The beloved cast of The Waltons came together once again to mark the show’s 50th anniversary, stirring up powerful emotions and cherished memories among fans.
Richard Thomas, best known for playing John-Boy, said the reunion “hit [him] right in the throat,” reflecting the deep emotional impact of the event.
When photos of the cast resurfaced online, fans quickly flooded social media with heartfelt messages, reminiscing about the iconic series that ran from 1972 to 1981. The drama, set during the Great Depression in rural Virginia, became a nightly tradition for many viewers who felt a strong connection with the show’s close-knit family.
Even after the series ended, its legacy lived on through six follow-up films aired between 1982 and 1997. But in late 2022, long-time fans received a special gift: a reunion to celebrate five decades since the show’s debut.
What Happened at the 50th Anniversary Gathering?
On November 17, 2022, The Waltons cast came together at the Hollywood Museum for a public celebration. Hosted by film and TV critic Leonard Maltin, the event featured a special exhibit with original scripts, costumes, props, and even the typewriter used by series creator Earl Hamner.
Seven original cast members attended in person, including Michael Learned (Olivia), Richard Thomas (John-Boy), and Judy Norton (Mary Ellen). Other cast members like Jon Walmsley (Jason) and Mary McDonough (Erin) joined via Zoom or video, while Eric Scott (Ben), Kami Cotler (Elizabeth), and others appeared in person.
Thomas expressed how meaningful it was to see iconic props like Ralph Waite’s denim jacket, saying the moment deeply moved him. The reunion wasn’t just a walk down memory lane — it was a warm, joyful celebration filled with laughter, stories, and heartfelt fan interactions.
Though decades have passed, the bond between the cast remains strong. They joked, shared memories, and answered questions like no time had passed, making fans feel like they were part of the Walton family once again.
How Did Fans React?
Eric Scott shared pictures and videos from the event on Facebook, prompting a wave of nostalgic responses. One fan called the celebration “wonderful,” stunned that it had been 50 years since the show began. Another said they still watched The Waltons and would never forget the joy it brought.
Fans fondly recalled watching episodes with family, especially grandparents, and praised the cast for being such a big part of their childhood. Cotler also posted a playful photo of the show’s original costumes with the cast’s faces placed on mannequins, which brought back memories for many viewers.
Some followers mentioned how The Waltons was the only show they were allowed to watch growing up, and others remembered gathering with family to enjoy each episode together.
One fan, touched by the experience, even shared how they used to imagine being a lost Walton sibling — a dream sparked by the show’s heartwarming portrayals of family, resilience, and love.