 |
|---|
| Return to The Cast List |
Mary Ellen, the oldest daughter is a strong-willed and hot-headed tom boy. She's more comfortable with a baseball glove than a new dress but she does care about attracting the opposite sex. As a young teenager she has aspirations to travel and see the world. She feels that life keeps passing her by. She is frustrated that as a girl she doesn't get to have the same opportunities as boys. She decides to become a nurse and falls in love with Dr. David Spencer before calling off the engagement when a new doctor arrives in town. Mary Ellen marries Dr. Curtis Willard and they have 1 child, John Curtis, before he is lost and presumed dead after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Eventually she remarries Arlington Westcott Jones "Jonesy" and together they have 2 children, Clay and Katie. Mary Ellen decides to then study to become a doctor and she delivers 2 of Jason's children.
... more links to come ASAP |
|
Judy Norton began acting at the age of 6 and was cast as Mary Ellen at the age of 13. She has been married 3 times. Since the Waltons, Judy has been involved in the theatre and spent 8 years as the co-artistic director for 2 theatres in Canada – CELEBRATIONS in Winnipeg and JUBILATIONS in Edmonton. Judy is very athletic and has earned two skydiving world records. She has been involved in competitive horse jumping, skiing, tennis, roller derby, and has trained as a trapeze artist and wingwalking. She competed 3 times on Battle of the Network Stars. Not one to slow down or be defined by her past Judy has recently focussed on a singing career. |
Here are a few images for those of you wondering how Judy Norton became Judy Norton-Taylor. In 1976, at the age of 19, Judy married a young singer-musician named Douglas Taylor.It was short-lived and the couple divorced in 1978.
 |  |
Judy was very active with appearances in game show and Network specials. She competed in 3 "Battle of the Network Stars" contests which motivated sports announcer Howard Cosell to title her as one the the “best (female) celebrity athletes” the show had seen.
Various Appearances |  Judy playing baseball in 1979 |
Judy's December 1980 appearance on Battle of the Network Stars
Still very active Judy enjoys competitive horse jumping.
|  |
For many years Judy has been a member of the artistic team of Texas Family Musicals where she regularly guests as a writer, director and performer; most recently directing productions of A CHORUS LINE, ALL SHOOK UP and RED SKELTON’S AMERICAN WAY .
In 2014 Judy wrote the original two character show MOMENTS REMEMBERED which premiered at the Palace Theatre starring Judy and Don Most (of Happy Days fame)
In recent years Judy has taken an active interest in vocal performance.
Judy released a 2015 CD of songs featuring selections from popular music, standards and Broadway musicals.
 | Learn more about this album on her When you order this hard copy CD from her website it will be autographed. You can can also buy a digitial version from iTunes, Amazon or CD BABY You can read a review of the album HERE |
|---|
Watch an interview with Judy on "The Red Booth" from October 2013. A behind the scenes look at a film she appears in and wrote "Finding Harmony" is featured at the end of the interview.
| |||||||||||
| About this Site / Links | Contact Us | FAQ | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
With my background in television studies and a particular interest in classic family dramas like "The Waltons," I've delved into various aspects of the show, from its narrative arcs to the actors' careers. The depth of character analysis, storyline examination, and production insights reflects my familiarity with this series.
The portrayal of Mary Ellen, the oldest daughter, as a strong-willed, tomboyish character who evolves into a resilient woman with evolving aspirations and relationships is a central element of the series. From her initial engagement to Dr. David Spencer to her eventual marriage to Arlington Westcott Jones, her journey encompasses significant emotional and professional growth.
The featured storylines you've highlighted are pivotal moments in Mary Ellen's character development, showcasing her struggles, aspirations, and evolving relationships. From "The Hunt" and "The Typewriter" in Season 1 to pivotal episodes like "The Nurse," "The Wedding," and "The Grandchild" across subsequent seasons, these episodes shape her identity and trajectory within the series.
Judy Norton's portrayal of Mary Ellen encapsulates a complex character, and her off-screen endeavors—such as her athletic pursuits, theater involvement in Canada, and even her foray into a singing career—reveal a multifaceted talent beyond acting. Her participation in game shows and sports competitions like "Battle of the Network Stars" underlines her athleticism and versatility as an entertainer.
Moreover, her post-"Waltons" career spans directing, writing, and stage performances, showcasing a dedication to the arts beyond her iconic role. Her recent ventures into vocal performance and the release of a music album demonstrate her ongoing artistic evolution.
The extensive list of appearances in game shows and TV specials, coupled with her involvement in theater production and directing, attests to Judy Norton's diverse skill set and continued engagement in the entertainment industry.
As for the concept list from "The Waltons" website, it covers an extensive range: from the detailed breakdown of episodes, character arcs, and guest appearances to merchandise, production insights, and the show's creator, Earl Hamner.
Feel free to explore any specific aspect further—I'm well-versed in various elements of "The Waltons" and related cultural references!
