The beloved television series “The Waltons,” which originally aired from 1972 to 1981, continues to resonate with audiences, even as its cast members have aged over the decades. As of 2025, the cast’s current ages and life stories offer a poignant reflection on the passage of time since the show first captured the hearts of viewers.

John Walmsley, who portrayed Jason Walton at the age of 16, is now 67 years old. Mary Beth McDonough, who played Aaron Walton, is 63, having joined the cast at 11 years old. Eric Scott, who took on the role of Ben Walton, is now 66, starting his journey with the series at age 14. Tommy Cook, who was just 7 when she played Elizabeth Walton, is now 59.

Judy Norton, known for her role as Mary Ellen Walton, has also reached the age of 67, while David W. Harper, who played Jim Bob Walton, is currently 63. The show’s iconic narrator, Earl Hamner Jr., passed away in 2016 at 92. Ralph Waite, who portrayed John Walton Sr., died in 2014 at the age of 85. Other notable cast members, such as Michael Learned, now 86, and Ellen Corby, who passed away in 1999, played important roles in the show’s fabric.

Richard Thomas, who played the central character John Boy Walton, is now 73. The legacy of “The Waltons” is not only preserved through its storytelling but also through the lives of its cast members, many of whom have since passed away, including Joe Conley and Ellen Cle, who left lasting impressions both on and off the screen.

As fans continue to celebrate the series, the stories behind its cast serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of “The Waltons” and its themes of family, perseverance, and community.