Back to Walton’s Mountain: Richard Thomas Rejoins the Family
Hey there, folks. Let me tell you about Richard Thomas, the Emmy-winning actor who played John-Boy Walton on the iconic '70s series The Waltons. Now, Richard is thrilled to return to the world of Walton’s Mountain as the narrator in CW’s new television movie, The Waltons: Homecoming, airing November 28. "When you’ve had a show that was such a success, and then decades later it comes back with an entirely new cast, it’s incredibly exciting," Richard shared with Closer.
A Journey Through Time
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over four decades since The Waltons stopped producing new episodes in 1981. For Richard, now 70, the passage of time feels surreal. "Some days, mentally, I still feel like a kid," he says. But the reality of aging isn’t lost on him. "When I get out of bed, it’s like, 'Great, I’m here, I’m awake, I’m alive.' But then it’s also, 'That really hurts!'"
A Career of Versatility
Richard, who lives in New York City, has spent much of his career in theater, but he’s also made a name for himself on both the big and small screens. In December, he’ll be seen in The Unforgivable, starring Sandra Bullock as an ex-con. "Here I am at 70, and I’m like, 'Yay, you’re still in the game!'" he says. "Some might call it talent. I’d call it luck — or maybe a mix of both."
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Learning Discipline from His Parents
Despite his humility, Richard has worked consistently since childhood. He credits his parents, who were dancers with the New York City Ballet, for teaching him discipline. "When you experience success, it really tests you — how you behave, how to stay grounded, and how not to let success tip you over the edge," he explains. "It was all a big lesson for me. Most of the time, I just felt lucky." Richard was only 21 during The Waltons' first season, yet he managed to navigate the challenges of fame with grace.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Fame
Unlike many former child stars, Richard avoided the headlines for bad behavior. "I was always pretty boring," he admits. "I wasn’t into drugs or anything like that. Not because of some moral stance, but because I was just kinda chicken." Richard, who has been married twice and is the father of five adult children, remains a warm and down-to-earth person.
Embracing the Role of Narrator
Richard feels it’s fitting that he’s narrating The Waltons: Homecoming. The role was originally voiced by The Waltons creator Earl Hamner Jr., who based the series (and the book that inspired it) on his own upbringing in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. "When I heard they wanted me to do the voiceover, it felt so special. I get to keep carrying the baton!" Richard says, admitting he was a little envious that Earl got to narrate the original show. "Now I’ll finally get to do it! I only had to wait 50 years!" he jokes.
A Classic Remake
Richard believes fans of the original series will love the CW remake. "It’s a fantastic show. A classic," he says enthusiastically. "Viewers will remember watching the original and will enjoy this new version. It’s a great feeling."
—Reporting by Susan Hornik
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, on newsstands now.
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