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Ralph Waite

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Ralph Waite
Ralph Waite was a renowned American actor, theatre personality, and political activist. He gained fame for his portrayal of John Walton Sr. in the TV series ‘The Waltons’ and the subsequent TV movies. A latecomer to Hollywood, Waite went on to have a prolific career. Some of Waite’s best movies are ‘A Lovely Way To Die’, ‘The Magnificent Seven Ride’, ‘The Stone Killer’, ‘The Bodyguard’, and ‘Cliffhanger’. His most noteworthy TV appearances were in series like ‘Roots’, ‘Carnivàle’, ‘All My Children’, ‘CSI’, ‘NCIS’, ‘Days of Our Lives’, and ‘Bones’. He also starred in several TV movies, including, ‘The Waltons: A Decade of the Waltons’, ‘Growing Pains’, ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr.’, and ‘Waiting for Godot’. Ralph was undoubtedly a legend in the theatre world, especially Broadway. ‘Blues for Mister Charlie’, ‘The Father’, ‘King Lear’, are just some of his greatest on-stage appearances. Additionally, he was a ‘Democrat’ & equal rights activist all his life and even ran for Congress.
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Born
June 22, 1928
Birth Place
White Plains, New York, United States
Nationality
American
Sun Sign
Cancer
Famous As
Actor
Died At Age
85
Place Of Death
Palm Desert, California, United States
Height
6'0" (183 cm)
Education
Bucknell University, Yale Divinity School
Political Ideology
Democratic_Party_(United_States)
Father
Ralph H. Waite
Mother
Esther Mitchell
Spouse(s)
Linda East (m. 1982), Beverly Waite (m. 1951 - div. 1966), Kerry Shear Waite (m. 1977 - div. 1981)
Children
Sharon Waite
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metv.com

Ralph Waite wanted John Walton to be a little meaner

The actor wanted Pa Walton to be more like his own dad, who could be critical. When Ralph Waite joined The Waltons to play John Walton, he did way more than just act the part. He began directing episodes in 1973, a year after the show premiered, and in total, he directed 16 episodes.
CELEBRITIES
Outsider.com

Long After ‘The Waltons,’ Ralph Waite Starred Alongside Kevin Costner in Classic 1990s Film

Ralph Waite was one of America’s favorite fathers when he portrayed John Walton Sr. on The Waltons. The role was Waite’s first big TV break. On the beloved show, Waite and Olivia (Michael Learned) raised seven kids through the Great Depression and into World War II. Waite took a winding route to acting, coming to his chosen profession when he was approaching middle age. He first served in the Marines, then he was a social worker who also became an ordained minister.
MOVIES
DoYouRemember?

Whatever Happened To Ralph Waite, John Walton Sr. On ‘The Waltons?’

Families come in many forms. At the heart of each, members generally want to share love, respect, and support between one another. Good humor uplifts spirits during trying times, and a cool head keeps perspective when things go awry. Maybe that’s why former President George H. W. Bush once said, “We are going to keep on trying to strengthen the American family, to make American families a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons.” Representing this iconic family was a powerful cast that included names worth keeping track of. Here, the spotlight focuses on Ralph Waite, known as John Walton Sr.
RELATIONSHIPS
Outsider.com

Happy Birthday Ralph Waite: Remembering the Star of ‘The Waltons’ Born Today in 1928

Wishing the late actor a “Happy Birthday” today, Ralph Waite was born this day in 1928. Originally from White Plains, New York, he eventually discovered his life’s purpose as an actor in his 30s. “The Waltons” star gained most of his notoriety on the classic CBS drama series. Earning him an Emmy nomination, he’s recognized for the role of John Walton Sr.
CELEBRITIES