The Waltons is beloved as a heartwarming family TV show, but behind the scenes, things weren’t always as wholesome as they appeared on screen. While the show presented a picture of idyllic family life, some of its stars had their own playful and occasionally cheeky moments. Cast members Michael Learned, Eric Scott, and Richard Thomas, along with others, have shared stories that reveal a different side to the beloved series, particularly involving the mischievous Will Geer.
The Waltons cast members: Michael Learned, Richard Thomas, Ralph Waite, Jon Walmsley, Ellen Corby, Will Geer, Kami Cotler, David W. Harper, Judy Norton Taylor, Eric Scott, and Elizabeth McDonough
These anecdotes came to light during a Waltons reunion on Stars in the House, a show dedicated to raising funds for The Actors Fund. This organization supports entertainment industry workers facing hardship, especially during challenging times. It seems the cast’s recollections of on-set nudity, albeit of a playful nature, were certainly memorable enough to share and perhaps even encourage viewers to donate to a good cause.
Will Geer’s Mooning Pranks: Michael Learned’s Unexpected Encounters
Will Geer, who played Grandpa Walton, is fondly remembered by the cast. They describe him as someone who stood against injustice, cultivated the show’s iconic garden, and readily made friends. However, Geer also had a penchant for playful pranks, including mooning his co-stars.
Michael Learned, who played Olivia Walton, vividly recalled these moments with a humorous tone. “I saw more of his behind than I ever intended to,” Learned confessed. She recounted how Geer, often in collaboration with Ralph Waite (John Walton Sr.), would engage in these pranks. Importantly, Learned clarified that this behavior was always kept away from the child actors on set, ensuring a professional environment for them. However, for the adult cast, it led to some amusing, if startling, moments, with Learned humorously describing her reactions as “screaming into the night.”
Will Geer: A Nudist at Heart?
Eric Scott, portraying Ben Walton, added to the picture of Will Geer’s free-spirited nature by suggesting he might have been a nudist in his personal life. Scott shared anecdotes about the challenges of getting Geer dressed in his Waltons costume.
According to Scott, Geer seemed most comfortable in minimal clothing. “I don’t think that Will wore much clothes off of the set,” Scott observed. He illustrated this with a detail about Geer’s costume: “When you saw him putting on his overalls and he had no shirt underneath and he had one strap on, that’s as good as he got that day. That was Will.” This paints a picture of Geer as someone who embraced comfort and perhaps a more natural approach to clothing, even within the context of a network television show.
The Improvisational Will Geer: A Challenge and Delight
Beyond his playful nudist tendencies, Will Geer was also known for his improvisational style, which both challenged and charmed his fellow actors.
Eric Scott highlighted Geer’s unpredictable dialogue: “Will never said the same thing twice ever,” Scott explained. This improvisational approach meant co-stars had to be constantly alert. “So you never knew when to start talking, but if you waited for him to stop talking, you would never get a word in. You would have to eventually just butt yourself in and just start saying your lines because that was Will.” This spontaneity, while demanding, undoubtedly contributed to the lively and authentic feel of The Waltons.
Richard Thomas, who played John-Boy Walton, also experienced Geer’s scene-stealing charisma firsthand. He recounted the early table read scenes where actors had to choose their spots. Thomas, in his youthful naiveté, positioned himself between Kami Cotler (Elizabeth Walton) and Will Geer. Reflecting on this, Thomas joked about the challenge, comparing it to “working with alligators,” emphasizing Geer’s powerful presence and the comedic struggle to share screen time with such a dynamic personality.
These behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal a more nuanced picture of The Waltons. While the show projected a wholesome image, the actors, including Michael Learned, experienced a set life filled with humor, camaraderie, and the occasional unexpected mooning prank, thanks to the unforgettable Will Geer.
