Richard Thomas, a beloved figure in Hollywood, is thankful to belong to an exclusive group of veteran actors who have managed to remain in the spotlight throughout their lives. Reflecting on his storied career, Richard shares insights into what it takes to thrive in the entertainment industry for decades.
A Lifelong Career in Entertainment
Richard, who rose to fame as John-Boy on The Waltons, speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of a long career in the arts. "I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent almost 62 years in this unpredictable industry," he says in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly. "There’s a unique bond among us child actor survivors—those who transitioned from childhood roles to adulthood and beyond." At 69, Richard proudly counts himself among this select group, alongside icons like Ron Howard and Kurt Russell. "For those of us who've walked this path, there's a profound shared understanding," he explains.
From Walton's Mountain to Today
Since departing the fictional Walton’s Mountain, Richard has maintained a steady presence in theater, film, and television. His most recent project includes a pivotal role in Showtime's two-part series, The Comey Rule. This holiday season, fans can catch him narrating Christmas With the Tabernacle Choir, PBS's annual yuletide celebration. The event, recorded before the pandemic, premieres on local PBS stations on December 14 and on BYUtv and its free app on December 17.
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How has living in New York been during the pandemic?
"Well, I might be getting a little grumpier!" Richard chuckles. "But seriously, my wife and I have rediscovered the magic of Central Park during these trying times. When our youngest son was eight, we'd walk him through the park to school every day—it was such a cherished part of our routine. Now that he's grown up (he's 24), we've returned to those long walks, exploring parts of the park we'd never noticed before. It’s been a small but meaningful silver lining."
Do your children live close by?
"We have two kids in California, three in Bend, Oregon, and two right here in New York," Richard shares warmly.
A Life Dedicated to Acting
Born and raised in New York, Richard knew early on that acting was his calling. "I grew up around the theater—my parents were ballet dancers, so it was practically in my blood," he recalls. "I remember being on stage for the very first time in a production called Remember the Wedding. I was around eight or nine years old, and halfway through the second act, I realized, 'This is it. I’m an actor.' Honestly, I don’t have any other skills, so I guess I’m stuck with it!" he jokes.
Memories of The Waltons
When asked about his iconic role on The Waltons, Richard’s eyes light up. "That experience was truly magical. We became a real family over time, developing deep bonds with each other. Everyone was committed to making the show as excellent as possible. We pushed ourselves every day to deliver our best work, and those connections endure to this day."
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Among his closest ties from the cast is Michael Learned, who portrayed their mother. "Michael and I have a special friendship, though she’s close to all of us 'kids.' It’s comforting to know that we still have this extended family out there."
Choosing the Right Roles
Richard remains selective about the roles he takes on. "I look for projects that challenge and excite me. Variety keeps things interesting, whether it’s working on a classic Shakespearean play or collaborating with contemporary playwrights. There’s always something new to discover."
What was it like narrating the Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas concert?
"I loved every second of it," Richard gushes. "I’m a huge fan of Christmas—it’s my favorite time of year. Getting to work alongside the incredibly talented Kelli O’Hara was a dream come true."
Were you familiar with the Tabernacle’s annual broadcast?
"Absolutely! I’d watched it in the past, but nothing compares to the sheer grandeur of experiencing it live. The energy of the performers and the beauty of the music are simply unforgettable. It was an even more rewarding experience than I’d anticipated."
Holiday Traditions and Family Life
Richard and his wife celebrate the holidays with heartfelt traditions. "I handle Thanksgiving dinner, while she takes charge of Christmas. We both enjoy cooking, and it’s become a cherished part of our family life. Our home is filled with laughter and joy during these special occasions."
What traditions do you hold dear?
"Nothing too elaborate—just the simple things. We focus on making the Christmas tree as stunning as possible, and my wife prepares an incredible Southwestern Christmas feast. She sets the most beautiful table, and our kids come together to enjoy it, even though our grandkids live out of state. They always find time to visit."
The Secret to a Happy Marriage
Richard credits his enduring marriage to Georgiana, whom he wed in 1994, to mutual trust and respect. "Georgiana is one of the most genuine people I know. She’s straightforward, and I always know where I stand with her. We’ve faced challenges blending two families with six children and raising our own son, but we’ve navigated every storm together. Surviving COVID side by side has been another testament to our bond."
Raising Seven Children
Reflecting on parenthood, Richard emphasizes the importance of letting kids grow into themselves. "Don’t try to mold them into your image. Give them the freedom to explore who they are. It’s not always easy, but it’s crucial to their development."
— Reporting by Lexi Ciccone
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