The Waltons Cast Today: Where Are The 7 Children Of Walton’s Mountain Now?

Few television series capture the heart and soul of Americana quite like The Waltons. This beloved Depression-era drama, which originally aired from 1972 to 1981, introduced the world to the wholesome, hardworking Walton family living on Walton's Mountain in rural Virginia. Four decades later, a new generation of fans is discovering the Emmy-winning series, leading to a surge in curiosity: where are the actors who played John-Boy, Mary Ellen, Jason, and the rest of the Waltons clan today, in late 2025?

The surviving core cast members have pursued fascinating and diverse careers, ranging from continuing success on Broadway and Netflix to becoming authors, directors, musicians, and even business executives. This comprehensive breakdown provides the most current, up-to-date information on the original stars, proving that the spirit of the Walton family is still alive and well in Hollywood and beyond.

The Waltons Family: Complete Biography and Current Status (2025)

The heart of The Waltons lay with the nine children and their parents, John Sr. and Olivia. While the actors who played the grandparents (Will Geer and Ellen Corby) and John Sr. (Ralph Waite) have passed away, the matriarch and all seven of the Walton children are still with us. Here is a look at their lives and careers today.

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• Richard Thomas (John-Boy Walton): Born June 13, 1951. The eldest son, an aspiring writer and the show's original narrator.
• Michael Learned (Olivia Walton): Born April 9, 1939. The devoted mother and moral compass of the family.
• Judy Norton (Mary Ellen Walton): Born January 29, 1958. The eldest daughter, known for her strong will and later becoming a nurse.
• Jon Walmsley (Jason Walton): Born February 6, 1956. The second son, who channeled his passion into a career as a musician.
• Mary McDonough (Erin Walton): Born May 4, 1961. The third daughter, known for her focus on work and business.
• Eric Scott (Ben Walton): Born October 20, 1958. The third son, known for his practical nature and working at the family sawmill.
• David W. Harper (Jim-Bob Walton): Born October 4, 1961. The fourth son, interested in mechanics and cars.
• Kami Cotler (Elizabeth Walton): Born June 17, 1965. The youngest daughter of the Walton family.

Richard Thomas (John-Boy): From Walton's Mountain to Broadway and Netflix

Richard Thomas, who portrayed the intellectual and introspective John-Boy Walton, has arguably had the most continuously high-profile acting career since leaving the original series.

Current Projects and Career Highlights:

• Theater Success: Thomas has spent much of 2022 through 2024 touring the country in the acclaimed production of Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, where he played the iconic role of Atticus Finch. This demonstrates his enduring commitment to serious dramatic work.
• Television Roles: He gained a new wave of fans for his recurring role as the ruthless Frank Gaad in the FX drama The Americans. More recently, he appeared in the Netflix hit series Ozark as the villainous FBI agent, which showcased a dramatic departure from his wholesome John-Boy persona.
• Literary Work: In 2024, Thomas expanded his creative pursuits by releasing his first full-length book of poems, titled Concerning the Dinner. This echoes his character John-Boy's own literary ambitions, providing a poignant connection for longtime fans.
• Active Status: Now in his 70s, Thomas remains highly active, stating he has no plans to retire, securing his status as a working actor and artist.

Michael Learned (Olivia Walton): The Matriarch's Active Pursuit of New Roles

Michael Learned, the four-time Emmy winner for her role as Olivia Walton, continues to be a respected figure in the industry. While she stepped away from The Waltons during the final season to pursue other acting opportunities, she has remained active in theater and television.

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Current Projects and Career Highlights:

• New Endeavors: Learned has been open in recent 2024 interviews about actively seeking new projects that allow her to "grow and explore" as an actress. She is consistently featured on podcasts and talk shows, discussing her long career and current work, indicating a vibrant, ongoing presence in the entertainment world.
• Legacy Involvement: Despite her departure from the original series, she remains closely connected to the Waltons legacy, often participating in interviews and discussions about the show's enduring impact and the bonds with her former castmates.
• Other Notable Roles: Beyond Walton's Mountain, Michael Learned is well-known for her starring role in the 1980s medical drama Nurse.

The Walton Siblings: Diverse Careers in Music, Directing, and Business

The seven actors who played the younger Waltons have all carved out unique paths for themselves, with several choosing to step away from the spotlight entirely while others embrace their Waltons fame in new and creative ways.

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

Judy Norton, who played the spirited Mary Ellen, has channeled her creativity into a multifaceted career as an actress, singer, writer, and director.

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• Digital Presence: Norton has a highly active and popular YouTube channel where she regularly shares "behind the scenes" memories and personal insights from her time on The Waltons, offering fans a fresh, direct connection to the show's history. She posted a "behind the scenes" video as recently as July 2024.
• Recent Work: She continues to work in film and stage, with recent projects including the independent film Nowhere to Hide, where she showcased her skills as both an actress and director.

Jon Walmsley (Jason Walton): A Dedicated Musician

Jon Walmsley, who played the musically inclined Jason Walton, turned his character's passion into his real-life career. He is a highly respected musician, composer, and producer.

• Music Focus: Walmsley's official website is dedicated to his music, featuring his latest musical releases and projects. His work often involves collaborations and original compositions, including a project dedicated to the show’s creator, Earl Hamner Jr. - A Joyful Noise.
• Collaborations: He has worked with legendary artists and continues to perform, with his music career being his primary focus today.

Mary McDonough (Erin Walton): Author and Health Advocate

Mary McDonough, who played Erin, has found success not only as an actress but also as a published author and director.

• Writing Career: She authored the memoir Lessons from the Mountain, where she discusses her life during and after the series, including her personal struggles with health and body image, establishing herself as a health advocate.
• Directing: McDonough remains involved in the creative arts as a director, a career path she began pursuing after her time on the show.

Eric Scott (Ben Walton): The Business Entrepreneur

Eric Scott, who played the practical Ben Walton, made a definitive career pivot away from acting after the series concluded.

• Business Career: Today, Eric Scott is a successful businessman. He is the Vice President of Chase Messengers, a parcel delivery company located in Los Angeles, California. He is one of the few cast members who completely left the entertainment industry to pursue a career in the corporate world.

Kami Cotler (Elizabeth Walton): The Dedicated Educator

Kami Cotler, who played the youngest Walton, Elizabeth, chose a path that perfectly aligns with the show's values of community and learning: education.

• Career Change: Cotler left acting to become a career educator. She has held positions as a teacher, principal, and administrator in various schools, focusing on providing quality education.
• Waltons Connection: Despite her non-acting career, she remains engaged with the show's legacy, participating in interviews, such as a January 2024 appearance on The Waltons Podcast, where she discussed her memories of the series.

David W. Harper (Jim-Bob Walton): Art Dealer and Private Life

David W. Harper, who played Jim-Bob, has maintained the lowest public profile of all the surviving Waltons siblings.

• Post-Acting Career: After the series and reunion movies, Harper pursued higher education, studying business. As of the most recent reports in 2019, he was working as an art dealer in Los Angeles.
• Reunions: While he is not actively seeking acting roles, he frequently participates in cast reunions, showing his enduring loyalty to the Walton family.

The Enduring Legacy of Walton's Mountain

The longevity of the careers of the Waltons cast is a testament to the show's profound impact. The series, created by writer and narrator Earl Hamner Jr., captured the essence of family life during the Great Depression, a theme that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The cast’s bond is evident in their continued participation in Waltons reunion movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including A Wedding on Waltons Mountain and A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion. Even the recent 2021 reboot, The Waltons' Homecoming, which featured a new young cast, included Richard Thomas as the narrator, bridging the gap between the generations of fans.

Whether they are performing on Broadway, directing independent films, producing new music, or running successful businesses, the actors from The Waltons have all found their own version of "Goodnight, John-Boy," continuing to thrive in their diverse and fascinating lives in 2025.