From the 1969 film Last Summer
Thomas is best known for his leading role as writer John-Boy Walton in
the CBS family drama The Waltons (1972-1981). During his career, he
won an Emmy Award, and received nominations for another Emmy Award
and two Golden Globe Awards. He began his television career in 1959 in
a version of A Doll’s House before moving on to appear in some soap
operas. He made his Broadway debut at age seven with the assistance
of his parents, who were both ballet dancers.