Ralph Waite, Star of ‘The Waltons,’ Dies at 85

Variety ^ | FEBRUARY 13, 2014 | Carmel Dagan

[US Navy Vet]

Ralph Waite, a hard-working actor best known for his role as the father on CBS’ hit drama “The Waltons” during the 1970s but more recently seen in recurring roles on “NCIS” and “Days of Our Lives,” has died. He was 85.

Waite was nominated for two Emmys, one for his role as John Walton Sr. on “The Waltons” in 1978 and another for his role in the miniseries “Roots” the previous year.

[US Navy Vet]

Sad, No 3

[SevenofNine]

Gibbs dad is dead???

[TBP]

Shirley Temple, Sid Caesar, and Ralph Waite on consecutive days.

[TBP]

Stay tuned for “Funeral on Walton’s Mountain”.

[2ndDivisionVet]

I met him once in a church when he gave a sermon in a neighboring town on the evils of Hollywood. Nice man.

[Jane Long]

I’ll miss him on NCIS :(

[Clint N. Suhks]

Goodnight daddy...

[clintonh8r]

4

[clintonh8r]

counting Hoffman.

[GunRunner]

I've never seen the Walton's, but his death in Cliffhanger is still one of the most shocking moments in any modern action movie.

[Dacula]

Hoffman doesn’t count. He killed himself. The others all died of old age and not suicide.

[no-to-illegals]

Mr. Ralph Waite, rest in peace Sir! You were an excellent actor and director. I especially loved the episode with Josh. Many life’s lessons taught well, Mr. Waite. Thank You!

[SandRat]

Bet it’s one last Role on “NCIS”.

[cripplecreek]

Goodnight Daddy.

[SMGFan]

David Boreanaz ‏@David_Boreanaz R.I.P. pops #Ralph Waites

He played Booth's Grandpa on "Bones" ... but I have never watched an episode of Bones.

[dfwgator]

I met him once in a church when he gave a sermon in a neighboring town on the evils of Hollywood.

I'm sure working with that pervert Will Geer give him a lot of insight in that area.

[2ndDivisionVet]

He alluded to that, as a matter of fact. He warned our parents not to let us work in the industry due to the numerous paedophiles.

[Iscool]

I've never seen the Walton's

Well, I feel sorry for ya...

[TexasGator]

“I’m sure working with that pervert Will Geer give him a lot of insight in that area.”

Also a registered communist.

[cripplecreek]

The Waltons was probably the last of the unabashedly moral shows. There was a moral or ethical message in every show but they didn’t portray everyone as perfect. For instance, Jimbob was the wild child hanging out at the Dewdrop inn playing that honky tonk music.

These days Richard Thomas plays a CIA or FBI bigwig on The Americans.