The Waltons Cast Now: Where Are John-Boy, Olivia, And The Children In 2024?

Few television shows have left a legacy as enduring and heartwarming as The Waltons. Running from 1972 to 1981, the series about a large family struggling through the Great Depression on Walton’s Mountain remains a cultural touchstone. But decades after the final "Goodnight, John-Boy," fans are constantly curious: Where is the beloved cast now, and what are they doing in December 2024?

The original cast members, now in their 50s, 60s, and 80s, have pursued fascinating and varied careers, from Broadway stardom and new film projects to successful ventures outside of Hollywood. While some have sadly passed away, the majority of the Walton children are still very much in the public eye, celebrating their history while forging new paths in the entertainment industry and beyond.

The Waltons Family: Complete Biography and Current Status (2024)

The Waltons family was anchored by a core group of actors whose lives have taken diverse and compelling turns since the show wrapped. Here is a look at the main cast members, their biographies, and their most recent activities as of 2024.

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• Richard Thomas (John-Boy Walton): Born June 13, 1951. An Emmy Award-winning actor, he is the original John-Boy. He continues a prolific career on stage and screen.
• Michael Learned (Olivia Walton): Born April 9, 1939. A four-time Emmy winner for her role as the matriarch Olivia. She remains an active actress, often appearing in theater and independent films.
• Ralph Waite (John Walton Sr.): Born June 22, 1928; Passed away February 13, 2014. After The Waltons, he had notable roles in *Roots* and later in *NCIS*.
• Will Geer (Zebulon "Grandpa" Walton): Born March 9, 1902; Passed away April 22, 1978. A respected stage and screen veteran, his death was written into the series.
• Ellen Corby (Esther "Grandma" Walton): Born June 3, 1911; Passed away April 14, 1999. An Oscar-nominated actress who famously continued her role after suffering a debilitating stroke.
• Judy Norton (Mary Ellen Walton): Born January 29, 1958. Known for playing the eldest daughter, she is now a director, writer, and runs a highly popular fan-focused YouTube channel.
• Jon Walmsley (Jason Walton): Born February 6, 1956. The multi-talented musician of the family, he continues his career as a professional musician, composer, and voice actor.
• Mary Elizabeth McDonough (Erin Walton): Born May 4, 1961. The middle daughter, she successfully transitioned into a career as an author and screenwriter.
• Eric Scott (Ben Walton): Born October 20, 1958. The fourth son, he shifted his career focus from acting to business in the decades following the show.
• Kami Cotler (Elizabeth Walton): Born June 17, 1965. The youngest daughter, she stepped away from full-time acting to pursue a career in education.

From Walton’s Mountain to Broadway: The Star Who Never Stopped

The most famous of the Walton children, Richard Thomas (John-Boy), has maintained one of the most successful and consistent acting careers in the cast. His work post-Waltons has firmly established him as a premier stage actor, and his recent projects prove his enduring relevance in 2024.

After a memorable role in the Netflix drama *Ozark*, Thomas has spent recent years dominating the American theatre scene. He starred in the national tour of the acclaimed play *To Kill a Mockingbird*, portraying the iconic character Atticus Finch, a role he held from 2022 into 2024.

Looking ahead, Richard Thomas is set to take on another legendary American figure. It was recently announced that he will star in a new production of the one-man show *Mark Twain Tonight!*, bringing to life "the nation's one true comic genius" on stages across North America.

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Furthermore, Thomas was the crucial link to the original series for the recent TV movie reboots. He served as the narrator for *The Waltons’ Homecoming* and *A Waltons Thanksgiving*, reprising his role as the voice of the adult John-Boy, a detail that resonated deeply with long-time fans.

The Matriarch and The Eldest Daughter: New Films and Fan Connections

The women of Walton’s Mountain have also remained highly active, finding new creative outlets in both traditional media and the digital space.

Michael Learned (Olivia Walton): The Emmy-Winning Matriarch

Michael Learned, who won four Emmys for her portrayal of Olivia Walton, continues to find compelling roles. As of 2024, she is still taking on new projects, which she discussed in recent interviews.

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Learned was recently involved in a new film project titled *Our Crossroads*, indicating her continued dedication to acting. She has spoken about the importance of choosing projects that allow her to "grow and explore," showing a commitment to artistic challenge even in her 80s.

Judy Norton (Mary Ellen Walton): YouTube Star and Producer

Judy Norton, who played the spirited Mary Ellen, has become a pioneer in connecting with the fan base directly. While she continues to act, appearing in films like *Sparrows: Nesting* and the web series *The Quarantine Bunch*, her main focus has shifted.

Norton runs a popular and highly active YouTube channel where she regularly posts "Behind the Scenes" videos, often giving fans a look back at the show with her own commentary. Her channel provides a fresh, personal, and continuous connection to *The Waltons* legacy, with updates posted throughout 2024, including special Father's Day and July 4th tributes.

The Younger Waltons: Authors, Musicians, and Entrepreneurs

The remaining Walton children have carved out unique careers, blending their creative talents with surprising entrepreneurial and educational ventures, proving that life after a hit show can lead in many directions.

Mary Elizabeth McDonough (Erin Walton): Author and Screenwriter

Mary Elizabeth McDonough (Erin Walton) successfully transitioned into a career as a writer and novelist. Her novel was adapted into the Hallmark movie *Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane*, in which she also starred, showcasing her dual talent as an author and actress.

McDonough continues to act in new projects, including the recently released *Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story*, demonstrating her enduring presence in holiday and family-friendly cinema.

Jon Walmsley (Jason Walton): The Enduring Musician

Jon Walmsley, who played Jason, the musical brother, has stayed true to his character’s passion. He is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer who has worked with numerous music legends.

Walmsley is highly active in the music industry, continuing to perform and compose, often collaborating with other artists. His career is a testament to his musical talent, which was a natural extension of his role on the show.

Eric Scott (Ben Walton): From Actor to Delivery Service Owner

Eric Scott (Ben Walton) is one of the cast members who made the most definitive career shift outside of the entertainment industry. While he and Jon Walmsley are the only two actors to appear in every single episode of the original series, Scott eventually found a new calling.

Today, Eric Scott is a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating a successful delivery service business. This shift from the bright lights of Hollywood to the logistics of a freight business is a fascinating and grounded "now" story for the actor.

Kami Cotler (Elizabeth Walton): A Life in Education

Kami Cotler (Elizabeth Walton), the youngest sibling, chose a path far removed from Hollywood glamour. After the show, she pursued higher education and became a teacher and educator.

Cotler served as the founding principal of a high-achieving charter school in California, dedicating her life to education. While she occasionally participates in *Waltons*-related content, such as interviews on Judy Norton's YouTube channel, her primary focus remains her distinguished career as an educator and administrator.

Remembering the Beloved Stars Who Have Passed Away

While the Waltons children and Michael Learned remain active, the core parental and grandparent figures who grounded the series have sadly passed away, leaving a legacy of warmth and wisdom.

• Ralph Waite (John Walton Sr.): Passed away in 2014, he was a respected actor and political activist.
• Will Geer (Grandpa Walton): Passed away in 1978. His death occurred during the show's run, leading to an emotional storyline where the family mourned his character.
• Ellen Corby (Grandma Walton): Passed away in 1999. She was a beloved figure whose real-life stroke was incorporated into her character’s journey, demonstrating the show’s commitment to realism.
• Earl Hamner Jr. (Creator/Narrator): The man whose childhood memories inspired the series and who provided the iconic narration, passed away in 2016.

The enduring appeal of *The Waltons* is evident not only in its continuous syndication but also in the fascinating, diverse lives of its cast. From Broadway stages and new film projects to successful entrepreneurial and educational pursuits, the Waltons family continues to inspire, proving that the values of family and hard work instilled on Walton's Mountain have translated into real-life success in 2024.