Richard Thomas, best known for his portrayal of John Walton on The Waltons, never intended to follow in the footsteps of his fictional character when it came to family size. However, much like John Walton, he ended up raising a large family, becoming the proud father of seven children: Richard, Brooke, Barbara, Gwyneth, Pilar, Kendra, and Montana.
In a candid interview with PEOPLE in 2021, Thomas reflected on the size of his family with a touch of humor, saying, “It wasn’t planned. I guess seven is my number.” His remark highlights the natural course his family took, without any deliberate plans to mirror his TV character’s life in such a way.
Thomas’ journey to fatherhood began in 1975 when he married Alma Gonzales. The following year, the couple welcomed their first child, Richard Francisco Thomas. Their growing family continued to expand in 1981 when they were blessed with triplets—Barbara Ayalla Thomas, Gwyneth Gonzales Thomas, and Pilar Alma Thomas. The arrival of the triplets made their family even more special, but in 1993, after nearly two decades together, Richard and Alma divorced.
Despite the end of his first marriage, Thomas remained dedicated to his role as a father. In 1994, he remarried Georgiana Bischoff, a woman with two daughters from a previous marriage.Brooke Murphy Thomas and Kendra Kneisel Thomas, the two daughters from Georgiana’s previous marriage, became part of Richard’s family. In addition to his stepdaughters, Richard and Georgiana had a son of their own, Montana James Thomas, further expanding the family dynamic.
Who Is Richard Thomas
Richard Thomas is an American actor best known for his iconic role as John-Boy Walton on the long-running TV series The Waltons, which aired from 1972 to 1981. Born on June 13, 1951, in New York City, Thomas began his acting career at a young age, making appearances in television and film before landing the role that would make him a household name.
The Waltons, set during the Great Depression and World War II, told the story of a close-knit family in rural Virginia. Richard Thomas portrayed John-Boy Walton, the eldest son who dreams of becoming a writer, a role that earned him critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award. His performance on the show endeared him to audiences and solidified his place in television history.
Beyond The Waltons, Richard Thomas has had a diverse career in television, film, and theater. He has appeared in various other TV series, including It (1990), a miniseries based on Stephen King’s novel, and The Americans (2013–2018), where he played the role of Frank Gaad, a CIA officer. He has also worked extensively in theater, performing in Broadway productions such as The Little Foxes and Race.
Richard Thomas Wiki/Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Richard Earl Thomas |
| Date of Birth | June 13, 1951 |
| Age | 73 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Director |
| Years Active | 1958–present |
| Children | Richard Thomas has seven children: Richard, Brooke, Barbara, Gwyneth, Pilar, Kendra, and Montana. |
| Awards | Emmy Award for The Waltons, Golden Globe nominations |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Richard Thomas Early Life
He was born on June 13, 1951, in New York City, New York, to Richard Earl Thomas and Barbara Thomas. He was raised in an artistic family, which likely influenced his eventual career in acting. Richard’s mother was a classical musician, and his father worked in the entertainment industry, which provided an environment rich in artistic influence from an early age.
Raised in New York, Richard pursued his passion for acting by enrolling in the renowned American Academy of Dramatic Arts.His early exposure to the world of theater and performing arts fueled his ambition to become an actor. Richard’s talent was apparent early on, and he landed his first major role at just 7 years old in a Broadway production of “A Far Country.” This early experience in theater set the stage for his long and successful career.
Richard was also a student at The Professional Children’s School in New York City, where he further honed his skills in acting while continuing his education. He began performing in various television commercials and small roles in television shows, marking the beginning of his career in front of the camera.
By the time he was a teenager, Richard had already made his television debut, and his success in The Waltons in the early 1970s catapulted him to fame, marking a significant turning point in his early life and career. The role of John-Boy Walton became iconic and solidified Richard Thomas as a beloved television star.
Richard Thomas Age
Richard Thomas was born on June 13, 1951. He will be 73 years old in 2025.
Richard Thomas Education
Richard Thomas began his academic journey at Harvard University, where he initially pursued higher education. While attending Harvard, he focused on his studies and explored a variety of subjects, but it soon became clear that his true passion was in the arts, particularly acting. As a result, Thomas decided to shift his focus and follow his dream of becoming an actor, which led him to leave Harvard and transfer to the American Academy of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) located in New York City.
At the AADA, Thomas received formal training in acting, which played a pivotal role in shaping his professional career. The Academy’s renowned program allowed him to hone his skills in a more specialized environment, studying the craft of acting in depth. During his time there, he gained valuable experiences and exposure to the world of theater, film, and television, which gave him a solid foundation for his future success. The training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts proved instrumental in helping him develop a versatile acting style and a deep understanding of the artistic world, ultimately launching him into a long and successful career in both television and film.
Richard Thomas Parents And Siblings
Richard Thomas was born to Richard S. Thomas, a former concert singer and voice teacher, and Barbara Thomas, a housewife. His parents’ careers influenced his early exposure to the arts, helping to cultivate his interest in acting and performance from a young age.
Richard Thomas has one sibling, a sister named Barbara Thomas, who has kept a relatively low profile compared to Richard’s public career. Although details about his sister are not widely known, it’s clear that Richard’s upbringing in an artistic family played a significant role in shaping his later career choices.
Richard Thomas Career
Early Career
Richard Thomas began acting as a child, appearing in commercials and small roles in television. His early training and exposure to the arts, particularly through his parents’ background in music and performance, set him on the path to a career in acting. He received formal training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which helped hone his craft.
Breakthrough Role The Waltons
Richard Thomas is best known for his role as John-Boy Walton in the classic television series The Waltons (1972–1981). The show, which focused on a large family living in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II, was a major hit. Richard’s portrayal of the eldest Walton child, who aspired to be a writer, earned him widespread recognition and several award nominations. His role as John-Boy made him a household name and solidified his place in television history.
Post-The Waltons Career
After The Waltons, Richard Thomas continued to have a successful career in both television and film. He appeared in several made-for-TV movies and miniseries, such as:
- Roots: The Next Generations (1979), where he played a significant role in this sequel to the original Roots series.
- It (1990), a TV miniseries based on Stephen King’s novel, where Richard played the adult version of Bill Denbrough, one of the central characters.
- The Christmas Box (1995), a made-for-TV movie where he starred alongside Maureen O’Hara.
Theater and Stage Performances
In addition to his work on television and film, Richard Thomas has had a notable theater career. He took part in Broadway productions, including:
- An Enemy of the People (1971), a production of Henrik Ibsen’s play.
- The Speed of Darkness (1991), for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play.
His work in the theater has earned him critical acclaim and a strong reputation as a versatile actor.
Recent Work
In recent years, Richard Thomas has continued to act, often taking on roles in television series and films. He appeared in shows like:
- The Americans (2013–2018), where he played Frank Gaad, a character in the espionage drama.
- “When We Rise” (2017) is a miniseries that explores the LGBTQ rights movement.
Additionally, he has continued to work on stage productions, including performances in regional theaters.
Directorial Ventures
In addition to acting, Richard Thomas has also explored directing. He directed several episodes of The Waltons and some other projects, showcasing his skills behind the camera as well.
Legacy
Throughout his career, Richard Thomas has maintained a reputation for being a highly respected actor with a wide range. Whether starring in iconic TV series, playing pivotal roles in film, or performing on stage, Richard Thomas has proven his talent and versatility.His role as John-Boy Walton is one of his most cherished and lasting contributions to the entertainment industry.
Richard Thomas Relationship
First Marriage Alma Gonzales
Richard Thomas married Alma Gonzales in 1975. Alma was his first wife, and the couple had a family together. They welcomed their first child, Richard Francisco Thomas, in 1976. Later, in 1981, they had triplets: Barbara Ayalla Thomas, Gwyneth Gonzales Thomas, and Pilar Alma Thomas. However, after nearly two decades together, Richard and Alma divorced in 1993.
Second Marriage Georgiana Bischoff
After his divorce from Alma Gonzales, Richard Thomas found love again with Georgiana Bischoff, a woman he married in 1994. Georgiana brought two daughters into the marriage from a previous relationship: Brooke Murphy Thomas and Kendra Kneisel Thomas. Together, Richard and Georgiana have one son, Montana James Thomas.
Richard and Georgiana’s relationship has remained strong, and they have built a large and blended family together. Thomas has spoken publicly about his love for his wife and children and the joy they bring to his life.
Family Life
Richard Thomas is known to be a family-oriented individual. He has seven children in total: Richard, Brooke, Barbara, Gwyneth, Pilar, Kendra, and Montana. His family life has remained relatively private, but it’s clear that his relationships with his children are very important to him.
Richard Thomas Height And Weight
Richard Thomas’ height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). However, his weight is not widely reported, as it is not typically part of his public profile.
Richard Thomas Net Worth
As of 2025, Richard Thomas has an estimated net worth of around $6 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful career in acting, which spans television, film, and stage performances. Thomas is best known for his role as John-Boy Walton on the iconic TV series The Waltons, which played a significant part in establishing his career and fame. Over the years, he has continued to act in various TV shows, films, and theater productions, further contributing to his financial success.
In addition to his acting career, Thomas has been involved in various other projects that have contributed to his wealth. While he is not as publicly active with commercial ventures, his consistent work in the entertainment industry has helped maintain his net worth over the years.
FAQs About Richard Thomas
Q: Who is Richard Thomas?
A: Richard Thomas is an American actor best known for portraying John-Boy Walton on the iconic TV series The Waltons. He has enjoyed a prosperous career across television, film, and theater.
Q: How many children does Richard Thomas have?
A: Richard Thomas has seven children: Richard, Brooke, Barbara, Gwyneth, Pilar, Kendra, and Montana.
Q: Who were Richard Thomas’ first and second wives?
A: Richard Thomas was first married to Alma Gonzales in 1975, with whom he had four children. After their divorce in 1993, he married Georgiana Bischoff in 1994, and they have three children together.
Q: What is Richard Thomas’ net worth?
A: As of 2025, Richard Thomas has an estimated net worth of $6 million, largely from his long and successful acting career.
Q: What is Richard Thomas’ age?
A: Richard Thomas was born on June 13, 1951, which makes him 73 years old as of 2025.
Conclusion
Richard Thomas has had a remarkable career, with his portrayal of John-Boy Walton in The Waltons remaining a defining moment in television history. Despite his fame, Thomas has led a fulfilling and relatively private family life, raising seven children with two wives over the years. His commitment to acting, both on-screen and on stage, has kept him active in the entertainment industry, contributing to his impressive net worth of $6 million. Through his diverse career and strong family values, Richard Thomas continues to be a respected figure in the world of acting.
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