‘The Waltons’ star Ralph Waite finds a home in church
Actor rediscovers religion in Palm Desert Presbyterian congregation
August 6, 2010
PALM DESERT, Calif.
Actor Ralph Waite attends Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship in Palm Desert. Waite, who currently has roles in “NCIS” and “Days of our Lives,” played John Walton in “The Waltons” TV series.— Photo by Marilyn Chung, The Desert Sun.
In a tiny church in Palm Desert, Ralph Waite has returned to his religious roots.
Waite, 82, an actor best known for his role as John Walton Sr. on the 1970s TV series “The Waltons,” is an ordained Presbyterian minister who left organized religion nearly 50 years ago.
Though busy with a new role playing Mark Harmon’s father, Jackson “Jack” Gibbs on the popular CBS series “NCIS,” Waite said he wanted to “get re-involved in some level in my religion,” and went searching for a congregation that shared his progressive religious and political views.
He discovered Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship, which meets Sunday evenings at United Church of the Desert on Warner Trail here.
“It was just what I was looking for,” said Waite, who lives in Palm Desert with his wife of 30 years, Linda.
The services are led by three retired pastors, including Chuck Rassieur. “We are strong advocates of peace and justice,” Rassieur said. “We are very welcoming to gays and gay issues.”
The church also has guest ministers, including Waite, who delivered a sermon — “We are all Jews” — at the group's July 4 worship service. The lesson was taken from the 2nd Book of Kings.
“I spent a couple of months reacquainting myself with the Old Testament. ... It's the root of our religion,” he said.
In the beginning
Waite, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946 to 1948, attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, on the GI Bill. He earned his master’s degree from Yale University Divinity School and became an ordained Presbyterian minister. He later left the ministry and went into publishing with Harper & Row in New York City.
At 33, he sat in on an acting class. “I said, ‘Let me try a scene,’ and I fell in love with it.” He made his stage debut in 1960 in a production of “The Balcony,” at the Circle in the Square Theatre. He continued performing in Broadway and off- Broadway plays while also landing parts in high-profile movies, including “Cool Hand Luke” and “Five Easy Pieces.”
Waite’s favorite stage role was “King Lear, by far,” he said. In 1971, he was called out to Hollywood to work on “The Waltons,” an hour-long drama about rural Virginia family struggling through the Great Depression.
Waite — now 38 years sober — was an alcoholic when he first began shooting “The Waltons.” It didn’t take long for Waite to realize he was living a life contradictory to the role of the hardworking, reliable father he was playing on TV. “I was a caring, responsible father to all of these kids,” he said. “But I was drinking the night before and being a drunk on the side. I found a way to get sober.”
“Hollywood changed my life,” he said. “It turned me into a human being.”
In the desert
Waite and his wife Linda made the Coachella Valley — two hours east of Los Angeles — their second home after spending two weeks in the desert in 1986.
“The Waltons” publicity still, date unknown. Ralph Waite, as John Walton, is top right. Photo courtesy of CBS.
“When I finished ‘The Waltons,’ CBS wanted me to produce and act in another series,” Waite said. He shot the short-lived series “The Mississippi” on location — an assignment that took a toll on him. “I did it 15 to 18 hours a day — producing and acting,” Waite said. “When I got back, I was exhausted.”
Waite and his wife were living in Los Angeles at the time. “My wife said, ‘I love the desert,’ let’s go there to relax for a couple of weeks,” Waite said. “I came here and lo and behold, I began falling in love with it. For some reason, it kept attracting me,” he said. “I said, ‘Let's move down there.'”
Their first home was at The Springs in Rancho Mirage. After years of splitting time between L.A. and the desert, they moved to the Coachella Valley permanently eight years ago. “The more I stayed, the more beautiful the scenery became — the silence, the sense of space, the quietness ... I just love it out here now,” he said.
Waite was a longtime volunteer and board member of the ABC Alcohol and Recovery Center in Indio, serving for years as president.
Along with his brother, Donald Waite, now deceased, and other family members, he established the popular eatery Don and Sweet Sue’s Cafe in Cathedral City.
On the campaign trail
Waite, a Democrat, entered the political fray in 1990 when he challenged incumbent Republican congressman Al McCandless, representing the 37th district in Riverside County, losing by 5 percentage points. Waite said he got involved in politics because “I thought our representative in Congress was not up to par. I ran and lost, but had a great time.”
In 1998, Waite ran in the special election for the unexpired 44th Congressional District seat left vacant when incumbent Republican Sonny Bono died in a skiing accident. Waite was defeated in that election by Mary Bono, Sonny’s widow.
Waite won the Democratic nomination for the general election in the June primary, but dropped out before the November election. “I realized it was a lost cause,” he said. “After about three months, I backed out of the race. “That was different,” he said. “It was such a sympathy vote that she won easily.”
The here and now
After a recent service and fellowship dinner, Waite nibbled on pizza, served up slices of chocolate cake — he was responsible for bringing dessert that evening — then bid farewell to his fellow worshippers. It was 7 p.m. and time to hit the road for the long drive to the “NCIS” set for a 5 a.m. call. “It’s probably the best set I've ever worked on,” he said. “And I’ve worked on a lot of sets.”
On Thursday, Waite returned from Los Angeles after spending time on the set of the daytime series “Days of Our Lives.” Waite plays the recurring role of Father Matt on the long-running soap opera.
And any time he’s walking down the street, fans like to reenact the nighttime ritual on Walton’s Mountain. “I hear ‘Goodnight, John Boy,’” Waite said, smiling.
- Topics: Evangelism
- Tags: spirit of the desert presbyterian fellowship, the waltons
- Agency: General Assembly Mission Council
Allways wanted to b part of a family like d waltons .love. U all .x
by chris quaid
May 15, 2012
I watched this show in the 1970's and loved it. I did not see it again until the reruns started recently and I am enjoying watching it again. I have to admit I have been buying the series so I can watch it when ever I want. I really enjoy seeing Ralph Waite playing on NCIS, he and Will Geer were two of my favorite actors on the series.
by Pam
April 16, 2012
Mr. Waite, I have bought the complete seasons of the Waltons, and watch them on ION and Hallmark channels, they inspire me, they make me cry and laugh and it is nice to see that Oliva has finally changed you in to a church going patron, as she was always trying to get you to go to church. I love the thought that Mr. Walton didnt think of himself as a christian even though the only thing he didn't do was go to church, his actions spoke volumes toward the faith and I am glad through that you became sober in the real world. I feel like all of the waltons are my family as I grew up watching and even though my Mom was a single parent raising my brother and I we had times just like the waltons. I comend the whole crew for making us all feel part of the family and I truely wish there were more shows like that even in this day and age with all our gagets and gizmoes, I cant help thinking those where the better of times! God bless You All!
by Deb
April 14, 2012
No matter what else you have accomplished in your life know that you have touched others with your character on The Waltons. I too cannot get enough of watching all of the stories and marvel at the depth of your portrayal of John Walton. All of the actors on that show touched many lives with their honesty and we are the better for it. Thank you.
by paula block
April 3, 2012
I don't know if Ralph Waite will be reading this, but I'd just like to say like most of the other posters, how many warm fuzzies I and my family get from watching our much sort out DVD's of The Waltons. We live in New Zealand where life is not to hectic and is quite green, and we have fallen well and truely for the family orientated show. The stories and characters really do depict what most people would welcome into their lives. As the father your part made me realise how valuable fathers are then and in particular in todays world. The show is really a eduction in how family values and ethics should be. Stern acting Mr Waite, and your fellow actors all help in that great Vibe that will always be in The Waltons.
by Leanne Wech
March 24, 2012
I love watching Walton's Mountain again at age 66. It reminds me of the days of we long for.
by Bedtsy Zivitz
March 8, 2012
Mr Waite, With tears in my eyes I just want to know how on earth you were able to get sober. Please answer.
by Ginger Bentley
February 23, 2012
I must say , I love the waltons,this show still runs in my house. I work lonf hours ,but when I get home I flip to two channels which the reruns are on and I flip back and forth. The waltons was such an easy and simple way of life. I get so absorbed into it that I feel like I am right there with them. We are planning a trip to VA to the film site soon. I cant wait. My husband and I both grew up watching the waltons. It is truly a show that will always be on my TV,S as long as it is on tv. I wish sometimes that life was that peaceful.
by LANA J MILLER
February 23, 2012
I am watching a Waltons marathon right now. I just LOVE this show and the patriarch Ralph Waite. It reminds me that people did used to be more polite to each other, and valued morality. It just makes me fel so nostalgic and good.
by Kate
February 12, 2012
I may start crying. I was an only child and my parents divorced. I so very much wanted to live in that house full of children with 2 loving parents and their wise grandparents. The noise, the laughter and never being alone. It was my Disney World. May God Bless you! And many thanks for your work then and now. I am so glad to know that you are well and happy. Many Thanks Denise
by Denise M.
January 3, 2012
You totally rocked the role of "daddy" in "The Waltons". Coming from a family of eleven children, the television program does bring it back in many ways. You and Richard Thomas were the most believeable in your roles on the show. Just wonderful actors!
by Jeanne Bradley
December 24, 2011
Hello Mr White I am sop happy to get this oppertunity to say a few words to you, your role as the father on the waltons and the grandfathers role were my favorite , I have lived by some of your family veiws through out the years of raiseing my own children. I love the waltons and always will I still watch all the reruns everyday that I can, I also saw you on Cliff Hanger which was very good too.
by karen walker
December 3, 2011
Ohhh dear...Mr. Waite....I can't believe I found you after all these years. I watched The Waltons growing up also in the 70's...and for the past two years, I cannot get enough of you all!!! I have season's 1,2 and 6...heehee...I'm going to find the others!!!! You and all the others are forever in my mind ..as you were then. I guess I don't accept change too well. hee. I watch you over and over..you wouldn't believe it. You are still a very handsome man and I can hear your voice at any given time. I love you and I thank you for all of the loving good times. You and Olivia..heehee...are with me always. As well as John-boy and all the rest of the wonderful Waltons. I can't say it enough...THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU!! and God bless you! I love you, toni hicks
by Toni Hicks
December 3, 2011
In response to Brett Dague's comment about homosexuality being a sin based upon what supposedly is gospel - as humans, we are not on this earth to judge other humans and I sincerely doubt that Jesus would have chastised homosexuals.
by Russ Morrison
December 2, 2011
i just saw the waltons crew on news the morning and i had to find you to see if you were ok cause you were not with the rest of the crew, I love the watlons i watch them every day with my kids , we cant change the world from being crazy but i can show my kids nice shows with great values and hope the wonderfulness rubs off on them , thank you for doing the waltons and making the world a better place ,God Bless !!!!!!
by bree
December 2, 2011
Hi Ralph, So many years have passed since your stay in Bedford and your acting at the Bedford Springs Summer Playhouse. I just found some of my old pictures of the cast and your ex Bev. As you may recall as I was the head lifeguard and the keeper of the keys to the gate at the lake. We had some great parties and loads of fun stunning the fish for your evening meals. My grown children are active tv watchers of your Walton series shows and still marvel that we were friends in the early sixties. Drop me an e-mail.
by Gary Jones
November 27, 2011
Hi Mr. Waite, I loved the Waltons growing up and when I was given an offer to move nearby where John Jr and his family lived, I took it. Anyway, Its an honor to have gotten to write to you. Hope seeing you in schyler co. someday
by larry meyer
October 21, 2011
Love you and all the cast of The Walton's. I hope the Hallmark Channel NEVER stops running those wonderful episodes. You were by far one of my favorites characters. Good wholesome TV needs to return - we have had enough of the Jersey Shore and the Kardashians and a lot of other trash on TV today. I will NEVE R stop watching as long as The Waltons are airing.
by Tara
October 21, 2011
You played a big role in me getting back to church in 2007. And we are so happy that daily we can watch re runs of The Waltons, yet still see you on NCIS. You are a good role model.
by Beth
October 19, 2011
Hi Mr. Waite, we met in NY and I gave you a polo shirt for Fathers Day/your birthday some 8 - 10 years ago. Anyway, I wanted to say that I understand you're returning back to the Church and Fellowship. I did the same thing about 30 years ago when I felt alienated from God and Spirituality. My journey was rewarded by the people I've associated with in the congregations. I attend the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the Episcopal Church, namely St. Bart's NYC and St. Thomas on 5th Ave. Being gay myself, they welcomed me with open arms. I was dumbfounded after keeping my 'secret' for many years, then finally coming out to them. St. Bart's was a Godsend being out of work after 9/11 after working for an foreign airline and my lover of 29 1/2 years dying. I had no one to turn to for solice, it was a very difficult time for me. I've had to 'reinvent' myself after getting furloughed by the airlines. If not for God in our lives and the lifting and reassurance of His love, we'd all be hollow shells. All the best, Richie
by Richie Betancourt
September 30, 2011
Hi rev waite I respect u so much, on the waltons I alwayswished I was olivia. I watch the waltons every AM and every pm ! Luv u sooo much
by carmela
September 7, 2011
I loved The Walton's back in the 70's and never missed a show. Today I watch it with tears in my eyes because it's so nostalgic. It showed a family that was so close and stuck together in good times and bad. I hope it never goes off Hallmark Channel.
by Lillie Shye
September 3, 2011
How I love all the Waltons..I'm a senior citizen now and I somehow missed it when it was on years ago.Iwatch it every day...they don't make "em like that anymore. Thank you for all the pleasure you've given me.
by Jan Gale
August 29, 2011
At home with a broken ankle for two months...enjoyed and healed by rewatching the Waltons. So sweet, so sweet. God's love was definitely in the making of that series. Love ya'll!
by Andrea
August 29, 2011
Ralph, I have turned to the Walton's and their beliefs in the past few months, and you are an inspiration, (and very sexy). You may have not been the writer on the "show", but you portrayed the words whole heartedly and your wonderful. I wish you the best in your life & your family's.
by Marylou
August 23, 2011
Hi, Mr. Waite: My husband and I missed the Waltons the first time around, but now that we are retired, we are loving the series. So much can be learned about real life in those episodes. The casting was perfect...everyone seemed so natural. You were the glue that held it all together! Thanks for being an inspiration even today! So glad to know you have returned to organized religion. We are Episcopalian, and I have been the church organist for almost 26 years in a tiny mission church in West TN. We are family! Paula and Jim
by Paula
August 21, 2011
In the Waltons scenes you really played the roll of the one Commandment that encompasses all of Life "love your neighbour as your self" to me this is what Christ is counting on each and every one of us to do. You Ralph Waite has done this beautifully in the Walton and has taught us to LOVE in every situation. May GOD BLESS You and your family and lengthen your days to serve him.
by Clothilda Alphonse
August 16, 2011
My dad loved the waltons (REST HIS SOLE) my husband and I still watch when on t.v. John was great as was Elizebeth and all the clan. Thank you for the enjoyment still today.
by CHLLISRIS HO
August 11, 2011
I am a baby boomer, who fell in love with you! Sorry mrs waite, but he is sooo handsomeven at 82! Love u john
by carmela
July 30, 2011
Ralph, about 1981 or so I waited in line with the kids at the grand opening of your sister's Hallmark store in Dallas to have my picture taken with you. I was about 30 years old so I probably looked out of place. You were so gracious. I kept that picture until my house burned in 2006. Thank you for being the key figure in The Waltons; still my favorite show. I thought I had all of the collection but didn't realize that there were nine seasons so I'm still short one season. You are still my favorite.
by Helen Griffin
July 19, 2011
I was just reading that today, June 22, is the birthday of Ralph Waite. I looked up his biography and enjoyed reading that and enjoyed reading the above just as I have enjoyed his acting roles over the years. May God bless and guide Mr. Waite and his wife. And, of course, "...Good night John-Boy!"(sorry, couldn't resist! ;>)
by E. Marshall Buckles
June 22, 2011
Ralph, you and Richard Thomas were my favorites on the show. Take care and God Bless.
by Susan
June 17, 2011
Loved watching The Walton's with my 5 year old back in the 70's and now 38 years later still enjoy watching the reruns. The show delivered such good wisdom.
by Susan
June 17, 2011
brother wait, i just wanted to say god bless you and your wife. and to say thank you for the waltons,and the work you did. and to say we need the waltons for today.
by david hance
June 6, 2011
Dear Ralph; Today I enjoy The Walton characterizations (especially that of John and Liv) as much as ever, following you all on both GMC and Inspiration of SkyAngel IPTV. Please know how very much you have contributed to both your craft and to the very fabric of American family life in the 20th AND NOW the 21st centuries!
by Cynthia Baum
May 31, 2011
Hi. I just want to say that you're a fine actor in every sense! I hope you & the other cast members of The Waltons do another reunion show very soon! Show the next generation how a family should be! :)
by HEidi
May 10, 2011
Thanks so much John Walton for a show that I've seen every episode. We long for those days again in America. Where family and friends pull together in tough times. We are surely at the tough times again...God Bless
by Dqvid
May 5, 2011
I am thoroughly enjoying reruns of "The Waltons" on Hallmark TV. You are a fine actor, and I always look forward to seeing you perform.
by Grady T. Dix
April 27, 2011
Mr. Ralph Waite....how I loved the Waltons....it was always a dream to have a family like that. I remember you were on the cover of a Forestry Magazine that my former husband subscribed to back in the 70's - 80's. As I recall, it was the first and only time an actor was featured on the front cover. I just wanted you to know I remembered that. Thank you for all the years you gave us such joy on the Walton's. A friend of mine lives near the real location and on the way home to SC a few years ago, I stopped and saw the actors that played Elizabeth, Mary Ellen, & Bertie. They were there for a reunion of some sort. Other cast members were in attendance but Imissed them from the day before. Know that you were loved by us all!
by Barbara Bloomer
March 31, 2011
Mr. Waite, are you a "born-again-Christian and do you believe that the only way to heaven is through the Blood of Jesus Christ? I love your acting especially on the "Waltons"
by Betty
October 22, 2010
Dear Mr Waite, God bless you and your good works, it is nice to know that at any age we can love living and learning; each day is a blessing. Please though do not give up your acting I always find that you give a bit extra to any roles you get to play; your smile and twinkling eyes show into your soul. Warm regards Bev
by Bev Ford
October 19, 2010
As a fellow minister of the gospel, I would ask Ralph Waite and others that believe homosexuality isn't a sin how do you account for Romans 1:27 - Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
by Brett Dague
September 11, 2010