Richard Thomas, the beloved actor best known as John-Boy Walton on The Waltons, is celebrating a milestone birthday. The actor turned 75 years old on June 13 and is now the same age as his TV grandpa, Will Geer, was when he filmed his final episode of the series nearly 50 years ago.
Thomas first played eldest Walton son and budding writer, John-Boy, in the holiday TV movie The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, which served as the pilot for The Waltons. The actor continued in the role on the CBS historical drama series for 124 episodes, from 1972 to 1978. Thomas won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Drama Series in 1973.
Thomas once told Closer Weekly that as a child, he was rejected for a commercial due to the large birthmark on his left cheek.
“When I was a boy, I auditioned for a Greyhound bus commercial and they took my dad aside and said, ‘He’s a nice boy, but unless you get that thing taken off his face, his chance for a career is very slim,’” the actor told the outlet. “So that just goes to show you what the industry knows!”
He also expressed gratitude for his life-changing role on The Waltons.
“It made me a star,” Thomas said. “It gave me the leverage that allowed me to work steadily my whole life. It will be ‘John-Boy Dies’ when I’m gone. That’s fine with me. There are worse ways to be remembered!”
RELATED: ‘The Waltons’ Star Shares Heartwarming Memories of Filming ‘The Homecoming’
After The Waltons ended, Thomas continued to work in TV as an actor and producer and as a performer on the Broadway stage.
And at 75, he has barely aged. In April, Thomas told Page Sixhe has never had any work done on his face, not even Botox, because as an actor, he wants to show expression.
“Come on!” he told the outlet. “[Foreheads] are one of the most expressive parts [of the face]. I don’t want to freeze any of it. I mean, it’s falling apart, but what the hell?”
Related: ‘70s TV Legend Reveals the One Famous Line He Still Hears From Fans 50 Years Later
Hence then, the article about 70s tv star known for iconic emmy winning role turns 75 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 ( ‘70s TV Star, Known for Iconic Emmy-Winning Role, Turns 75 )
Also on site :
- San Antonio Spurs Canceling Knicks Fans’ Tickets for NBA Finals Game 5
- Country Star Makes Billboard Chart History With No. 1 Hit Song Lasting 28 Weeks
- Innoscience Secures Final Victory in Patent Lawsuit as China's Supreme Court Upholds Injunction Against Infineon GaN Products