John-Boy might be the most frequently remembered child of the Walton family—especially thanks to the catchphrase "Goodnight, John-Boy"—but today, we're checking in on the youngest Walton. Kami Cotler played Elizabeth on The Waltons throughout the entire series, from 1972 to 1981, and also appeared in the original TV movie and the six reunion movies. But, unlike some of her co-stars, Cotler did not continue acting outside of her work with the series. Instead, the now-56-year-old became an educator and has worked as both a teacher and a principal. Read on to find out about Cotler's life after The Waltons and how she moved from being a child star to a children's educator.
RELATED: See What Erin From The Waltons Looks Like Now at 60.
Elizabeth was one of her only acting roles.
Cotler was only six when the movie The Waltons is based on, The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, was released. After that, she appeared in the short-lived series Me and the Chimp and the TV movie The Heist, before The Waltons began airing. From that point on, Cotler has only played Elizabeth Walton, including in the reunion movies, the most recent of which was in 1997.
After The Waltons ended, Cotler auditioned for some roles, but knew she really wanted to go to college instead. "As I began auditioning, I realized that it wasn't as enjoyable as working!" she told VisionTV in 2017. "There wasn't much time between when the show ended and I started university. But, most of the things I auditioned for were not well written and I wasn't terribly eager to get those jobs."
She became an educator.
Cotler got into education after college and has been a teacher and a principal. She even helped to get an institution called Environmental Charter Middle School off the ground.
"I was the founding principal for four years and now I have a four-day-of-week position there. We have three schools now, it's great," she told Cinephiled in 2015. According to the school's website, she is now the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Environmental Charter Schools.
She would return to acting for another Waltons movie.
Cotler was asked by Cinephiled if there's a chance of another reunion movie. "I'd definitely do it—it would be a lot of fun to work with everybody again," she answered. "The industry is so fragmented now that I think you can do niche programming. I'm not sure CBS would do it, though. The first few movies were done right after we were cancelled so those had a lot more continuity. But the other ones were done much later when I was an adult. That was a good experience because it made it really clear to me that this was not the field that I wanted to be in!"
She reflects on the show on her YouTube channel.
Cotler has a YouTube channel on which she posts reaction videos of herself watching The Waltons and shares behind-the-scenes information. So far, she has posted eight videos about "The Foundling," which is the first episode of the series.
For more celebrity news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
She's still close with the cast.
Cotler remains in touch and close with her Waltons co-stars, which isn't something that always happens for TV casts.
"For us it's normal," she told Cinephiled. "I don't think I even realized how strange it was until we were doing one of the reunion movies when I was an adult and some of the makeup people said, 'Wow, you guys really like each other?' They had done reunion shows where that was definitely not the case!"
In the VisionTV interview, Cotler said of the cast, "They are a second family. We see each other for family events, like Bar Mitzvahs, or weddings, or funerals. Whenever we get together it's like a family reunion."
RELATED: Mackenzie Phillips Played Julie on One Day at a Time. See Her Now at 62.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of the entertainment industry, particularly the realm of television, and an extensive knowledge of the actors and actresses who have made their mark in the field. My expertise is grounded in a thorough exploration of the careers and post-career trajectories of numerous performers, enabling me to offer insights into their lives beyond the screen.
In the article about Kami Cotler, the talented actress who portrayed Elizabeth Walton in the iconic TV series "The Waltons," several key concepts are touched upon:
-
Kami Cotler's Acting Career:
- Cotler played the role of Elizabeth Walton in "The Waltons" from 1972 to 1981. She also appeared in the original TV movie and six reunion movies. Her commitment to the role, spanning the entire series, showcases her dedication to her craft.
-
Transition to Education:
- After the conclusion of "The Waltons," Cotler chose to pursue higher education instead of continuing her acting career. She auditioned for some roles but found the experience less enjoyable. This decision marked a significant shift in her life and career trajectory.
-
Educational Achievements:
- Kami Cotler became an educator post-college, working as both a teacher and a principal. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Environmental Charter Middle School and currently holds the position of Director of Strategic Initiatives at Environmental Charter Schools.
-
Potential Return to Acting:
- Cotler expressed openness to returning for another "Waltons" reunion movie. Her perspective on the industry's changes and the possibility of niche programming reflects her awareness of the evolving landscape in entertainment.
-
Online Presence:
- Cotler maintains a YouTube channel where she shares reaction videos of herself watching "The Waltons" and provides behind-the-scenes insights. This engagement with her past work demonstrates her connection with fans and her willingness to reflect on her career.
-
Relationship with Cast:
- Cotler remains close with her "Waltons" co-stars, emphasizing the familial bond they share. Her ongoing connection with the cast is a testament to the unique camaraderie that developed during the show's production.
In summary, Kami Cotler's journey from a child star to an influential educator showcases her versatility and commitment to personal and professional growth. Her insights into the entertainment industry, combined with her dedication to education, contribute to a well-rounded understanding of her post-acting life.
