The Waltons - The Characters (2024)

Eric Scott's eulogy for Joe Conley

Three months ago, my phone rang, "Hey Ricki-Tik, how about today?" Those six words spoken in Joe's unmistakable voice meant I'm available and can we get together for lunch. You see, we have been doing this for over 35 years. We met on the Television series 'The Waltons" in 1972 when I was 13 years old and Joe was 44 and although we were 30 years apart, there as always a kinship between us. He always said my character was more Godsey than Walton. One day, Joe approached me to see if I would be interested in putting a show together and taking it on the road. Now I had never done any singing or dancing, but I would do anything to follow Joe's lead. Well, after a year and a half of practicing and rehearsing, we took it out to the public and between my two left feet and Jos' two right feet, we had a blast and the audience loved us. What I noticed was how Joe loved meeting new people and making new friends. But, the most important thing I got out of the experience was a lifelong friendship that has endured and blossomed over the years.

We would get together monthly and after having a few pleasantries, we would first talk about our businesses. In Joe's case; his Realty company and later his investments and tenant issues. Joe would tell me about his latest Toastmaster speech, his love for tennis and golf, his recent travels, a book he just finished reading-Joe was a voracious reader, his favorite being historical biographies. Or Joe would let me know about a new book he is writing and I would usually be humored and awed by his incredible ability to convey a story. He was a wonderful story teller.

But we also talked about tough times, like when my wife died of cancer, Joe was a terrific listener and helped give me strength to get though a horrific time in my life.

Joe was a decorated hero of the Korean War and an extraordinary businessman but his passion was acting. As recently as 2009, Joe was still yearning for another plum part. As he would tell me "Rick, I still have the acting bug!". Joe also told me "the moment you sign with an agent, it's time to look for another." Joe was an entertainer and his work will be enjoyed for generations to come.

When we got together in March, Joe and I went to his Country Club, at it turned out for the last time. I asked Joe something I never asked him before, "Do you have any regrets?" He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, opened his eyes up and displayed all the sincerity in the world and said, "No, not really". I said, "Good". Joe was a friend, a confidante and was the kindest, most loving man I have ever known. I will miss our lunches.

Eric Scott

The Waltons - The Characters (2024)

FAQs

Are Jon Walmsley and Lisa Harrison still married? ›

She is an actress and producer, known for Superman Returns (2006), Kidnapped and The Waltons (1972). She was previously married to Jon Walmsley.

Did any of the actors on The Waltons date each other? ›

The love stories carried over behind the scenes. Ma and Pa Walton — Ralph Waite and Michael Learned — quietly fell on love on set. And remember Jason and Toni, who we just mentioned in the prior paragraph? Well, actors Jon Walmsley and Lisa Harrison tied the knot in real life in 1979!

Did Ben and Cindy Walton marry in real life? ›

The actors playing Ben and Cindy Walton both happily married but still became inseparable. One of the earliest appearances of Cindy Brunson Walton comes in one of the most emotional episodes of The Waltons, an episode called "Founders' Day."

Did Richard Thomas regret leaving The Waltons? ›

But while Thomas never regretted leaving The Waltons when he did, he still commended the series long after it had ended.

Who did Jason from The Waltons marry in real life? ›

Six months before their characters met on TV, Jon Walmsley (Jason) married Lisa Harrison (Antionette) in the summer of 1979. According to a People Magazine story from the time, they had an outdoor ceremony in Malibu, California. The whole cast of The Waltons was in attendance.

Who did Jason Walton marry on The Waltons? ›

While stationed as a drill instructor in the fictitious Camp Rockfish near Walton's Mountain, he meets a beautiful WAC sergeant, Antoinette “Toni” Hazelton, who is also musically talented. Though Jason initially gets on Toni's nerves, they eventually fall in love and marry.

What did Ralph Waite pass away from? ›

Served in the United States Marine Corps. He was physically healthy and active until contracting pneumonia, which caused his death at age 85. His problems with alcohol began when his 9-year-old daughter, Sharon, passed away.

Why did Erin and Paul divorce on The Waltons? ›

During the end voice over , John boy states that Erin's marriage is as strong today as it was when they got married , but in A Walton Thanksgiving reunion , she is divorced and states that it was because she found out Paul was cheating on her .

Why did Richard Thomas leave Waltons? ›

Thomas wanted to leave the show. He felt he would get more opportunities in other film/tv. He did get some, but perhaps not as much as he'd hoped for. Happily he's now doing a stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

What happened to Cindy and Ben's baby on The Waltons? ›

The tot made an appearance in the 1982 spinoff film Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain. In the fourth TV film, A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion, Ginny did not appear at all. Instead, Ben and Cindy's characters made a brief mention that Ginny had died two years prior.

What disease did Olivia Walton have? ›

In the television show "The Waltons," the character of Olivia Walton had two different health issues: tuberculosis and polio. She contracted tuberculosis in season one and spent time in a sanatorium to recover. Later in the series, she contracted polio, which left her paralyzed for a time but eventually recovered.

Do Ben and Cindy have a baby on The Waltons? ›

In "A Day For Thanks on Walton's Mountain" in 1982, Ben and Cindy had two children, Virginia and Charlie. Cindy was pregnant with Charlie in "A Wedding on Walton's Mountain". In "Reunion" they were still mourning the death of Virginia...with no mention of Charlie at all!

Did everyone on The Waltons get along? ›

The cast has remained close over the years. Learned described them as "my second family." "We spent more time together shooting the show than we did with our own families," she said. "So of course, we became close.

What happened to Mary Ellen's baby on The Waltons? ›

S6 E7: As Mary Ellen's baby comes due, one of her friends' baby is born prematurely and stillborn. Out of grief, she torments Mary Ellen with talk of bad omens and portents about Mary Ellen's baby. Jason gets a job at the burlesque theater. Mary Ellen gives birth, but a grieving neighbor steals the baby.

Why did they change the actor that played John-Boy on The Waltons? ›

Many young actors would give anything to have a lead role on a hit TV show. But Richard Thomas, who spent five seasons playing John-Boy Walton on CBS's The Waltons, feared that sticking with the show would eventually do his career more harm than good.

Who is Lisa Harrison married to now? ›

Did John-Boy get married on The Waltons? ›

Cast members from the series (1972-81) are reunited for the touch-and-go nuptials of John Boy (Richard Thomas) and a diplomat's daughter. Olivia: Michael Learned. John: Ralph Waite. Janet: Kate McNeil.

Did all The Waltons get married? ›

During the series' last few years, Mary Ellen and Ben start their own families; Erin, Jason and John-Boy are married in later television movie sequels. Younger children Jim-Bob and Elizabeth struggle to find and cement true love. World War II deeply affects the family. All four Walton boys enlist in the military.

What is Jason from The Waltons doing now? ›

Along with his acting career, Jon continued to develop his musical skills, writing and performing many original songs for "The Waltons" in which he also played the second oldest son "Jason." At nineteen, he made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry and has since appeared as a guitarist - vocalist on television, records, and ...

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