Though Ralph Waite was probably best known for his role as ultimate father figure John Walton in TV’s The Waltons, fans of Bones and NCIS like me will also remember him fondly for his roles as Seeley Booth’s grandfather, Hank Booth, and Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ dad, Jackson Gibbs. In addition to being truly saddened by the news, I am also embarrassed as well to discover that he died almost a week ago, on Thursday, February 13, 2014. I completely missed what was reported about it on television and on the blogs I follow. I only know about it now because I stumbled upon the NCIS “Ralph Waite Tribute” marathon the USA Network is airing as I write this.
Here’s just a little of what I found with a few quick searches…
‘Waltons’ actor Ralph Waite dies at age 85 – CNN.com
Ralph Waite: ‘NCIS,’ ‘Bones’ casts honor late actor | Inside TV | EW.com
Ralph Waite was one of my all-time favorite actors. He will be missed…
I want ice water.
More from the TV & Movie Classics volume
I Want Ice Water! 
Reblogged this on SherayxWeblog.
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Bummer… I missed it, too. Also one of my faves.
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Although I now know it was reported, I’m still surprised at how little coverage there was for such a great actor. Sad. Very sad…
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If it makes you feel any better, I only saw one mention of it. I thought at the time the coverage was pretty pathetic for someone so well known and loved.
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It certainly does make me feel better PT, to know I’m not alone in feeling that way…
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The Walton’s was such a part of my childhood, but I loved Ralph as Jethro’s Dad. Heck I just love NCIS.
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NCIS is just about my favorite show Jo. That tribute marathon included several other former cast members I miss as well…
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I miss Ziva…I soooooo wanted her and Tony to get it on.
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Oh, absolutely! 😀
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Just watched NCIS with what is probably Ralph’s last episode. Cried like a baby.
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I hear ya Jo. Once I realized I was watching a “tribute” marathon, it was almost too painful to watch the rest!
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R.I.P., Mr. Waite. In addition to The Waltons, he had roles in Cool Hand Luke, Five Easy Pieces, The Bodyguard and many others.
Nowhere is his versatility more evident than in his own feature film, On the Nickel, which I was lucky enough to find on Amazon. In it, he plays a street person struggling with alcoholism. Remarkable performance. (With songs by Tom Waite!) Here’s the trailer:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qFmDZjjkgzg
Ralph will be missed.
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