yet beautiful relationship where there was a lot of love and no sexual gratification. Norton also recalls him with his blue eyes, which he would call the baby blues.. She also inspired him to become a New York City social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School. We still have love. I sat and chatted with her until I was ready to move on to the next person. She was his favorite. Sadly, the actor's marriage failed along the way, and they got divorced in 1969. 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. 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 passed away on a Thursday in February 2014 at his home in South Palm Desert. 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. Actor: The Waltons. [13] He is buried in White Plains Rural Cemetery in New York. The interview took place in 2015. a Rancho Mirage resident, said in an interview . On February 13, 2014, Waite sadly passed away at age 85 from natural causes in Palm Desert, California. Richard Thomas (center) revealed he's still close with his "Waltons" family, especially Michael Learned (right). Advertisement Michael Learned embraces actor Ralph Waite in scene from the TV series "The Waltons." | Photo: Getty Images 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. Kami Cotler sat down for an interview with Fox News back in 2019, five years after the death of Ralph Waite. She's the one who inspired him to become a social worker in New York. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. He started training with the great Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York. And that is fine with me. I mean demanding in agoodway, demanding that things be clear and well done. 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. Occupations came and went, including social worker, religious editor for Harper & Row, and even Presbyterian minister after spending three . 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. Ralph Waite, who was beloved to TV viewers as the ultimate father figure, John Walton, on The Waltons, has died. 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. She spent her time talking about Ralph Waite. He died on February 13, 2014 in Palm Desert, California. Waite said in the 1980 interview. Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served there from 1946 to 1948. I'd seen it aired. He twice ran unsuccessfully for a Congressional seat -- in 1990 and 1998. At one point, the US Marine Corps veteran became active in politics. This was not long before he passed away. 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). 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. 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. 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". 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 Legal Statement. It has a great spiritual connection, whatever your faith background might be. The full 90-minute version airs Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. Watching how Waite and actress Michael Learned, who played Olivia, interacted as a couple impressed Norton a lot. A lot of that was because of Ralph and his performance, she said. Waite played patriarch John Walton Sr. on the show. We ended up getting a little muffin basket with, like, three muffins in it., MORE: The Waltons Richard Thomas on Early Fame, I Dont Know How Young Stars Today Survive!. In 1977, he played the sadistic Slater, in the Roots mini-series. Just like with Shear, the actor never had any more children with East. And everybody was very super gracious about letting this little girl climb all over their equipment and ask 100 questions. I made a lot of Christmas movies. Love Ralph Waite as much as we do? Maybe he knew he wasnt going to be around. www.insp.com/text-messaging-terms-and-conditions/, An Exclusive Interview with Ralph Waite Pt. And that we were basically part of each others lives whether we wanted it or not. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Ralph Waltie and Michael Learned in "The Waltons.". He lived down in the desert so we didnt seehim as frequently as we saw other members of the cast who lived close by. But no matter how much you know about Kelli and heard her sing before, when you get on stage and you hear that voice, it's a miracle all over again. Waite continued to thrive as well on the stage appearing in both contemporary plays ("The Trial of Lee Harvey Osward") as well as Shakespearean classics (Claudius in "Hamlet" and Orsino in "Twelfth Night").Stardom came for him in the form of the gentle, homespun Depression-era series The Waltons (1972). We did not get rich from that show, Eric Scott, who played devil-may-care middle child Ben, tells Closer. 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. 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. Not before he played Gibbs father on NCIS over nearly 10 episodes, however. All rights reserved. It made him a household name. 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. And I think we were very fortunate in having the actors that we had. 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. He had three daughters from his first marriage. And he said he sort of expected how "The Waltons" would be. Waite made a go at marriage one more time before his death. Waite never knew he would go into acting. However, he lost out to Bono's widow, Mary, who won the special election. Learned revealed that she and Waite had been chain smokers. 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. During rehearsals, Ralph would just break into Eric Claptons "I Shot the Sheriff," which he sang terribly. And here we are six years later, with NCIS still on the air. And the production company wasnt planning on casting Native Americans. Its a time to be together and it's really just all about love for us, as it is for everyone. So for me, it was a job. He'd hoped to gain the congressional district that included Palm Springs, Riverside, and Palm Desert, where he lived. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He soon became a minister for United Church of Christ, Fishers Island. Waite previously said she was the first woman he could share a laugh with. That we were happy and situated. Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served there from 1946 to 1948. 2, Privacy Notice and Disclosure for California Residents. These Behind-the-Scenes Secrets About The Brady Bunch Will Blow Your Mind! 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.. 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 cast of the hit television series "The Waltons" poses for a promotional photo on January 1, 1972. In 1998, he tried to get a congressional seat that was left open after Republican Sonny Bono passed away in a skiing accident. Those two actors were Ralph Waite and Richard Thomas. And thats the normal part of being an actor. Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 February 13, 2014) was an American actor, best known for his lead role as John Walton Sr. on The Waltons (19721981), which he occasionally directed. Occupations came and went, including social worker, religious editor for Harper & Row, and even Presbyterian minister after spending three years at the Yale School of Divinity. His political campaign suffered because he was also committed to life as an actor. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He was part of my second family.. Appeared on the front cover of TV Guide 5 times. 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. He also had recurring roles in NCIS as Jackson Gibbs, the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and Bones, as Seeley Booth 's grandfather. 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. It was just one of the chapters of his life, and it preceded the tragedy that almost ruined his life. Before becoming a big celebrity, Waite graduated with a BA degree from Bucknell University. He and his wife had welcomed three daughters by 1960, Sharon, Kathleen, and Suzanne. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. 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. The running joke was that Lorimar was so cheap that their idea of a party was one can of beer and 13 straws! Michael tells Closer with a laugh. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man." 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. Advertisement. And were standing by the raccoons grave and its pouring with pretend rain. Kami Cotler today. 1 (January 1964) No. Among that group is Ralph Waite, who joined NCIS in 2008. Among the cast was a woman he had chemistry with, his onscreen wife, Michael Learned. Old Henry is an original short form limited series. He completed his graduation in 1952 from the Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. Waite died on Feb. 13, 2014, at 85 years old from age-related illnesses. She called him her spirit husband and has admitted that they loved each other for decades. The end of his first marriage didn't mean the star was utterly done with holy matrimony, though. The show aired from 1972 until 1981. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. 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. It's so wonderful. 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. 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. Ralph Waite was born on June 22, 1928, in White Plains, New York, to Ralph H. Waite and Esther Mitchell Waite. 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). 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. Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. [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 really cherish the time that we had together. And I had a good stable home life with parents who were also performers so they helped me through it. 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.. He came to acting relatively late in life. It was my work. Thanks to her, he was introduced to the works of theological heavyweights like Niebuhr and Tillich. We were all sitting around Michaels living room. [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. Courtesy of Kami Cotler. Norton played his daughter, Mary Ellen Walton. Acting on a TV show can be quite dull. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. The icon admitted she and her onscreen husband were deeply in love in real life. Market data provided by Factset. "Ralph Waite will be honored in 'NCIS' season finale", "Presbyterian Church (USA) Ralph Waite finds a home in church", "R.I.P. Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 - February 13, 2014) was an American actor, best known for his lead role as John Walton Sr. on The Waltons (1972-1981), which he occasionally directed. East was his third wife, one he married after his second marriage to Kerry Shear fell through. 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. 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. He was also able to direct 15 episodes of the series during its nine-season run. Unfortunately, he was appalled by the churchs hypocrisy and quit. ichael Learned and Ralph Waite while filming the episode "The Parting" on November 16, 1978. Waite also directed several episodes of the series during the nine seasons. Then I helped launch a charter school in Los Angeles, which is how I ended up as a school leader. And so we're very lucky we were able to do it that way. 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. But behind-the-scenes, Michael, 79, and Ralph who passed away at age 85 in 2014 were much more than just an onscreen Mr. and Mrs. "It was a story about an enormous family and a mother . 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. 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. His film work included roles in Cool Hand Luke, Five Easy Pieces, Lawman, Kid Blue, The Grissom Gang, Chato's Land, and The Stone Killer. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ralph_Waite&oldid=1141195580, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using infobox military person with unknown parameters, Pages using infobox military person with embed, Internet Off-Broadway Database person ID same as Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 21:16. Fox News: You had the chance to meet Natalie Wood. Michael Learned embraces actor Ralph Waite in scene from the TV series "The Waltons." A portrait of Michael Learned and Ralph Waite on the show "The Waltons." She also shared how they both had drinking problems when the show began, with the two stars having a couple of martinis over lunch before going back on set. It lasted only a year. But there is one major caveat. He said Waite was demanding, sweet, and kind. 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. . But also by the time The Waltons came along and was a hit, I'd been acting since I was 8years old. 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. The two had a strange yet beautiful relationship where there was a lot of love and no sexual gratification. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Picture of Ralph Waite with other cast members on "The Waltons" | Photo: Getty Images. He always seemed more comfortable in front of the camera wearing a dusty pair of work clothes than a suit. | Photo: Getty Images. For example, one time he advocated very strongly about casting because there were certain parts that called for Native Americans. All Rights Reserved. is for general information purposes only. Once owned a house in Rancho Mirage, California. Too young for World War II, Waite served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946 to 1948, then graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. We have three charter schools in LA. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. And then I opened up another middle school in LA where I was a principal for four, fiveyears. When he passed away, NCIS decided to dedicate the entire Season 11 finale to Ralph Waites memory. said in an interview last year with local paper The . NCIS Star Mark Harmon Emotionally Detailed How Ralph Waite Tribute Episode Came to Be in 2015. Even though Waite was gone, Thomas said they'd been very close, and their bond endured today. Richard Thomas is hosting "Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir," which was filmed last year. 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. 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. [9] Liam Waite, one of Waite's stepsons, is also an actor. He was a great progressive activist and a great contributor to his community. 1966), Kerry Shear Waite (m. 1977 - div. The Waltons stands out as not only an important part of my life and career, but also a wonderful part.. Ralph Waite's story tells one of humanity at its finest. Waite would drink at night and on the side. Ralph Waite, who played the patriarch in "The Waltons," (left) passed away in 2014 at age 85. And it wasnt until after he passed away that I thought, "He was checking in. 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. All rights reserved. 1, Marathon 33, p. 27. | Photo: Getty Images. And so this felt like exactly what I wanted to do. The Brady Bunch Stars Have a Fun Reunion on Today See the Cast Now! The Waltons: Judy Norton Discussed the Dark Side of Co-star Ralph Waite After His Death. Ralph was a terrible singer. He worked at the Los Angeles Actors Theatre when he wasn't acting. He confessed that people saw him as an icon and hero when they recognized him. 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. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. She reiterated what Waite had mentioned, that the show helped them heal, and they remained friends until his death. 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. Legal Statement. It depends on how stable your home life is. By 1960, he'd already made his professional acting debut in New York's "The Balcony" production at the Circle in the Square. | Photo: Getty Images. The star established the theater in 1975 and served as its director and founder. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Theres a lot of sitting around and waiting. Waite tried again in 1998; he ran against Mary Bono and lost to her twice. Those included Roots (1977), for which he received an Emmy nomination, the title role in The Secret Life of John Chapman (1976), OHMS (1980), Angel City (1980) and The Gentleman Bandit (1981). The news was revealed by Steve Gordon, the Waite family's accountant. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. I think I was giving away cocktail umbrellas that I had stolen from everybodys glasses and giving them out to people I wanted to meet. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man.". Show `` the Waltons, '' which he sang terribly of Fox News: you had chance. And said, these kids have given you years of their lives you! But he always did it with enormous gusto nonetheless, 1978 graduated from Plains. His third wife, Linda East ; a daughter, Kathleen ; a stepson Liam! Everyone will be able to enjoy it Waite previously said she was the first woman he had chemistry with his..., `` he was checking in Waite had mentioned, that the show helped them heal and! End of his first marriage did n't mean the star was utterly done with holy,! N'T acting Behind-the-Scenes Secrets about the Brady Bunch Stars have a Fun Reunion on today See the cast Now wasreally! Sweet, and he said he sort of expected how `` the Parting '' on November 16, 1978 how! The running joke was that Lorimar was so cheap that their idea of a party was one can of and. 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