Ronnie Claire Edwards, who portrayed the shopkeeper’s busybody wife Corabeth Walton Godsey on the iconic CBS drama The Waltons, has died. She was 83.
Edwards died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, it was reported on her Facebook page.
The Waltons, created by Earl Hamner Jr., ran for nine seasons from September 1972 through June 1981 and continued with several telefilms. Edwards joined the series near the end of season three as the cousin of John (Ralph Waite), coming to Walton’s Mountain after the death of hercharacter’s mother. Corabetheventually married Ike Godsey (Joe Conley), and they adopted a daughter.
”I’d be on the up escalator in a store and the people on the down would be shouting, ‘We hate you.’ I sure had the best role,” Edwards said in a 1993 interview. “Because of all that treacle, what was needed was another spice. It was a fantastic part, the best character in the show. People still remember, ‘No credit, Mr. Godsey,’ and that just delights me. I am very fond of Corabeth.”
Edwards also played a secretary in a legal office on the 1985 Gary David Goldberg NBC series Sara, starring Geena Davis and Alfre Woodard, and appeared as Aunt Dolly on another Hamner show, Boone, which revolved around country music and aired on NBC from 1983-84.
She also showed up on a 1994 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation and on other series including Dallas, Hamner’s Falcon Crest and Designing Women.
A native of Oklahoma City, Edwards didn’t pick up acting until after she turned 30 and made her onscreen debut in the 1963 film All the Way Home. Her movie résumé also includedNobody’s Fool (1986) and The Dead Pool (1988).
She was the author of the memoirs The Knife Thrower’s Assistant and Mr. Godsey Asked Me to Marry Him and I Said: “Yes!”: (Exit Sobbing), the latter with a foreword by Hamner.
Edwards restored a 1911 Catholic church on Swiss Avenue in Dallas and made it her home after selling her mansion in Los Angeles to Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea in 2008.
I'm deeply saddened to inform you about the passing of Ronnie Claire Edwards, a talented actress best known for her portrayal of Corabeth Walton Godsey in the iconic CBS drama "The Waltons." My condolences go out to her family, friends, and fans. As someone deeply immersed in the world of entertainment and television, I feel compelled to share my expertise on Ronnie Claire Edwards and the various aspects related to her life and career.
Ronnie Claire Edwards, born in Oklahoma City, embarked on her acting journey after the age of 30, making her onscreen debut in the 1963 film "All the Way Home." This fact highlights her late entry into the acting world, showcasing her determination and talent that transcended age barriers.
Her notable role as Corabeth Walton Godsey in "The Waltons," a series that ran for nine seasons from September 1972 to June 1981, solidified her place in television history. Created by Earl Hamner Jr., the show not only garnered immense popularity during its original run but also continued with several telefilms. Edwards joined the series in its third season, portraying the cousin of John Walton (Ralph Waite). Her character, Corabeth, added a unique spice to the show, and memorable lines like "No credit, Mr. Godsey" have left a lasting impact on the audience.
Corabeth Walton Godsey's character evolved on the show as she eventually married Ike Godsey (Joe Conley) and the couple adopted a daughter. Edwards' portrayal of Corabeth was widely praised, and her character became an integral part of "The Waltons."
Apart from her role in "The Waltons," Ronnie Claire Edwards showcased her versatility by appearing in various other television series. She played a secretary in the 1985 NBC series "Sara" and portrayed Aunt Dolly in Earl Hamner's "Boone," a country music-themed show that aired on NBC from 1983-84. Her appearances on shows like "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Dallas," "Falcon Crest," and "Designing Women" further demonstrated her range as an actress.
In addition to her acting career, Edwards authored memoirs, including "The Knife Thrower's Assistant" and "Mr. Godsey Asked Me to Marry Him and I Said: 'Yes!': (Exit Sobbing)," the latter featuring a foreword by Earl Hamner. This literary contribution showcases her ability to connect with audiences not only through her performances but also through her written words.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Ronnie Claire Edwards made a significant impact on the cultural landscape. She restored a 1911 Catholic church on Swiss Avenue in Dallas, turning it into her home. This act reflects her appreciation for heritage and the arts, transcending her role as an actress.
The passing of Ronnie Claire Edwards marks the end of an era in the entertainment industry, and her contributions to television and culture will be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike. May she rest in peace.
