Richard Thomas — Humble, Hard-Working, Talented, and Ageless

A Look Back and Forward at His Remarkable Life and Career

Richard Thomas is best known for his iconic, Emmy-winning role as John-Boy, on the classic Emmy-winning TV series, The Waltons. But his extensive body of work glimmers and shines with countless acclaimed Broadway and live-stage productions, feature films, and television appearances. Whether with early TV appearances on everything from The Defenders to Medical Center, or in recent stage performances of Aaron Sorkin’s Broadway adaptation of the 1960 Harper Lee novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Thomas delivers the goods.

Thomas was only six years old when he first appeared on the stage, making his Broadway debut in Sunrise at Campobello. One year later, he made his TV debut at just eleven, appearing in NBC’s heralded Hallmark Hall of Fame series with a presentation of Ibsen’s A Doll House.

Shortly after, Thomas began acting in a regular capacity on daytime television, in shows like The Edge of Night, and As The World Turns, both of which were broadcast from his native Manhattan. His parents were professional ballet dancers who performed with the National Ballet of Cuba and the New York City Ballet.

Clearly, his good fate was sealed with good genes, a lot of talent, and the additional blessing of a humble heart. With…