In a touching celebration that brought both joy and tears to fans around the world, the beloved cast of “The Waltons” reunited in honor of the show’s 50th anniversary. The special occasion not only rekindled warm memories for viewers who grew up with the series, but also reminded everyone of the powerful impact this wholesome family drama had on television history. Richard Thomas—best known for his iconic role as John-Boy Walton—perfectly summed up the emotional weight of the day when he admitted, “It got me right to my throat.”
His words echoed the sentiments of thousands of fans who flooded social media with heartfelt memories, personal reflections, and gratitude after seeing photos and videos from the reunion event. A Legacy That Spanned Generations. First airing in 1972, “The Waltons” quickly became one of the most beloved series on American television. Set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II, the show chronicled the lives of the Walton family—an honest, hardworking, and tightly-knit clan whose strength came from love, community, and moral values. The series ran for nine successful seasons, concluding in 1981, and was followed by six made-for-TV movies that aired between 1982 and 1997.
For nearly two decades, “The Waltons” was more than just a television show—it was a cultural touchstone. Families gathered around the TV each week to watch the latest challenges, joys, and milestones of the fictional but deeply relatable Walton family. For many fans, the show provided comfort, life lessons, and a sense of stability during uncertain times.
The 50th Anniversary Reunion: A Beautiful Walk Down Memory Lane
On November 17, 2022, the cast and fans of “The Waltons” came together for a very special public reunion celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary. The event was hosted at the Hollywood Museum, an iconic location fitting for such a legendary show. The celebration included a special exhibit and a fan Q&A session, both of which were met with incredible enthusiasm and emotion.
Renowned film and television critic Leonard Maltin served as host for the event, guiding attendees through the memories and moments that made “The Waltons” a classic. The museum exhibit featured authentic props, original scripts, Emmy Awards, and even the actual typewriter that series creator Earl Hamner Jr. used to write the show. Among the most moving items on display were the cast’s original costumes—including the Levi’s jacket worn by Ralph Waite, who played patriarch John Walton. Seeing it again was an emotional moment for Richard Thomas, who shared, “That jacket really got me in the throat. Ralph wore it all the time—it was like seeing him again.”
Seven original cast members were physically present at the reunion:
Michael Learned (Olivia Walton)
Richard Thomas (John-Boy Walton)
Judy Norton (Mary Ellen Walton)
Eric Scott (Ben Walton)
Kami Cotler (Elizabeth Walton)
Other beloved cast members made virtual appearances.
Jon Walmsley (Jason Walton) joined via Zoom from the United Kingdom
Mary McDonough (Erin Walton) sent in a video greeting
David W. Harper (Jim-Bob Walton) contributed his presence through archived footage and mentions
The atmosphere was electric as the cast reunited—older, wiser, but unmistakably still a family. They sat on stage, reminiscing, laughing, and answering fan questions with genuine warmth. Despite the decades that had passed, their connection remained strong, and it showed. Fans in attendance couldn’t help but feel as though they were witnessing a moment frozen in time, a window back to their own childhoods.
Social Media Reactions: Nostalgia Overwhelms Fans
The reunion sparked a flood of reactions across social media, especially after Eric Scott (Ben Walton) shared several Facebook posts filled with behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the event. Fans quickly filled the comment sections with emotional responses, stories, and words of gratitude.
One user called the event “absolutely wonderful” and thanked Scott for sharing the memories. They reflected on how it was hard to believe that 50 years had passed since the show first aired, sharing that they had been only 12 years old at the time. “How times have changed,” they wrote, “but those memories are still so fresh.”
Another fan confessed they still watched “The Waltons” reruns every chance they got. “It brings me peace,” they said, “just like it did when I used to watch it with my grandmother every Thursday night.” Others echoed similar sentiments, recalling how their entire family would gather in the living room each week to watch the show together.
Kami Cotler (Elizabeth Walton) also took to Facebook to share a playful throwback post, featuring original costumes and a humorous cut-out photo montage of the cast’s faces. The post brought smiles to many, especially one fan who commented that they didn’t watch much TV growing up—but “The Waltons” was the one show they were always allowed to stay up late to watch.
Another emotional comment read:
“I remember our family used to gather in the living room in the ‘70s to watch your show. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much times have changed. If I could go back and relive those nights, I would in a heartbeat.”
One particularly heartfelt message came from a red-haired fan who shared that as a child, they used to pretend they were a long-lost member of the Walton family. They expressed sincere appreciation for Cotler’s post, writing:
“Thank you for bringing back some of the best memories of growing up. Things were tough, but watching ‘The Waltons’ made me feel like I had a second family.”
A Timeless Message That Still Resonates
Even after five decades, “The Waltons” continues to resonate deeply with fans across generations. Its messages about family, resilience, love, and morality are timeless—and the cast’s recent reunion only served to highlight how enduring its legacy truly is.
For those who grew up with the series, the 50th anniversary wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about gratitude. Gratitude for a show that modeled kindness and courage, for characters that felt like friends, and for memories that still live on in hearts and homes today. As Richard Thomas put it best, “It wasn’t just a show—it was a family. And I think we’ll always be a family, no matter how many years pass.”