"The Waltons" was a television series created by Earl Hamner Jr., set during the Great Depression and World War II in Walton's Mountain, a fictional mountain-area community. The show follows John Walton Jr. (known as John-Boy) and his family. He had six siblings Jason (Jon Walmsley), Mary Ellen (Judy Norton Taylor), Erin (Mary Elizabeth McDonough), Benjamin (Eric Scott), James Robert "Jim Bob" (David W. Harper), and Elizabeth (Kami Cotler). The family also included parents John and Olivia Walton, and grandpa Zebulon "Zeb" (Will Geer), and grandma Esther Walton (Ellen Corby). Anne and Joseph (twin to "Jim Bob") both died at birth.
This classic American show captured the hearts of millions and is still widely considered to be one of the best television shows of all time. Hollywood based the show on Hamner's book, Spencer's Mountain, about a family in rural Virginia. Warner Brothers owned the rights to the book and movie version of Spencer's Mountain so the names were changed to avoid confusion. Read on to discover seven more facts you might not have known about the Waltons cast and behind the scenes stories from the beloved TV series.
1. The TV pilot was actually a made-for-TV movie
The Homecoming: A Christmas Story was so successful following its debut in 1971 that CBS ordered a TV show based on the characters from the show. Richard Thomas, who played John-Boy, was one of the only cast members who got to stay on the show from the movie.
2. Michael Learned suffered from alcoholism
Michael Learned, the actress who played matriarch Olivia Walton, has said she suffered from alcoholism for many years until she finally became sober at 78. She was so addicted she even auditioned for the show with a bottle of liquor in her pocket.
3. The setting was inspired by Earl Hamner's childhood in Schuyler, Virginia
The happenings in Hamner's rural upbringing in Virginia not only inspired the setting but also various storylines throughout the show. The close-knit community contributed to the character's values and storylines throughout the course of the show.
4. The Walton House was in "Gilmore Girls"
Well, kind of. A replica of the Walton House was built on the Warner Brother's lot in Burbank, California. It was used as the fictional Dragonfly Inn in the show "Gilmore Girls" which was set in the fictional east coast town of Stars Hollow.
5. Ralph Waite was apprehensive about auditioning
Waite, who played John Walton Sr., didn't want to be tied to a television show for years and years so he wasn't sure he wanted to go to the audition. His agent told him he didn't think the show would sell so he wouldn't need to worry about it. Despite the network giving the show an undesirable time slot, "The Waltons" went on to air a total of 9 seasons.
6. Boatwright University was inspired by Richmond College
The fictional alma mater of John-Boy Walton was based on Richmond College, which became the University of Richmond.
7. The show won many awards over the years
This beloved show consistently did well at the award shows. Patricia Neal won a Golden Globe for her role as Olivia in The Homecoming and Hamner won for Outstanding Writing. Michael Learned won the Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series three times and Ellen Corby won three times for Best Supporting Actress. Will Geer won a Best Supporting Actor Emmy and the series won a Peabody Award for its first season.
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As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of television history, particularly classic American shows, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on "The Waltons." The television series, created by Earl Hamner Jr., holds a special place in the hearts of millions, portraying life during the Great Depression and World War II in Walton's Mountain, a fictional community.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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The Homecoming: A Christmas Story - The TV Pilot as a Made-for-TV Movie: The article highlights that "The Waltons" originated from a TV movie called "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story," which debuted in 1971. The success of this movie led to the creation of the TV series. Richard Thomas, who portrayed John-Boy, was one of the few cast members to continue from the movie to the series.
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Michael Learned's Struggle with Alcoholism: Michael Learned, who played Olivia Walton, battled alcoholism for many years before achieving sobriety at the age of 78. The article mentions that she even auditioned for her role with a bottle of liquor in her pocket, underscoring the extent of her addiction.
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Inspiration from Earl Hamner's Childhood: The setting of the series, Walton's Mountain, was inspired by Earl Hamner's own childhood in Schuyler, Virginia. The close-knit community depicted in the show reflects the values and storylines inspired by Hamner's rural upbringing.
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The Walton House in "Gilmore Girls": The article reveals that a replica of the Walton House was constructed on the Warner Brother's lot in Burbank, California. This replica was used as the fictional Dragonfly Inn in the TV show "Gilmore Girls," demonstrating how elements from one beloved series found their way into another.
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Ralph Waite's Apprehension About Auditioning: Ralph Waite, who portrayed John Walton Sr., was initially hesitant about auditioning for the show. His concerns about being tied to a long-term television commitment were ultimately unfounded, as "The Waltons" went on to air for a total of 9 seasons.
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Boatwright University Inspired by Richmond College: The fictional alma mater of John-Boy Walton, Boatwright University, was inspired by Richmond College, which later became the University of Richmond. This detail adds a layer of authenticity to the character's background.
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Awards Won by "The Waltons": The article mentions that "The Waltons" received recognition at various award shows. Patricia Neal, Hamner, Michael Learned, Ellen Corby, and Will Geer all received accolades for their performances, emphasizing the critical acclaim and success the show achieved.
By weaving these elements together, "The Waltons" emerges not only as a beloved television series but also as a product of careful inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, and the dedication of its cast and crew.
