Waltons Actors Interview Their Real-Life Counterparts

[@daisyrocklauren]

Wow. It's 2013. I'm 14 years old, and I simply adore the Walton's. Watching this made my day. I almost cried at the end. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

I'm the same age as Kami. I watched this growing up from The Homecoming until the last episode. I'm thrilled that you're able to watch it in reruns. I wish young folks like you had more quality TV like this!

[@Smartychase]

You are all growed now

[@laurenhickman255]

@@Smartychase Whew. Sure am. And still love this show now more than ever!

[@thomasfunk2577]

My wife and myself watched this series religiously. She has since passed away. I still watch it and reminniss about her and the series.

[@leahakel6383]

She there with you watch it with you ... Sorry for your lost😭

[@DSkye-n7m]

Thomas Funk I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure she’s around you as you watch.

[@daveh6479]

The 1st time l saw my father cry was when he watched reruns of The Waltons, ,he passed just gone a year now and l miss him something terrible, ,,watching this show helps me deal with it

[@docadams7099]

My sympathies to you and yours. I bet your wife was a very good lady. My mother was a very good lady. She and I both loved The Waltons, The Andy Griffith Show and The Dick Van Dyke Show.

[@docadams7099]

@@daveh6479 My sympathies to you and yours. My father was a very good man, and I bet yours was as well.

[@bricker1591]

Mr. Hamner was exactly right about the feeling that comes over you when you return to where you grew up. It happens to me everytime I go back to the small rural town I grew up in. It's like going back in time. Love the Waltons show and it still makes me emotional over 40 years later.

[@dylane.9470]

I love Earls voice

[@snugbug5067]

I agree. It's a beautiful voice to listen to.

[@jesusislordsoontoreturn2178]

I like his voice also. Reminds me when it was bedtime and I could hear it on the television and fall asleep with it.

[@ericluriergo8251]

Me too.

[@helpsavethehumans]

I enjoy his unique accent.

[@graveeverystep]

Me too! It’s calming and familiar. He was a great story teller! Grateful that he shared his talent for both writing and storytelling. 💗

[@vickieandrew1010]

England loves the Walton's. I watched it growing up, then again when my children were babies. I'm watching it again as a grandmother.....with my grandson, love it.

[@stoolpigeon4285]

As an adult I still can barely watch The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie without feeling the need to cry.

[@coreywyrick2963]

+Ben Webb I know what you mean those were some hard times they lived in back then.

[@carolgladfelder219]

+Corey Wyrick Yes, those were hard times by today's standards. But back then; that was all they ever knew. So that must of seemed normal to them.

[@badapple65]

Melancholy feelings for sure. I know your comment on the Walton's and Lil House is up to two years old but will always stand true. Back in the days of those shows most of us were lucky to receive up to 3 TV channels that came in well enough to view , the next day at school you could actually discuss the shows with friends as there was a very good chance some of them had viewed the same episode . Now, with our 250 channels there is no community even in entertainment and discussion. There are no shows with substance anymore focused on family. The "Family" shows now all depict the father as a bubbling idiot and the kids smart A$$ , spoiled , and know better than Mom & Dad. With six grandchildren I seek out old re-run shows and movies that I think that they need to see. On Golden Pond is such a great movie to show children with a message of a relationship between the Old and Young that comes to mind and of course the Walton's and Little House on the Prairie.

[@badapple65]

Melancholy feelings for sure. I know your comment on the Walton's and Lil House is up to two years old but will always stand true. Back in the days of those shows most of us were lucky to receive up to 3 TV channels that came in well enough to view , the next day at school you could actually discuss the shows with friends as there was a very good chance some of them had viewed the same episode . Now, with our 250 channels there is no community even in entertainment and discussion. There are no shows with substance anymore focused on family. The "Family" shows now all depict the father as a bubbling idiot and the kids smart A$$ , spoiled , and know better than Mom & Dad. With six grandchildren I seek out old re-run shows and movies that I think that they need to see. On Golden Pond is such a great movie to show children with a message of a relationship between the Old and Young that comes to mind and of course the Walton's and Little House on the Prairie.

[@stevethecountrycook1227]

@@badapple65 I miss those days Greg! 9/7/60 You?

[@badapple65]

The show's creator and narrator. I Love his speaking voice, a Southern Gentleman's accent, It added so much to the show.

[@daflotsam]

So true. A real Virginian accent. I grew up and still live in Virginia, and it's always great to hear someone with this same particular drawl. I myself don't have it but sure wish I did.

[@sscot720]

He is also the real life "john boy"

[@laminage]

@@sscot720 Yes, and it's hard to believe he also created Falcon Crest. He joked that The Waltons represented The "Good" Side, while Falcon Crest represented "Bad Side". Another person who indirectly created a TV Landmark was Allan Sillitoe who wrote The Bestseller Saturday Night & Sunday Morning, that focused on a British Working Class Hero and it would later be the inspiration for Britain's Longest Running Soap Opera Coronation Street.

[@darrellemerick9053]

He speaks so well

[@ckrtom2]

This was very touching, moved me to tears at the end. Mr. Hamner was quite young here -- almost 35 years ago. Cute how the actors reflect and resemble their real-life counterparts ...

[@stretcheecat]

Yes, I wish this clip included John-Boy, but he left the show before this special was filmed. He returned later for three Waltons TV movies. The show wasn't the same without Richard Thomas.

[@queen.kristal8395]

Well the one who played him was really him interviewing and he explained who he was.

[@carolgladfelder219]

I've said this before and I apologize for repeating myself. But I just love the memories that this brings back to me.

[@ohwell94]

Carol Gladfelder you are forgiven😊😊😊 and ditto

[@leahakel6383]

I was just 15 when it came on now I am 64 and a wife and grandmother .

[@YourJellyFishAteMyTV]

Earl Hamner Jr was such a gentleman. I think that the Walton's is a unique and beautiful show, so Lovely to see the real people behind the characters.

[@BillWilson83]

Still watch this show all the time on Hallmark, its sad what national tv had become, because it could really use a show like the Waltons based in the great depression that's all about family and doing things the right way. Awesome video!

[@newzbug11]

+Bill Wilson For the times they covered alcoholism, abuse, and all sorts of nasty subjects but in a sanitized way...if they did it today it wouldn't be as pretty. Times are different. But I understand what you mean.

[@1212matt]

I would love to have a family like that!!!

[@toyman81]

Even now, 2019 this is so touching and has me thinking back of a much differenet time.

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

So cool to see them meet the real characters they were portraying.... I love watching these simple down to earth interviews from the late 70s/early 80s. These scenes with the way the people are talking and the photography here, reminds me of Leonard Nimoys "In Search Of..." Which was close to this time, 1976-1982. He interviewed lots of people on his show..... I miss the more proper simple way things were back then compared to today......

[@andis1187]

My husband and I recently stayed at John and Olivia's B&B which is modeled after the Walton house and is directly behind the Hamner house. When we were going to bed that night my husband yelled "Good Night Jim Bob" and all the other rooms started shouting too. It was awesome.

[@obsessong]

That must have been amazing!

[@traciebecker6669]

I think this is the greatest Television series ever made and we still watch it in 2018.

[@RichieB40444]

They had the wherewithal to make it in HiDef. Alot of good older shows don't get the same effect because they're shown in lower quality video

[@michaelbracken5049]

Tracie Becker it was the greatest show ever made

[@traciebecker6669]

@@RichieB40444 and we continue watching it in 2020 too.

[@docadams7099]

I watched "The Hawk", "The Stray", and "The Recluse" the other night. Wonderful episodes of The Waltons.

[@nitashadow2860]

I feel so privileged to have found this channel I grew up with you guys on Thursday nights I'm 57 now thank you for helping my childhood

[@jerryy5548]

I don't care what any of you say that was simply wonderful. Its like the series is finally at rest for me. Good night Ralph

[@carolgladfelder219]

Well said Jeri. I agreed.

[@carolyngiannini6569]

The actual family were my first cousins by marriage. My husband grew up next door to Aunt Doris, Earl Sr. and the children. When I married my husband in 1979, Aunt Doris, cousin Jim, and Harold were able to attend. I deeply loved each member of the family as well as their relatives. I cherish each precious memory . Carolyn Giannini June 11, 2024

[@docadams7099]

@@carolyngiannini6569 It's nice to read your comments. I hope you are doing well. I like to view Judy Norton's videos on The Waltons. I love The Waltons, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Andy Griffith, Mary Tyler Moore, and other great shows like Happy Days.

[@colleenvantrease4977]

When the Walton's were on television it just showed what would,could,did happen . I am really truly honestly glad that the stories of the Walton's were on television . It even showed where they all got along wonderfully,even if they were friends with the Walton's they were considered family . It really truly honestly does bring tears to my eyes . Thanks again for bringing it to the screen whoever you are . All of the fans enjoyed the programs that were down to earth .

[@robertdemaio5663]

my family is part if this family my nephews are Hamners We lost Ear in March I miss unkle Jim the most we where very close. jim bob played piano

[@larkpraise]

I love the part where they're all saying goodnight. It's obvious the cast had a deep affinity and affection for one another. So touching!

[@ms.sonshine8878]

Never tire of watching the reruns. Back when the whole family could watch TV together. This family still together in TV land. ❤

[@alessandran06]

I love love love this show

[@nancycrayton2738]

A real Virginia accent. You don't hear that very often anymore. Earl Hamner, Jr. has a beautiful voice.

[@gkskforever6909]

How wonderful. I enjoyed watching ❤

[@debbiemetke5938]

Thank you so much for posting this!

[@mrgroovestring]

One of the finest tv shows that was ever witnessed.

[@barbarapatterson4308]

The Walton's was a Beautiful Show.

[@New2010Me]

I grew up during the best part of TV the 70 s,the 80s and the early 90s

[@carolgladfelder219]

Earl Hamner has such an awesome & unique voice. Earl & James (JimBob) look so much alike. I still love watching this show.

[@stretcheecat]

I'm glad you liked the video! It was a great show. I watched every episode through reruns and could watch them all again.

[@bluemoon472]

Oh, the ending here made me tear up. Earl Hamner has the most soothing voice I’ve ever heard. The Waltons is a gift for the generations.

[@alicedevens2896]

I've just seen this, my heart is broke, I really really miss the waltons, it was my favorite movie ever growing up..sending tears,,god bless every one . Miss the show

[@jamesrobiscoe1174]

Good grief, that last scene of goodnights gave me such warmth of spirit. These actors invested their talents in such a deep way, they almost seem like my own ancestors. Thanks to them and to Earl Hamner for their deep investment in bringing them to life. God bless each and every one of you.

[@paulavoncia]

I'm just seeing this and this brought a smile and tears to my eyes.

[@obsessong]

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@janetleemarino8702]

This is the best most wholesome family show ever made, I still can watch it on TV in NC, I’ve watched it since it’s conception. I’d love to see it be re-made !

[@obsessong]

I love it, too! I was finally able to watch it on cable when I retired. The characters have wonderful personalities.

[@matthewoffenbacher6548]

Great stuff! Love this...a huge blessing to all persons who feel too much without love. I wish you joy in grace of the family that you allow to become ....

[@sandrabrisbane930]

Matthew Offenbacher

[@juliemaven212]

Love hearing about Virginia and often heard my city of Newport News and Hampton, you did Virginia proud Earl, rest in peace

[@dirkbogarde44]

Such a great voice.

[@toriwolf5978]

I loved the Walton’s so much bought the whole set lol love this guys voice !!

[@bluestarlighting29]

One my favorte show. Love Christmas show.

[@leahakel6383]

Last night I was hearing it on KZbin wow!

[@cmtippens9209]

Thank you for sharing this. I was trying to find these interviews recently so, I'm glad you posted it.

[@margiebyrge2766]

How I wish times were like that now. I love this series and watch it all the time. I am in the process of buying all of the DVD collection, being born in 1973 I have seen a lot of changes over the years but one thing stays the same, the love I have for this wonderful series Mr. Hamner had made possible for me to watch and to share with my family now. Its 2020 and this series is still so popular and with the younger audience too. The Waltons will stand the test of time.

[@leahakel6383]

I just love them I have so much appreciated for this television show now that I'm 64 years old I see it every day and am planning to go there to visit .. We need television show like that where family values are are important and woman are proud to be a woman , a mother and a man is a man and proud of it and hard working where the elderly is respected in held in a high regards as they should be.. we sure don't have that nowadays what a pity! we need more shows like this I think he's Hollywood needs to wake up give us good television and not trash!!.

[@ardiskazanjian6347]

Oh, yes I remember the Walton's, a great family show that tells such a story of family, friends and neighbors.

[@aliceelliott5997]

Loved this show growing up. Love it in reruns..

[@andrewcummings5023]

Timeless Family Memorys To Last A Lifetime

[@Bonstergirl1]

It was and always will be one of my favorite tv shows.. I so loved the life stories and how the family truly loved each other ,even know sometimes like in all big families there are moments of not so liking lol.. I too come from a family with 9 kids.. They dont make shows like this anymore..they should.. Thankyou to all who helped us smile, cry, cringe and feel ..

[@sodapoplove95]

Seeing Hamner speak is do weird. It's like I couldn't imagine that voice actually belonging to someone.

[@cindythecatwoman1601]

sodapoplove95 I've heard his voice before but, never saw his face. It's nice to connect a voice to a face. He almost looks like John Boy.

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

It's amazing to me how much Judy Norton looks like the character she portrays!

[@barragin9893]

One of the most haunting and authentic old southern accents. You just don't hear it anymore, and the fake hollywood imitations don't even come close.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

I'm a 12th generation Virginian and most of my mother's family talked this way. Slightly different, as they were from Richmond

[@barragin9893]

@@MeadeSkeltonMusic mine were from the Norfolk area. They had a "Tidewater" accent. Similar to old Virginia accent, but with differences.

[@Faith63423]

I'd never know they weren't acting. The actors are just like their characters. 😅

[@barbarawagner5938]

Daddy, I know how much you loved this time growing up. I know, you're looking down from heaven smiling. You don't, know how much everyone misses you. My heart, will forever be broken, you were not only my Dad but my best friend. RIP, precious Angel I love you and miss you.

[@Lorgayle1]

Oh brother, I'm a sobbing mess!

[@patriciaallen7010]

I watch the Waltons and my childhood comes back to me. I was raised in Virginia also, The show is so like my real childhood. I'm so glad to be a Virginian.

[@katherinepoindexter4380]

one of my best friends knows Audrey. I had the honor of having lunch with her at Cracker Barrel. I will cherish that always and I got to meat Earl later. it was something I will treasure always.

[@cindywilson6520]

As I read your comments it hurts to know that most can only see and say " Staged" for when I watch I catch myself believing in a time when there was "LOVE and Caring for family"..A time when conviction and stability in Faith were above all else. It's to bad that you can only see " Staged" and not the warmth of heart. When time comes and Earl is talking at the end his way with words are exactly how I feel and never fail to make a few tears fall. during a time when this country was in a low economic state, it proves that with structure in faith and family there is a Happiness that nothing can destroy...Good night Earl..God Bless.

[@emoore4jesus]

Well said!! :-):-):-)

[@daveskerritt185]

I was actually surprised to see this! Earl actually coming on the set to be with the "family".

[@sandrabrisbane930]

Cindy Wilson

[@margiebyrge2766]

Cindy Wilson Well said, my lady. I am 100% with you.

[@arlinchaapel4616]

Very much agree with you

[@douglasthompson9482]

God Bless you all...

[@jimwhyte2048]

I love the waltons and the actors I like to say thank you for a great show I grew up watching the waltons over and over you all are close to my hart it fells I'm real close to you all love to you all and god bless I loved everyone even the ones that are in heven love and god bless all always and God bless you always your frend jimwhyte from Montana

[@dawnnicolas7617]

Truly touched by this Family! Many happy memories watching this show! I always cry thinking about happier times. God bless all of these wonderful people who portrayed the characters in the Hamner/ Walton family. I pray that they know how special they are. 😇💜

[@aviduser1961]

Just discovered this. Although it has it's issues, it is a special piece of film. Earl Hamner, Jr. made Walton's Mountain a home that we all can visit.

[@JeOrtiz1]

Strange that Earl Hamner's accent sounds allot like a Canadian. Especially when he says house or out.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

It doesn't. Only to untrained ears

[@gwendefir3566]

I still love the waltons

[@bluestarlighting29]

Thank you so much share this video. I truly enjoy show first air on tv now I have some DVDs I enjoy more now better now DVDs show then watch tv more junk show can't stand Walton's show bring history my age 50 better thank you all actors enjoy all story on show and video100% outstanding more learn in history. I live Walton's mountains. And family on show and bless ones look like nice see. What happen John Boy jr. It's family history I enjoy learn was back then old days. Thank you all . God bless you.

[@garys8990]

Interesting video for a great show. thanks for posting.

[@FireitupBedford]

And he still needs a haircut..lol

[@frankhogan7541]

Looking At Earl Hamner's Real Mom She's The Image almost Of Ellen Corby God Rest Her.

[@janethockey9070]

RIP Earl!

[@thewkovacs316]

the hamners may have been the most functional family that ever existed

[@kevi5641]

I so enjoyed this show, it reminds me of when I was a boy and my grandparents would tell stories of the great depression. One story during the depression living on the East Side of Bridgeport CT. how no one would lock their doors. My aunts would tell us no one would ever come in and steal and my father would say no one had anything of value to steal. Just a loving, supportive, church going family. I so miss those days.

[@audreyann1975]

This is absolutely fantastic. I love this 😀 ❤. It's such a wonderful testimonial to not just family but America and American culture. It's very disturbing to me how negative the nation is portrayed on TV today. At the very least the TV show was a positive example. Something positive to aspire to.

[@ericsmithers7921]

When I was growing up the Waltons were a staple every Thursday night.As I became older a sense of pride developed when I realized that the places on the Waltons were in my home state. Richmond, New Port News,Roanoke were places that I actually visited. I think Mister Hamner captured the true spirit of Virginians.

[@abutterfly7975]

His voice is unusual but very professional. I can’t imagine any other voice.

[@deenakeys6646]

Wow. I love this clip. Thank you for sharing stretcheecat. All that was missing is John Boy. Wonder what happened with that. I am currently on a Walton streak. I am currently on season 4 from the library. Enjoyed this little ditty tremendously.

[@MrJacMac1968]

Started watching the series on ME Tv back in Jan of this year.Watched maybe one or two episodes in its heyday.Even though i am 52,never really got into it.I watched Little House back in its heyday.Really like the Waltons.Watching it this year has helped me try to get my mind off of all this Coronavirus news going on

[@edisone1]

Interesting to see Mountain people (the men more than the women) following the British habit of barely opening the mouth while speaking

[@donnajordan4260]

Earl Hamner is a fantastic writer!

[@rickkinki4624]

I just finished watching all nine seasons on DVD, and it's as good a show as it was when I watched it in high school. I just today picked up from the library the DVD with the six movies. After I watch those, I'm afraid I'll be going through Waltons withdrawel!

[@rebekahblack2954]

I loved this as history and real life.

[@wardarcade7452]

6:26- Perhaps the most 'real' moment of the whole 'interview' was when Bill Hamner (1934-1989) (the 2nd of 2 brothers who Ben Walton was modeled after) got asked by Eric Scot if there were any stories of 'Ben' that he(Bill Hamner) wished were told- and Mr. Hamner replied 'Yes, but you can't tell them on television!' Yep, even with the softball questions, there still emerged a hidden side to the actual family the wonderful show shared with the world!

[@lisafinney8943]

Just rewatched the series, beautiful stories and acting.

[@glennhollifield7753]

The writers didn't seem to know much about Virginia. When Erin went to Va.Beach to be near Camp Lee. Where did those big rocks and hills on the beach go.

[@don0823]

Wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@stretcheecat]

Yes, I wouldn't exactly say the dialogue was spontaneous!

[@tigertbalm]

Some of the actors do have a resemblance to their real life character.

[@narimash1960]

Where is Johnboy? Richard Thomas is missing here and I like him so much. Waltons was a wonderful show.

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

Earl's mother reminds me of Grandma Walton. Salt of the Earth.

[@SMB_80]

Perhaps would sound stupid ,but after watching with great enthusiasm full clip, in the moment of "good night" scene I just exploded in tears ! I couldn't hold it longer...I am in my early 40, but I feel so so deeply touched about The Waltons, I feel so so peaceful and happy when I watch the series, I am madly in love with Earl Hamner voice in the beginning and final of each episode, ohhh, I cannot describe...I wish,I really wish to can visit at list once the place of the waltons, to see the mountain ,the house, the surrenders....I wish to have a family with such values, I wish to have a husband like that, a grandfathers like that, brothers and sisters like that, the values morals and everything else are priceless, I look today days and I am depressed and scared of the future...kids and peoples of today are lost...The Waltons...I wish are many many like them....

[@Heknows37]

Thank you so much much for sharing

[@MaryCrouch-h6y]

One of my favorite shows

[@JStarStar00]

This clip was done in the time period after Richard Thomas had left the show (and was replaced by the two fill-in guys) but before the reunion movies were made. I think the producers felt John-Boy was still too strongly identified as Richard Thomas and it would have been confusing or distracting to have the 'substitute' John-Boy in on the interviews.

[@beckybohot5480]

i watch and wish times were simple and loving.

[@BamaDan197319]

Pretty cool even if they were reading every word from cue cards and the split screen thing kinda made it seem uncomfortable for some of them. Earl Hamner's accent sounds like a combination of southern and Canadian. Didn't I hear him say "Aboot" for "about"? Wish Earl could have interviewed Richard Thomas. Seen a lot of The Waltons cast interviews and it's rare that they can get all of them together.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

It's not Canadian, it's Piedmont Virginia

[@bluestarlighting29]

Sad new that Earl Hammer Jr die this month March 26 2016 age 92 my son is name Earl. I one pick his name. Before he was born. Love this show. God bless you Earl Hammer Jr. The Waltons one greatest show many years and year come. Amen love show. Back 1973. One greatest actors. A plus. History live on forever.

[@carolgladfelder219]

Do mean Earl Hammer who created this show or his son?

[@Komediennekymd2009]

Wow! Brings back sooo many memories!

[@arlinchaapel4616]

I still watch the show,, memories 🤗

[@frankhogan7541]

Looking At Eric Scott And Earl Hamner's Brother Paul, They Could Almost be related in Real Life. They Look Alike.

[@carolgladfelder219]

I grew up on farmland; family property. This show reminds me of my childhood. I loved it. Then when my Uncle passed away; the property was sold. Breaks my heart; I want to live there again; but it can NEVER happen.

[@Octoberfurst]

+Carol Gladfelder The same thing happened to me. I miss the old farm house I grew up in. It was wonderful.

[@carolgladfelder219]

+Octoberfurst Thank you. I never thought the property would be sold. My family also expected it to be passed down all of us. But when my Uncle passed away; my grandmother sold it for profit.

[@barbarawagner5938]

Timmy, i will never forget you. Even though, it was never meant to be know that I will always thank you for your friendship and kindness.

[@weatherboi]

Strange that during all those years of the Waltons on TV, not one episode had snow, other than the pilot movie. RIP Mr. Hamner, you will never be forgotten.

[@cmtippens9209]

Probably too expensive to recreate on the Warner Bros back lot in L.A. where they filmed. LOL 😆