ByLYNN ELBER
Share
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ronnie Claire Edwards, who played grocer Ike Godsey’s prickly wife, Corabeth, on “The Waltons,” has died. She was 83.
Edwards died at her Dallas home, said her longtime friend and business partner, Marty Van Kleeck, who was at her side. The cause of death was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Van Kleeck said Thursday.
“Corabeth was a character and Ronnie Claire was an even bigger character,” said Mary McDonough, who starred as Erin Walton on the 1972-81 family drama. “She was larger than life and so whip-smart and funny.”
Edwards joined “The Waltons” in 1974 as high-strung Corabeth Walton, cousin to John Walton Sr. (Ralph Waite). She married Ike (Joe Conley) and proved a formidable and snooty force.
Ray Castro, longtime producer of “Waltons” events and reunions, said Edwards relished her role on the CBS series created and narrated by writer Earl Hamner and set in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1930s and ‘40s.
“When fans around the world come up to you and say, ‘I love to hate you,’ you know that the actor has done her job,’” Castro recalled her telling a 40th anniversary gathering.
Edwards, a native of Oklahoma City, had guest roles in shows including “Dallas,” ’'Falcon Crest” and “Designing Women.” She appeared in films including “The Dead Pool” and “Nobody’s Fool” and regularly on stage.
She also wrote plays, including “Wedding Belles” and “The Mystery of Miz Arnette” (both with Alan Bailey), and books including a 2000 memoir, “The Knife Thrower’s Assistant: Memoirs of a Human Target.”
Van Kleeck said Edwards’ personal life had a consistent theatrical flair, including her choice of home in Dallas, a former Catholic Church.
“She was incredibly creative and imaginative,” Van Kleeck said. “She was one of a kind, the kind of person you hope you meet in your lifetime and rarely get the opportunity to.”
Edwards, who was divorced, is survived by family members including a brother and sister, Van Kleeck said.
As a seasoned entertainment industry expert with a profound knowledge of television history, particularly in the realm of classic family dramas, I can attest to the significance of Ronnie Claire Edwards and her role as Corabeth Walton on "The Waltons." Edwards, who passed away at the age of 83, left an indelible mark on the iconic 1972-1981 family drama. My comprehensive understanding of the entertainment landscape allows me to shed light on the key concepts and individuals mentioned in the article.
Ronnie Claire Edwards, a native of Oklahoma City, gained prominence for her portrayal of Corabeth Walton, the high-strung and snooty wife of grocer Ike Godsey, played by Joe Conley. Her character, introduced in 1974, brought a unique and memorable dynamic to "The Waltons," set in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains during the 1930s and '40s.
The article highlights Edwards' significant contribution to the show, noting her ability to embrace the role of Corabeth with gusto. Mary McDonough, who starred as Erin Walton on the series, describes Edwards as "larger than life and so whip-smart and funny." This attests to Edwards' talent in bringing depth and humor to her character.
The cause of Ronnie Claire Edwards' death, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is mentioned, providing insight into the circ*mstances surrounding her passing. Her longtime friend and business partner, Marty Van Kleeck, who was present at her Dallas home, disclosed this information.
In addition to her role on "The Waltons," Edwards had a versatile career in the entertainment industry. The article touches upon her guest roles in other TV shows, such as "Dallas," "Falcon Crest," and "Designing Women." It also mentions her appearances in films like "The Dead Pool" and "Nobody's Fool," as well as her regular involvement in stage productions.
Furthermore, the article highlights Edwards' creative pursuits beyond acting. She wrote plays, including "Wedding Belles" and "The Mystery of Miz Arnette," co-authored with Alan Bailey. Her literary contributions extend to a 2000 memoir titled "The Knife Thrower's Assistant: Memoirs of a Human Target," showcasing her multifaceted talents.
Van Kleeck provides insights into Edwards' personal life, describing her as incredibly creative and imaginative. Her choice of residence in a former Catholic Church in Dallas exemplifies her distinctive personality and theatrical flair.
In closing, Ronnie Claire Edwards, though no longer with us, leaves behind a rich legacy in the world of entertainment. Her contributions to "The Waltons" and her diverse body of work across various mediums attest to her lasting impact on the industry.
