Publicity photo of Ralph Waite (John Walton, Sr.), Richard Thomas (John Boy), and Michael Learned (Olivia Walton) from the television program The Waltons. Image from a 1972 press release via Wikimedia Commons.
PALM DESERT, Calif. – Ralph Waite, who is known for his role as John Walton Sr. on the ’70s TV show “The Waltons” has reportedly died at the age of 85.
The Desert Sun, based in Palm Desert, reports that Waite died at his Palm Desert home Thursday morning.
A friend of Waite’s, Jerry Preece, reportedly told The Desert Sun that when he arrived to meet Waite at about 1 p.m. there were ambulances at Waite’s home.
Preece told The Desert Sun his friend died of a “tired heart.”
