The Waltons actor Eric Scott is sharing his candid thoughts about his co-star, Richard Thomas's decision to depart the beloved '70s series, which had a nine-season run until 1981.
During an appearance on a March 2026 interview with That's Classic, Scott, who played Ben Walton, opened up about Thomas's exit following the historical drama's fifth season. Scott said that Thomas, who famously starred as John-Boy Walton, was always "very forthright" with his intention to depart the show once season 5 wrapped up. However, Scott said he and his castmates believed that he had been "using that as a negotiating ploy" and would "sign for four more years."
"But he didn't. He walked away," said Scott.
Scott also said he felt "jilted by him leaving," because he had a friendship with Thomas and felt he was integral to the show's success.
"He walked away I felt saddened because he was the glue. When you were having something as as successful as The Waltons were for those first five years and it was running, why would you disrupt the whole thing in the middle of it?" continued Scott, who stayed on the series throughout its nine seasons.
While Scott was upset about his on-screen brother's choice to quit the show, Thomas tried to be "very positive about it."
"The way he expressed it, he goes, 'Look it might give you an opportunity to do a lot more work on the show,'" said Scott on the That's Classic interview.
In addition, Scott complimented Thomas for his acting abilities.
"Richard to me was one of the best actors I've ever been around. you know, and certainly from his age, too. He started when he was 21 on the show," stated Scott during the March 2026 interview.
MeTV reported that Thomas discussed his decision to step away from The Waltons while speaking to The Montreal Star.
"When I signed my contract I decided then that I would remain with the series no longer than five years. That's long enough to be tied up with one project and I want to go on to other things," said the actor.
The publication reported that Robert Wightman took on the role of John-Boy during the show's eighth and ninth seasons.
Hence then, the article about the waltons star admits he felt jilted by richard thomas s exit was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘The Waltons’ Star Admits He Felt ‘Jilted’ by Richard Thomas’s Exit )
Also on site :
- Western silence allows Israel to get away with killing journalists
- War spirals as information control tightens
- Macy’s Has a 'Beautiful' Pair of Earrings on Sale for as Low as $12, and They Come in Silver and Gold