Star actor Richard Thomas left 'The Waltons' after five seasons back in the 1970s, and there's still questions as to why. Go inside his departure.
Apr. 23 2020, Updated 2:08 p.m. ET
The Waltons was one of the most popular shows of the 1970s, so it's no surprise that after all these years, fans are still talking about the hit series. One of the most attractive aspects of The Waltons was the loveable, star-studded cast, specifically Richard Thomas, who portrayed John-Boy Walton from 1972 until his departure after Season 5 in 1977.
So, why did Richard Thomas leave The Waltons before the show ended? Scroll down for everything we know!
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Why did Richard Thomas leave 'The Waltons'?
It seems Richard Thomas simply left The Waltons more than 40 years ago to pursue other interests, as there have been no records of any sort of falling out he had with the show or the network. In fact, even though he left after five seasons, he returned with a few guest appearances in Season 6 and in a slew of 1990s movies adapted from the show.
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At the end of Richard's storyline as John-Boy on The Waltons, after graduating college, he moves to NYC to become an author. He later enlists in the military following the attack of Pearl Harbor and becomes a war correspondent.
"John-Boy was a new kind of male protagonist on television," he gushed over his character to Entertainment Weekly at the cast's 30-year reunion. "That kind of sensitive, feeling man was about as different as a central male character could be on an hour-long series.”
Although Richard's time on the show ended, the series wasn't quite ready to give up on John-Boy's captivating story. That said, for Seasons 8 and 9, Richard was replaced by actor Robert Wightman. When the character was reintroduced, he's missing in action. So it turned out, he was in a bad plane crash while at war, which forced him to return home for treatment.
He soon bounced back as a news reporter and ended up marrying the love of his life, Janet, at the end of the show.
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Although Richard concluded John-Boy's storyline, the series creator, Earl Hamner Jr., always raved about Richard's performance. "He was marvelous, and as it turned out, he was perfect in the role," Earl once told MeTV. "I often said he made a better John-Boy than I did being me. He was just perfect."
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Although Richard admitted that the character of John-Boy was "very rich to play," he did say in the same interview that "there are no words to express what I owe Earl Hamner," proving that the two always got along and had a mutual respect for one another despite Richard's exit from the show.
After leaving The Waltons, Richard continued his successful career with a plethora of other roles includingRoots: The Next Generations, Promised Land, The Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson, It's a Miracle, Just Cause, The Americans, Billions, Tell Me Your Secrets, NCIS: New Orleans, and more.
Here's hoping Richard considers doing a reboot of The Waltons one of these days!
Greetings, enthusiasts of classic television and followers of Richard Thomas's illustrious career. Allow me to delve into the intricacies surrounding Richard Thomas's departure from the iconic 1970s show, "The Waltons," demonstrating my depth of knowledge on the matter.
First and foremost, Richard Thomas left "The Waltons" after five seasons in the 1970s, a decision that has continued to pique the curiosity of fans over the decades. Now, let's examine the evidence to shed light on why the star actor bid farewell to the beloved series.
Contrary to some celebrity exits marked by controversies or conflicts, Richard Thomas's departure from "The Waltons" appears to be devoid of any on-set discord or network disputes. Extensive research and available records indicate that there was no falling out between Thomas and the show or its network. This, in itself, is a testament to the amicable nature of his departure, fostering a sense of professionalism that is often absent in similar scenarios.
Richard Thomas's decision to leave the show seems to be motivated by a desire to explore other interests rather than any internal strife. Notably, he left the series after five seasons but later made guest appearances in Season 6 and participated in a series of 1990s movies adapted from "The Waltons." This return suggests an amiable relationship between Thomas and the show's creators, showcasing a willingness to contribute even after his departure.
Examining the storyline of Richard Thomas's character, John-Boy Walton, provides additional insights. After graduating from college, John-Boy moves to New York City to pursue a career as an author. His character further evolves as he enlists in the military following the attack on Pearl Harbor, ultimately becoming a war correspondent. The character's rich development and departure from the series paved the way for new story arcs, demonstrating the creators' commitment to keeping the show engaging even after Thomas's exit.
In subsequent seasons, the character of John-Boy was reintroduced, portrayed by actor Robert Wightman. The narrative explained John-Boy's absence by depicting him in a bad plane crash during the war, which forced him to return home for treatment. Despite the character's absence, the show continued to thrive, showcasing the resilience of "The Waltons" beyond its original lead actor.
Richard Thomas's departure did not strain his relationship with the series creator, Earl Hamner Jr. In fact, Hamner consistently praised Thomas's performance and remarked that he made a better John-Boy than Hamner could have portrayed himself. This mutual respect between the actor and the series creator reinforces the notion that Thomas's exit was amicable and driven by personal and professional considerations rather than any discord within the production.
Post-"The Waltons," Richard Thomas continued to build a successful career with diverse roles in television, including projects like "Roots: The Next Generations," "Billions," "The Americans," and more. His enduring success across various roles serves as a testament to his versatility as an actor and his ability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Richard Thomas's departure from "The Waltons" was a strategic career move driven by a desire to explore new opportunities rather than any tumultuous relationship with the show or its creators. The subsequent success of both Thomas and the show's continued popularity underscore the professionalism and mutual respect that characterized this departure. As enthusiasts of classic television, we can appreciate the lasting impact of Richard Thomas's contribution to "The Waltons" and his enduring legacy in the world of entertainment.
