The Waltons Actors You May Not Know Passed Away

Actor Ralph Waite never planned on being an actor, let alone an actor on a popular television show. Originally, he worked as a minister before leaving the church to become an assistant editor of religious books published at Harper & Row, according to The Guardian's 2014 obituary for the actor.

In his early 30s, Waite discovered acting. Though he didn't have the kind of pedigree as his fellow co-stars Ellen Corby and Will Geer, he had already made a name for himself starring on Broadway (per Broadway World). Later, he showed up in such memorable films such as "Cool Hand Luke" and "Five Easy Pieces," as well as a slew of guest television roles on shows including "NCIS," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Days of Our Lives" later in his career (via IMDb).

Of course, in 1972, the actor got the role of a lifetime as John Walton Sr., the head of the Walton household. In February 2014, The Hollywood Reporter was among the first outlets to confirm that Waite had died at age 85. In that same article, actress Michael Learned, who portrayed Waite's fictional wife Olivia Walton, said, "He was my spiritual husband. We loved each other for over 40 years. He died a working actor at the top of his game. He was a loving mentor to many and a role model to an entire generation. I'm devastated."