It's been over 50 years since Richard Thomas first stepped into the role that turned him into a household name: John-Boy Walton. And even now, the actor still gets stopped in the street by fans shouting that iconic phrase, "Good night, John-Boy." At 71 years old, Richard takes it all in stride. "When I pass on, the headlines will read 'John-Boy Dies,'" he jokes to Closer magazine. "And you know what? I'm totally okay with that."

The Bonds That Lasted Nearly Five Decades

For the actors who portrayed the tight-knit Walton family in the Depression-era drama set in rural Virginia, the connections they made on set didn't fade when the cameras stopped rolling. The show ran from 1972 to 1981, with six TV movie sequels following. Almost 50 years later, those bonds are as strong as ever. "I still think of them as my family," shares Michael Learned, now 83, the Emmy-winning actress who played the devoted matriarch, Olivia Walton. "Every time we get together, there's laughter, joy, and an overwhelming sense of warmth."

Family Meals: The Heart of The Waltons

One of the most memorable aspects of The Waltons was the family meals. They were heartwarming scenes filled with love and camaraderie, but behind the scenes, they weren't always as enjoyable. "We'd spend hours filming those dinner scenes," recalls Michael. "By the time we were done, the kids would be throwing mashed potatoes and peas at each other. Everything was cold and congealed, and it wasn't exactly appetizing." Despite the challenges, the actors would often sit together for real meals during breaks. "We actually had lunch together almost every single day," remembers Mary McDonough, 61, who played Erin Walton. "It was such a different experience from other shows I've worked on, where everyone just goes their separate ways when lunch is called."

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Pranks and Practical Jokes

While the set was often filled with laughter, it wasn't just from the scripted scenes. Richard Thomas and the late John Ritter, who portrayed Rev. Matthew Fordwick, were known for their playful pranks. "They were constantly trying to outdo each other," says Judy Norton, 64, who played eldest sister Mary Ellen. "It was all in good fun, and it kept things light on set."

Challenges Behind the Scenes

Despite the warmth and camaraderie, the cast of The Waltons faced their own personal struggles. Ralph Waite, who played patriarch John Walton, battled alcoholism during his time on the show. "Ralph often credited the show with helping him get sober and stay that way," recalls Judy. "He once said, 'I sat at that kitchen table one day and realized I felt like a fraud.' That was the moment he decided to seek help and join AA." Even as the characters of Olivia and John celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, Michael and Ralph both went through painful divorces. But through it all, the cast remained supportive of one another.

A Lasting Legacy

The cast of The Waltons remains close to this day. Months before Ralph Waite passed away in 2014 at the age of 85, the longtime friends gathered for dinner at Michael's home. "For years, Ralph joked that he couldn't remember the names of his onscreen kids in real life," Michael reminisces. "But after dinner that night, he addressed each of them by name. It was such a touching moment." As The Waltons celebrates its 50th anniversary in September, the show continues to resonate with fans around the world. "So many people come up to me and say, 'Hey, it's you! I grew up with you,'" says Richard. "The show was full of warmth and humanity. It was about people supporting each other and going to bat for one another. That goodwill feeling is what makes me so happy."