Richard Thomas

In his three-and-a-half-hour interview, Richard Thomas talks about his early years and his first television roles, including parts on Hallmark Hall of Fame, From These Roots, As the World Turns, and Bonanza. He describes moving to Los Angeles and being cast as “John-Boy Walton” in the made-for-television movie The Homecoming, co-starring Patricia Neal and Edgar Bergen. He recounts The Homecoming becoming the long-running series The Waltons, with Will Geer talking on the role of “Grandpa Walton” and becoming something of a mentor to Thomas. He details his five-year stint on the show, including the “goodnight” catchphrase, “John-Boy’s” wardrobe and accent, dealing with the fame the show brought him, and winning an Emmy for his role. Thomas discusses leaving The Waltons, and subsequently being typecast as “John-Boy,” and taking on various roles to shed his established image. He speaks of appearing in several projects including Night Gallery, Roots: The Next Generations, All Quiet on the Western Front, and Go Toward the Light. He concludes by recalling his more recent roles on The Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson and The Americans, reflecting on career achievements and regrets, giving advice to aspiring actors, and saying “goodnight” to producer Adrienne Faillace. Adrienne conducted the interview on November 16, 2016 in New York, NY.