Lorraine Grisez
Staff Writer
Ralph Waite, who famously portrayed John Walton Sr. on the beloved 1970s television series The Waltons, passed away in his Palm Desert home around 11 a.m. Thursday, according to The Desert Sun. He was 85.
Waite received two Emmy nominations in his career. In 1977 he was nominated for Roots, and the other was for his role in The Waltons. Waite most recently had recurring roles on NCIS and Bones.
Waite’s onscreen wife Michael Learned told People on Thursday evening, “I’m a little emotional right now. It’s such a shock.” She went on to say, “Ralph had suffered a lot of great tragedy in his life, but he always overcame it and was there for everyone. I just will miss him terribly.”
Judy Norton, who played the eldest daughter on The Waltons, told People, “We were a real family. It wasn’t just a group of people who got together and worked and then went our separate ways.” She went on to say that the cast looked to Waite as a father figure off screen as well.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and stepson; as well as millions of viewers who lovingly wish him, “Goodnight, Pa” for the last time.
Keep Up With PopWrapped On The Web!
http://www.PopWrapped.com
Tweets by PopWrapped
http://www.SoundCloud.com/PopWrapped
http://www.Popwrapped.Tumblr.com
http://www.Facebook.com/PopWrapped
http://www.Instagram.com/PopWrapped
http://www.YouTube.com/PopWrapped
Author
