“The Waltons” was a popular TV show that aired from 1971 to 1981. The show chronicled the lives of the Walton family, a close-knit group living in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. The show was known for its heartwarming stories and strong family values, but behind the scenes, the cast members had their fair share of terrible memories.
One of the most shocking revelations came from Richard Thomas, who played the eldest son, John-Boy Walton. Thomas revealed that during the show’s second season, he was physically assaulted by the show’s producer, Earl Hamner Jr. According to Thomas, Hamner was unhappy with the direction Thomas was taking the character of John-Boy and became physically violent during a meeting. Thomas described the incident as “terrifying” and said he was “absolutely traumatized.”
Michael Learned, who played the family matriarch, Olivia Walton, also had terrible memories of her time on the show. Learned revealed that she was sexually harassed by one of the show’s directors, who would make inappropriate comments and gestures towards her on set. Despite reporting the harassment to the producers, no action was taken, and Learned was left to deal with it on her own.
Judy Norton, who played the eldest daughter, Mary Ellen Walton, also shared her own traumatic experience on the show. Norton revealed that during a scene where her character was supposed to be drowned in a river, the production team didn’t take the necessary safety precautions. Norton was pulled under the water and nearly drowned before being rescued by a crew member.
Despite these terrible memories, the cast members also shared many positive experiences from their time on the show. They spoke about the strong bonds they formed with each other and the impact the show had on their careers.
Richard Thomas, in particular, spoke fondly of his time on the show, saying that it was a “magical” experience that he will always cherish. He praised the show’s writers for their ability to tackle difficult topics with sensitivity and grace, and credited the show’s success to its ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Overall, the cast of “The Waltons” shared a mix of good and bad memories from their time on the show. While the show was known for its wholesome family values, the behind-the-scenes experiences were not always so idyllic. Despite the challenges they faced, the cast members remain proud of their work on the show and the impact it had on audiences around the world.
