The boisterous comedian’s talk show had reigned in second-place in television ratings for four consecutive years when “The Waltons” premiered and became a surprising success, beating Flip out of the top 30 and securing their spot in second place.
Rather than let his show carry on and suffer from the competition, Flip Wilson sadly announced that it would be their last season.
The Walton's Mountain
The “Walton’s Mountain” was actually shot in the Hollywood Hills south of the Warner Bros property. The exterior of the family home was also located on the studio lot. The original Walton home was set aflame by a disgruntled crew worker, back in 1991.
Warner Bros decided to rebuild the house to use in the Walton reunion special that aired in 1993.
Earl Hamner's House Was Bought By Fans
Earl Hamner's home that served as the basis for the TV show "The Waltons" has been bought by long-time Walton enthusiast Carole Johnson. The Hamner home has been preserved for viewings and will remain open to the public.
For fans interested, there are guided tours, as well as new items on display that bridge the gap between the real home and how it was depicted on the TV show.
The Kids Helped Ralph Get A Fresh Start
Judy Norton, who played the eldest daughter, Mary Ellen Walton, said in an interview that the cast of the children softened their fictional father’s heart in reality and helped him finally battle the inner demons he’d been carrying for years.
“He said, ‘I sat there one day at the kitchen table with all you kids and I felt like such a phony.’ He took himself to AA and got sober,” she revealed.
John Ritter saved Mary McDonough’s life
Mary McDonough played Erin Walton, who was often considered “the pretty one” of the Walton sisters. After a while, the moniker took a toll on Mary. Feeling outside pressure to remain thin, McDonough developed an eating disorder.
At one point, McDonough’s struggles with food got so bad that she developed an ulcer and her hair began to thin. Although she tried to hide it from the cast, John Ritter confronted her about the issue. Ritter insisted that she start a journal and McDonough later said his interference saved her life.