RICHARD THOMAS, who plays John-Boy Walton, the eldest of the Walton children, is repeating the role he created in The Homecoming upon which this top CBS series is based. Born in New York City he attended the Allen-Stevenson School and McBurnly High School and spent two and a half years at Columbia University majoring in Chinese. He made his television debut at age 7, been featured in such series as Medical Center, Marcus Welby M.D. He also appeared in movies, Red Sky at Morning and The Last Summer.

RALPH WAITE, John Walton, is an ordained minister who traded the pulpit for the stage after serving for several years as minister in two New York churches ans as an editor for religious books. At the age of 32, he was taken to an acting class by a friend, got so hooked he decided acting was his real life's calling. After spending 8 years as a virtual unknown in New York, he won a role in B'way's Hogan's Goat, and his career was launched. Now a vet of several films. Ralph is divorced has 2 daughters Kathleen and Suzanne.

MICHAEL LEARNED, who plays Mrs. Walton, is the daughter of a diplomat who was born in Washington D.C. on April 9 and schooled in England and Austria. The oldest of 6 sisters, she once had a fine career as a Shakespearean actress and appeared on many shows for Canada's CBC. At the age of 16, she met actor Peter Donat, married him at 17 and became the mother of his three sons, Caleb, Christopher, and Lucas. Career pressures caused their divorce.

ELLEN CORBY, who plays the grandmother, was born in racine, Wis., but grew up in Philiadelphia, Pa. She began her career as a chorus girl, was nominated for a Oscar 16 years later for her portayal of Aunt Trina in I Remember Mama. Since then she's never been out of work. Real Name: Ellen Hanson.

WILL GEER, who plays Grandpa, was born March 9, 1902 in Frankfort, Ind., attended Columbia U., found success on B'way and in H'wood. Once divorced, Will has 4 kids.