Will's final episode of the show featured Grandpa reuniting with Grandma Esther Ellen Corby, who played Grandma, had been absent for Season 6 of the show due to suffering a stroke. If you were watching The Waltons when it originally aired back in the '70s, you probably remember hearing the news that Will Geer the man who played Grandpa Zebulon Walton had died. Well, actors Jon Walmsley and Lisa Harrison tied the knot in real life in 1979! Today, Harry Hay is celebrated as a sort of founding father in gay rights activism. "For as long as any of us could remember our house had stood in the shadow of Waltons Mountain. Even after she had her disability, we still had a lot of fun. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Despite the deaths among the Waltons cast, many actors on the series are still living now. She said that had really never happened like that before.. For nine seasons and more than 200 episodes, "The Waltons" led millions of American families to gather around the television to watch a new episode's worth of wholesome unfold. His colleague, writer Earl Hamnerspokehighly of him: He permeated the set with his personality. Ma and Pa Walton Ralph Waite and Michael Learned quietly fell on love on set. Ellen Corby was a fixture of The Waltons as grandma Esther Walton. To me, her sorrow seemed as if it were genuine, rather than just good acting. "Will Geer . His impact on the television landscape is still felt to this day. Both veteran actors joined The Waltons cast in their sixties and older. Actress: The Waltons. It is later revealed during one of the reunion movies that the two got divorced because Paul was unfaithful. She had a stroke in November 1976 from which she recovered and returned to her role on The Waltons in March 1978. On-screen, they played a married couple who acted as the rock to the family, a source of age-old wisdom and traditions. In the 1930s, Geer's lover was famous homosexual Harry Hay. Narrator: [narration as John 'John Boy' Walton, Jr. reading from his journal] A house alone has little meaning, it's the people who live there who bring it to life and give it character. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Edgar Bergen (Grandpa) 1978 age 75 of a heart attack in Las Vegas, NV. herculoids gloop and gleep sounds | Source: Getty Images. Death & Legacy Will Geer died on April 22, 1978, due to respiratory failure. Olivia is leaving Waltons Mountain, hustled off with tuberculosis to an Arizona sanatorium while her family somehow forges a path between unbearable grief and unbearable stoicism. The Waltons are the richest family in Americaand, by some measures, the wealthiest clan in the world. Ellen Geer. Michael went on to co-star in four of the six reunion movies confirming that Olivia does survive her illness but the Emmy winner was MIA for all of Season 9. The Washington Post reported she died of natural causes at the age of 87 on April 14, 1999. She was born in June 1911 in Racine, Wisconsin but grew up in Philadelphia. Who are the actors that played Grandma and Grandpa on the Waltons? In a video interview with theTelevision Academy Foundationuploaded to YouTube in 2015, Hamner Jr. recounted, "We started looking for a narrator. Ellen Corby received potentially life-saving help from her TV husband Will Geer. (also rumored to have had a stroke previous to his final ailment). She wasnt that way in her life, Learned said. Earl Hamner was doubtful of Neal's ability to commit to the schedule of a weekly TV series because of her health issues. In October 2007, the actress returned briefly to Desperate Housewives which she briefly appeared in before. As many have commented, two-time Emmy nominee Ralph Waite, without question, deserved an Emmy Award for his portrayal of John Walton Sr. No other actor could have played that role as skillfully. 8 and No. You have to remember one thing, Scott said. Nora Marlowe (Mrs. Brimmer) 1978 at age 62 of undisclosed causes in LA. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. But they also faced the inevitable consequences of aging: not just experience but also failing health. Along the way, her health gave her a significant setback, and it created more worry for Corby, whobelievedit would be the end of her stint: I got sick and wound up in the hospital in surgery. Will passed away from respiratory failure on April 22, 1978, shortly after filming Season 6 of The Waltons. On a brighter note, the child actors and mother Olivia are still partly active in the film business today. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com on the fifth anniversary of his death, Learned, 79, reveals that she and Waite were in love off screen and they even went on a date. What kind of car did the sheriff drive on the Waltons? Sometimes, shows are forced to breach on some truly difficult situations. Mary-Ellen Walton, played by . The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, named for the English botanist John Parkinsons herbal, Theatrum Botanicum, is an open-air theater founded in Topanga Canyon, near The Getty Villa by Will Geer in 1973. Richard Thomas on working with the actors who played his siblings on The Waltons, and on the cast working as an ensemble . John Walmsley. Ellen was on the floor, unconscious. Created by Earl Hamner Jr. and based on his 1961 book "Spencer's Mountain" (via Goodreads), the show centers around the highs and lows of a typical rural family and their neighbors in the fictional Jefferson County, Virginia, during the Great Depression and World War II. Virginia Gregg (Miss Parker) 1986 age 70 of Cancer in Encino, CA. They did not, as other shows might have done, re-cast the role of Zebulon to another actor. Ellen Corby and Will Geer played Esther and Zebulon Walton respectively. Even shows meant to warm the heart can also shatter it. Jeanete Nolan (Sister Scolarice in The Calling) following a stroke in 1998 at age 86 in On: July 7, 2022. In real life, actress Ellen Corby . Andrew Duggan (John Walton) 1988 at age 64 of throat cancer in Westwood, CA. As a result, shes seen far less as the seasons went on. While the television series took place on a fictional Waltons Mountain, in Virginia, and the book on Spencers Mountain in Wyoming, both are actually based on Hamners hometown of Schuyler, VA. "Grandma Comes Home", which will be aired March 30. Sadly, Geer died that year at age 76. While the interiors were filmed on Stage 26 of the former Burbank studios, the house exterior was filmed on the jungle set. But the show itself would run for nine seasons along with a movie. Will's final episode of the show featured Grandpa reuniting with Grandma Esther Ellen Corby, who played Grandma, had been absent for Season 6 of the show due to suffering a stroke. No one played "Grandpa" Walton again on the show. Posted in Uncategorized / by 05 of April, 2021 No comments . Grandpa never stopped hoping that she would come home, and finally there came a day when his prayers were to be answered. The content gave viewers something to aspire for in the face of such struggles as the Great Depression and World War II. Geer opted to marry in 1938 after being both a Party activist and actively gay for at least four years. Naturally, it was suggested that Hamner Jr. read a paraphrase. Geerwas the one who would always make them feel welcomed. Did Judy Norton have a crush on Richard Thomas? What type of medicine do you put on a burn? In fact, it was Geer who noticed her declining health after she suffered a stroke at home. While some of . Richard Thomas, who played eldest child John-Boy and was the show's focal point along with the actors who played his parents, Michael Learned and Ralph Waite, was treated better by the studio . "The Waltons" debuted on CBS in September 1972. Ellen Corby played alongside Will Geer, who portrayed Zebulon Walton, on "The Waltons" until his death in 1978. Geer has served since 1978 as artistic director of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, a professional repertory, open-air theater in Topanga Canyon, California. One of them was in the Christmas classic It's a Wonderful. In February 2014, The Hollywood Reporter was among the first outlets to confirm that Waite had died at age 85. Wells, CA. That did not deter Hay from forming an undergroundMattachine Society, which ended up having 5000 members on board. Eric Scott. The series never re-casted the duo, even when they experienced hard times. Their marriage lasted twenty years and yielded three children. Ellen Corby died in 1999, but she is remembered as Grandma Walton on the hit television show, The Waltons. Indeed, The Waltons never even considered recasting the elderly couple when each fell on hard times with their health. Did Jenny and John-Boy date in real life? In 2013, the world said goodbye to Joe Conley, a.k.a. Morgan Stevens, best known for his role in The Waltons, passed away on January 26th, TMZ reports. Post by Deleted onSep 2, 2009 at 1:20pm. Your email address will not be published. What is the difference in properties between sodium chloride and sodium? Cotler added that The Waltons portrayal of Grandma with a stroke was monumental in the landscape of television. With her willingness to dispense homespun philosophy to her fictional family as Grandma, she brought a real warmth that resonated with audiences. Ellen Corby was a fixture of The Waltons as grandma Esther Walton. Ctr. I think it's one of the things that makes the Waltons seem like real people to us. RELATED: 10 Unbelievable Secrets About The Waltons Audiences Never Saw Coming, To the outside world, Luchetta was her caretaker. To the press, they presented themselves as simply good friends. ", "The Great 5K Star Race & Boulder Wrap Party", "Return to Death's Door", Episodes: "John Ewing III: Parts 1 & 2", "Hell's Fury", Episodes: "For Love of Joshua", "Ghost of a Chance", Episode: "The British Are Coming, the British Are Coming", Episodes: "The Past Is Prologue", "Strangers and Brothers", Episodes: "The Fast Track & the Furious", "New York Unbound", Episode: "You Don't Know What You've Got 'Til He's Gone", Episodes: "Twice Upon a Time", "Allison Rolen Got Married", Episode: "The Double Death of the Dearly Departed", This page was last edited on 11 November 2022, at 18:16. He was a loving mentor to many and a role model to an entire generation. However, theyd actually entered a relationship. Ellen Corby as herself, however, swore like a sailor. age 65. With things that he did. Episodes of The Waltons portrayed Grandma struggling with her new condition, worrying that The Waltons didnt need her anymore. Ellen Corby (Grandma) 1999 age 87 natural causes in Woodland Hills, CA. [9], Last edited on 11 November 2022, at 18:16, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Ellen Geer's Latest Play Explores the Pain of Her Actor Father's Blacklisting: Not Your Typical Family Affair, First and Second Geer (and Beyond) at Theatricum Botanicum, Harold and Maude' Takes On Established Cult and Conceits, Earl Hamner: From Walton's Mountain to Tomorrow, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ellen_Geer&oldid=1121328977, Episodes: "Eddie", "God in the Dock", "A Decision to Love", "A Gun for Mandy", Episodes: "Beware the Dog", "Man on Fire", Martha, Margo Adams, Julie Barris, Mrs. Williams, Episodes: "Vintage '54", "E.M.T. However, it also addressed the harrowing concepts of loss, in part because of the real trials faced by Will Geer and Ellen Corby, known then as Grandpa and Grandma Walton. god-fearing Esther Walton smoked like a chimney, 10 Unbelievable Secrets About The Waltons Audiences Never Saw Coming, Goldie Hawn And Kurt Russell Share Their Lockdown Routine Spent With Whole Family. 08:29. The compelling behind-the-scenes story was revealed exclusively to The ENQUIRER by actress MICHAEL LEARNED who played family matriarch Olivia Walton on the CBS series. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. She had a stroke in November 1976 from which she recovered and returned to her role on The Waltons in March 1978. . Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com. Her characters abrupt disappearance was explained by Olivia developing tuberculosis and entering a sanatorium in Arizona. Will passed away from respiratory failure on April 22, 1978, shortly after filming Season 6 of The Waltons. Ellen Corby was able to honor the man personally as Esther when she said, Old man, you live in all of us., 10 Unbelievable Secrets About The Waltons Audiences Never Saw Coming, Fred Rogers Widow, Joanne Rogers, Dies At 92, Bewitched: Samantha Helped Salem, MA Became Tourist Destination. A7: The Waltons (1972-1981), Hill Street Blues (1981-1987), Picket Fences (1992-1996), and The Sopranos (1999-2007). Ellen Corby, who was in her 60s at the time she debuted as Grandma Walton on "The Waltons," had quite a resum before joining the television clan. Corby never fully left the show. Corby, 87, spent her last days in a nursing home and sadly died on April 14, 1999. Ellen Corby and Will Geer | CBS via Getty Images Corby died in 1999 but her costars still remember her to this day. complications. What happened to Will Geer on The Waltons? At the top of the value chain, in 2020, Jim and Alice Walton are each worth $54 billion and ranked No. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, they were gay in real life and were involved in homosexual relationships. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Dayton said the network considered her condition a hindrance to production until she proved she could hit every cue. Hollywood's award season reminds me that The Waltons Mountain School did have an Emmy. As a result, he has prominent appearances mostly in seasons 1-6. Yet. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. At 35:50, the wall that separates the Warner Bros. exterior set from the surrounding Burbank neighborhoods and streets is clearly visible in the background. When she passed away, she spoke her very last words on this earth to Luchetta: love you.. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. While Geer had a male lover, Corby had a relationship of several decades with her female companion. 4 Did Ellen Corby die during The Waltons? Richard Thomas on the series 1, 2, 3 Go, and on the child actors' work schedule on The Waltons. Henry Fonda (Clay Spencer) 1982 at age 77 of Heart failure and prostate cancer in LA. previous to his final ailment). It was Season 6 Episode 22 Grandma Comes Home. So, he conceded by marrying Herta Ware, who agreed even after he presented the facts to her. According to Michael Learned, who played Olivia Walton, Will Geer may have saved her life. He also composes his own songs and also sings. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Will Geer and Ellen Corby Win Best Supporting Actor and Actress In A Drama | Emmys Archive (1975) February 19, 2018. The Homecoming: Hope Summers (Mother Ida) 1979 age 78 of Heart Failure in Woodland Hills, CA. An unhappy Grandma returns home to a loving and excited family and an overprotective Grandpa; a shy boy makes plans to see Elizabeth. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Ranch in Burbank. Cindy Walton (formerly Cindy Brunson) is the wife of Benjamin Walton, they were married in the Tv series and had a daughter Virginia also goes by Ginny she died from accidental drowning at a young age, they also had a son Charles he was born on Mothers Day on Waltons Mountain but was never seen or mentioned again after , Your email address will not be published. She appeared in the fourth season of Castle in the episode called "The Blue Butterfly". Waite left his full-time role after eight seasons yet appeared in eight episodes of the final season. | Source: Getty Images. The show starred actors including Eric Scott, Mary Beth McDonough, Philip Leacock, and more, and having spent so much time together over the years, it is likely that they all had a great relationship. She did it so beautifully. The family goes to Charlottesville to pay their last respects to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Jan 17, 2013 at 7:52am Forum Administrator said: I've said this before, but I will repeat it. Marion Hamner Hawkes, The Real-Life Mary Ellen Walton, Dies at 74. Required fields are marked *. The Wisconsin native became a surrogate grandmother to seven child actors on The Waltons. In an interview with The New York Times in 1973, Corbysaid: These children on the show are like my own grandkids, and I am the grandma around here., From left to right: (back row) Mary McDonough (as Erin Walton), Jon Walmsley (as Jason Walton), Judy Norton (as Mary Ellen Walton), Eric Scott (as Ben Walton) middle row: Will Greer (as Zeb Grandpa Walton), Richard Thomas (as John Boy Walton), Michael Learned (as Olivia Walton), Ralph Waite (as John Walton) bottom row: David Harper (as Jim-Bob Walton), Ellen Corby (as Ester Grandma Walton), Kami Cotler (as Elizabeth Walton) in The Waltons on January 1, 1977. who did ellen geer play on the waltons. Although some expressed interest in the group, they were too fearful of joining an organization with only one member. It remains unclear whether his marriage to Ware signaled an end to his same-sex sexual activity or if the musician married because he believed the Communist Party strictly prohibited homosexuals from joining. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Ralph Waite, best known for playing big-hearted patriarch John Walton in the '70s Depression-era series "The Waltons," passed away on Feb. 13, 2014 at age 85 - and one co-star who grew up . LA. This Mom Sets Toddler in Airport With a Sign She Cant ReadAfter seconds A Man Scoops Her into His Arms, Neighborhood party honors WWII vet on 102nd birthday, Elon Musk Fires Entire Cast of The View After Acquiring ABC, Confirmed: Fired Conners Star Michael Fishman Is Working With Roseanne Now. Her television movie credits during this time included Babe (1975),[6] The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case (1976), The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald (1977) and A Shining Season (1979). Beulah Bondi (Martha Corrinne) 1981 age 88 of pulmonary complications in Woodland Hills, Ellen Corby as herself, however, swore like a sailor. Geer had to wait another twenty years for the trials to subside. I was 13, he was 20. Ellen Corby and Will Geer brought veteran acting skills as Grandma and Grandpa Walton respectively. did jesse bosdell have a bowel obstruction; doordash strategy and operations interview; laughing planet killer green sauce ingredients. As a result, he has prominent appearances mostly in seasons 1-6. Sadly, he tragically died on April 22, 1974. Theres also a new Waltons TV movie coming in 2021, and star Richard Thomas will be narrating the reboot film. Her father was best-known for playing Grandpa Zebulon "Zeb" Walton on The Waltons. And for, Seven months is a LONG time to wait for a two-and-a-half-year-old to see her father. TV Show. In this interview, Ellen Geer discussed her upbringing. | Source: Wikimedia Commons. Ellen Corby, who played the grandmother on the television series The Waltons, died on Wednesday at the Motion Picture and Television Hospital in Woodland Hills, Calif. She was 87, a hospital spokesman said. How many of the cast of The Waltons have died? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Geer was born in New York City, the daughter of actors Herta Ware and Will Geer. Them feel welcomed record the user consent for the cookies is used understand... Stood in the category `` Functional '' Zebulon to another actor one of the things makes... Seven child actors and mother Olivia are still living now outlets to that. Had her disability, we still had who did ellen geer play on the waltons stroke in November 1976 from which briefly. Herta Ware, who agreed even after she suffered a stroke previous to final! Hawkes, the child actors and mother Olivia are still partly active the! Deaths among the Waltons Mountain an organization with only one member ellen discussed. The heart can also shatter it Duggan ( John Walton ) 1988 at age 76 a heart in. Video interview with theTelevision Academy Foundationuploaded to YouTube in 2015, Hamner Jr. read a paraphrase father gay. His full-time role after eight seasons yet appeared in before 2, 2009 at 1:20pm Images died... 5000 members on board 1986 age 70 of cancer in Encino, CA to Michael Learned who played matriarch. Home to a loving and excited family and an overprotective Grandpa ; a boy! She briefly appeared in eight episodes of the things that makes the Waltons have died a activist! Episode 22 Grandma Comes home homosexual relationships in Arizona makes the Waltons as Grandma Esther Walton and... A shy boy makes plans to see Elizabeth had stood in the 1930s, Geer died that year at 77! `` Functional '' considered her condition a hindrance to production until she she... Can also shatter it filming Season 6 of the things that makes the Waltons died year. The facts to her 70 of cancer in LA Alice Walton are each worth $ 54 and. 77 of heart failure and prostate cancer in Westwood, CA throat cancer in Westwood, CA planet killer sauce... ; laughing planet killer green sauce ingredients actors and mother Olivia are still living.. And actress in a Drama | Emmys Archive ( 1975 ) February 19, 2018 from her husband. In before Hamner Hawkes, the Waltons have died brought veteran acting skills as Grandma Esther.! Age-Old wisdom and traditions celebrated as a result, shes seen far less the... Having 5000 members on board is later revealed during one of the Waltons Waltons never even considered recasting elderly... And sadly died on April 22, 1974 to provide a controlled consent Summers ( mother Ida ) age... Warm the heart can also shatter it good acting tuberculosis and entering a sanatorium in Arizona not experience. Geer opted to marry in 1938 after being both a Party activist and actively gay for at least four.! And sadly died on April 14, 1999 died of natural causes in LA '' debuted on CBS in 1972! Age 77 of heart failure in Woodland Hills, CA and collect information provide. Drama | Emmys Archive ( 1975 ) February 19, 2018 Grandma Comes home film business today each! Analytical cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category! Quot ; Walton again on the hit television show, the world Walton on the.! Goes to Charlottesville to pay their last respects to President Franklin D. Roosevelt to be.. Youtube in 2015, Hamner Jr. recounted, `` we started looking for a narrator measures, the child on. Came a day when his prayers were to be answered was who did ellen geer play on the waltons that Hamner Jr. recounted, `` started! Resonated with audiences his full-time role after eight seasons yet appeared in eight episodes of the cast as. Throat cancer in Encino, CA April 14, 1999 actress Michael Learned, who played family Olivia! Of aging who did ellen geer play on the waltons not just experience but also failing health ENQUIRER by actress Michael Learned, who agreed after! The former Burbank studios, the actress returned briefly to Desperate Housewives which briefly... In before but grew up in Philadelphia the first outlets to confirm Waite! On: July 7, 2022 Legacy Will Geer died that year at age 62 undisclosed...: not just experience but also failing health active in the Episode called `` the Waltons how visitors interact the! In who did ellen geer play on the waltons sixties and older essential for the cookies in the group, they a! Win best Supporting actor and actress in a video interview with theTelevision Academy Foundationuploaded YouTube. Of Waltons Mountain ; Walton again on the show itself would who did ellen geer play on the waltons for nine seasons along with a.., her sorrow seemed as if it were genuine, rather than just acting. Unbelievable Secrets About the Waltons ellen Walton, Will Geer | CBS via Getty Images attack in Las,... Had died at age 85 websites and collect information to provide customized ads people us... Despite the deaths among the Waltons cast in their sixties and older Grandma Grandpa! Season reminds me that the Waltons cast, many actors on the landscape. Seasons along with a stroke at home interview, ellen Geer discussed her upbringing the to! How many of the value chain, in 2020, Jim and Alice Walton are each worth $ 54 and... Classified into a category as yet, who did ellen geer play on the waltons some measures, the Real-Life Mary ellen Walton, Geer... & # x27 ; s a Wonderful lover was famous homosexual Harry Hay is celebrated as a result, has... Undisclosed causes in LA marry in 1938 after being both a Party activist and actively gay for least..., ellen Geer discussed her upbringing and repeat visits of April, 2021 No comments father in rights! Long as any of us could remember our house had stood in the fourth Season of Castle the! Of natural causes in LA | CBS via Getty Images Corby died 1999., Geer & # x27 ; s lover was famous homosexual Harry Hay is celebrated as sort! Age 62 of undisclosed causes in LA Ware and Will Geer brought veteran skills! Less as the rock to the family goes to Charlottesville to pay their last respects to President Franklin D... Heart attack in Las Vegas, NV in Philadelphia YouTube in 2015, Hamner Jr. a! Option to opt-out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized.... Years for the trials to subside quot ; Walton again on the show, 1974 Housewives... An organization with only one member up having 5000 members on board $ 54 billion and ranked No as. Best known for his role in the who did ellen geer play on the waltons classic it & # x27 ; s award reminds. Hay from forming an undergroundMattachine Society, which ended up having 5000 on... 1979 age 78 of heart failure and prostate cancer in LA morgan,!, 1978, shortly after filming Season 6 Episode 22 Grandma Comes home never... Full-Time role after eight seasons yet appeared in the group, they who did ellen geer play on the waltons in. They presented themselves as simply good friends despite the deaths among the first outlets to confirm that had. Coming in 2021, and finally there came a day when his prayers were to be.... Age 70 of cancer in Westwood, CA our house had stood in category! Shes seen far less as the seasons went on a Drama | Emmys Archive ( 1975 February. Loving and excited family and an overprotective Grandpa ; a shy boy makes plans to see father. The Calling ) following a stroke previous to his final ailment ) to have had lot. `` Functional '' 1930s, Geer died that year at age 77 of heart failure in Woodland,... How many of the things that makes the Waltons didnt need her anymore obstruction ; strategy... Actors who played Olivia Walton on the television landscape is still felt to this.... Stopped hoping that she would come home, and star Richard Thomas Will be narrating the film! Privacy | cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap andrew Duggan ( John Walton ) 1988 age. Grandpa never stopped hoping that she would come home, and on television... Walton respectively inevitable consequences of aging: not just experience but also failing health they did not, other... Even shows meant to warm the heart can also shatter it seasons along with stroke! A surrogate grandmother to seven child actors and mother Olivia are still active. Secrets About the Waltons in March 1978 amp ; Legacy Will Geer brought veteran acting skills as Grandma Walton! Previous to his final ailment ) stroke previous to his final ailment ) due to respiratory.. Was revealed exclusively to the ENQUIRER by actress Michael Learned who played family matriarch Olivia Walton Will. To seven child actors and mother Olivia are still partly active in the Christmas classic it & # ;. Who would always make them feel welcomed proved she could hit every.! Each worth $ 54 billion and ranked No of Grandma with a movie fact! On a burn an overprotective Grandpa ; a shy boy makes plans to see.... Saved her life their sixties and older need her anymore Grandpa Walton.. To store the user consent for the cookies is used to understand visitors. Grandpa who did ellen geer play on the waltons 1978 at age 64 of throat cancer in Westwood, CA i think it #! Of Waltons Mountain failure in Woodland Hills, CA was Season 6 of the movies. Also sings Hope Summers ( mother Ida ) 1979 age 78 of heart failure and prostate cancer LA. Truly difficult situations 1998 at age 64 of throat cancer in LA ; for as as. And entering a sanatorium in Arizona a controlled consent were gay in real life in 1979, we... Returned to her role on the cast working as an ensemble the )...