The Waltons Through the Years

The Family That Grows Together, Stays Together.

Over nine seasons and countless specials, the Walton family grew up right in front of our eyes. See where they started and who they became.

John Walton, Sr.

Ralph White as John Walton, Sr.

Assertive yet fair, John Sr. started the series as the tough caregiver to a seasoned working man and laid-back grandfather.

 

Olivia Walton

Michael Learned as Olivia Walton

Gentle-natured and loving, the faith-based mother of seven, Olivia battled sickness over the years and turned over a new leaf in her later life, and became a school teacher.

 

Zebulon Walton

Will Green as Zebulon "Grandpa" Walton

Hard-headed and hardworking, Grandpa Zeb loves to share his wisdom with his grandkids, and with his passing at the beginning of season 7, his spirit and guidance lives on through them.

 

Esther Walton

Ellen Corby as Esther "Grandma" Walton

Feisty and fun-loving, Grandma Esther loves being a grandma, but is strict yet sensible with her grandchildren. After suffering from a stroke and spending time away to recover, she returns to live out her days with her family.

 

John-Boy Walton

Richard Thomas as John-Boy Walton, Jr.

Calm and quiet, the oldest Walton child goes from a shy teenager to a brave war correspondent and confident news anchor. After finding love, John Boy marries, and he and his wife welcome twins.

 

Jason Walton

Jon Walmsley as Jason Walton

Good-natured and a music fanatic, the second oldest son, Jason’s love of music continues into adulthood. The eventual army sergeant grows up to be a radio personality, husband, father, and the owner of The Dew Drop Inn.

 

Mary-Ellen Walton

Judy Norton as Mary-Ellen Walton

Strong-willed and smart, Mary-Ellen goes from a tomboy dreaming of seeing the world to a young woman with a passion for helping people. Mary-Ellen takes on many titles throughout the years, including nurse, wife, mom, and eventually doctor.

 

Ben Walton

Eric Scott as Ben Walton

Always scheming for a buck, Ben starts off as a spitfire who often finds himself in a bit of trouble. But as time passes, he morphs into an honorable man—he joins the navy, falls in love, and becomes a father.

 

Erin Walton

Mary Elizabeth McDonough as Erin Walton

Bossy, but beautiful, Erin at first, has no idea what she wants to do with her life. But life steers her in the right direction, and she evolves into a businesswoman, loving mother, and eventually a school principal.

 

Jim-Bob Walton

David W. Harper as James Robert "Jim-Bob" Walton

With a mind like a machine, Jim-Bob’s declining eyesight shatters his aspirations of becoming a pilot. But instead of giving up on his dreams, he alters them. He joins the air force, becomes a mechanic, and opens his own garage.

 

Elizabeth Walton

Kami Colter as Elizabeth Walton

The baby of the family, Elizabeth, is sweet-natured and inquisitive when we first meet her. As she grows up, her curiosity takes her on adventures all over the world, and back to her first love, with who she eventually settles down.