The family on “The Waltons” was so close, it’s hard to believe that they weren’t really related. Nevertheless, the cast truly was just a group of actors pretending to be family for the show. However, there were two actors that decided to “adopt” each other into their own real-life families. Ellen Corby, who played Grandma Walton and Jon Walmsley who played Jason on the show, became very close while acting together.
So close, that even after the series ended, they considered each other grandmother and grandson. During an interview in 1974, Corby explained her relationship with Walmsley.
“Jon has no grandparents,” said Corby. “I have no grandson, so we’ve more or less adopted one another.”
In his 2005 biography,“Earl Hamner: From Walton’s Mountain to Tomorrow”, Hamner included a photo of Corby and Walmsley together at the Emmy Awards in 1975. The two attended the show together as “dates.” Corby won the Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. And what better way to celebrate than with her adoptive grandson by her side?
Richard Thomas Said His Character Felt Like a Spy In His Own Family on ‘The Waltons’
Certainly, “The Waltons” family had a healthy and loving dynamic. That said, just like all families, each member of the Waltons had his/her own personality. And sometimes those personalities clashed or simply didn’t understand each other. That was certainly the case for John-Boy, played by Richard Thomas. John-Boy was an aspiring writer who loved his family yet he knew he had to leave his home in order to reach his full potential. During an interview in 2016, Thomas talked about the way John-Boy felt growing up in “The Waltons” home.
“I think John-Boy is that (an artist), not necessarily the show but that character,” said Thomas. “And that split makes it very interesting to play because not only is he at home in his environment. He is also, he needs to escape it.”
Thomas said that this dynamic is one that many people experience while growing up.
“The conflict (is) between how much you love the people you are living with and how much you need to be separate from them,” Thomas said. “To individuate not just as a person but because you have a completely different way of seeing the world.
Thomas added that he enjoyed playing John-Boy on “The Waltons” because of the complexity and conflict the character experienced.
“You feel like a spy in your own home,” he said. “This creates a wonderful inner conflict that’s a character very rich to play.”
As someone deeply immersed in the world of television and entertainment, I can draw upon my extensive knowledge to shed light on the fascinating dynamics behind the scenes of "The Waltons." My expertise extends beyond just the scripted narratives, allowing me to provide insights into the real-life relationships that developed among the cast members.
In the case of Ellen Corby and Jon Walmsley, who portrayed Grandma Walton and Jason on the show, their bond transcended the confines of the script. The evidence supporting their genuine connection goes beyond on-screen chemistry. Corby's statement in the 1974 interview reveals a personal connection that goes beyond acting: "Jon has no grandparents. I have no grandson, so we’ve more or less adopted one another." This heartfelt declaration speaks to the depth of their relationship, highlighting a real-life adoption into each other's families.
The corroborating evidence can be found in Earl Hamner's 2005 biography, "Earl Hamner: From Walton’s Mountain to Tomorrow." The inclusion of a photo featuring Corby and Walmsley at the Emmy Awards in 1975 further solidifies their close bond. Attending the event together as "dates" and celebrating Corby's Emmy win for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series paints a vivid picture of the familial connection they maintained even after the series concluded.
Moving on to Richard Thomas and his portrayal of John-Boy Walton, my expertise allows me to delve into the nuances of his character's psyche. Thomas, in a 2016 interview, provides valuable insights into John-Boy's internal conflicts and the complexity of the character. The evidence lies in Thomas's own words: "I think John-Boy is that (an artist), not necessarily the show but that character." This distinction emphasizes the overlap between the character and the actor, showcasing the depth of Thomas's understanding of his role.
Thomas's description of John-Boy feeling like a "spy in his own home" adds another layer to the evidence, underscoring the internal conflicts that made the character compelling to portray. The conflict between love for family and the need for separation resonates with many individuals' experiences, providing a relatable dimension to the character's journey.
In summary, the evidence presented in these accounts goes beyond the surface of the on-screen narratives. It delves into the real, tangible connections forged among the cast members of "The Waltons," illustrating the depth of their relationships and the impact of these bonds on both the show's narrative and the actors' personal lives.
