Robert Wightman – 1952

Robert Wightman is more of a stage actor than a familiar face in film and television, but his acting skills are undeniable. From “Vieux Carré” to “Sweet Bird of Youth” and “The Rose Tattoo,” his prowess has been commended by fans and critics alike.

People outside the stage scene may never have heard of Robert if he hadn’t replaced Richard Thomas as ‘John-Boy Walton’ from the eighth season of The Waltons in 1979 until the show ended. He also reprised the role in the TV movie “A Day of Thanks on Walton’s Mountain” in 1982. Fans may also know him for his roles in “American Gigolo” and “Stepfather III.”

Michael Learned – 1939

Michael Learned is a name synonymous with excellence. She began acting in the 1960s with roles at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. But her big break came in 1972 when she landed the role of ‘Olivia Walton’ on the popular sitcom “The Waltons.” This role earned her four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and solidified her status as a household name.

Michael went on to star in numerous shows like “Scrubs,” “General Hospital” and “The Young and the Restless.” So fans were even more excited for her return to television in 2022 with the Netflix limited series “Monsters.”

Jon Walmsley – 1956

Jon Walmsley may be more renowned for being an accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer, but he certainly deserves flowers for his acting as well. He spent nine years playing the calm and easygoing ‘Jason Walton’ on “The Waltons,” making him one of two actors who appeared in every episode. Jon was also around for many of the reunion productions.

Acting aside, Jon has displayed his musical prowess both on stage and in the studio. He’s worked with Brian Setzer, David Koz, and Merle Haggard and was a member of Richard Marx’s touring band in the late 1980s. He also voiced  ‘Christopher Robin’ for Disney’s “Winnie-the-Pooh” cartoons.

Kami Cotler – 1965

Kami Cotler may not have many titles in her filmography, but “The Waltons” will forever be one of her greatest legacies as an American actress. Few know that she later earned a social science degree from the University of California, Berkeley, before working as a teacher.

Kami was first tapped to play ‘Elizabeth Walton’ in 1971 and once the “The Waltons” ended 10 years later, she was a familiar face in several reunion productions. Kami worked as the co-director of the Ocean Charter School until 2007 when she started her own educational consulting business. Yet who’s to say whether her acting days are far beyond her?

Eric Scott – 1958

Eric Scott is an American actor who came into the limelight for his role as ‘Ben Walton,’ in the television film “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story.” No one expected it to be such a hit, but when it inspired the now-popular “The Waltons,” Eric was all too happy to sign up for the rest of the ride.

He appeared in 212 episodes throughout the show’s run before starring in several reunion productions. Eric has also taken up roles in movies like the 1997 drama “Defying Gravity” and the 2001 romantic comedy “Never Again.” He also owns a parcel delivery company in California.