Richard Thomas, a veteran actor with a career spanning over six decades, is a man who has seen it all. From his early days in the theater to his iconic role as John-Boy Walton in 'The Waltons', Thomas has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. In this interview, he discusses his latest project, 'The Balusters', a play that explores the complexities of a small community with big feelings. Thomas plays Elliot Emerson, a nominally upstanding guardian of a local neighborhood, who finds himself at odds with the new ideas and tactics that threaten his long-established way of doing things.
Thomas is quick to point out that Elliot is not a typical antagonist. Despite his stubbornness and resistance to change, he is a flawed yet admirable character. Elliot is on his way to his death, and his rage and grief over his impending mortality humanize him. Thomas believes that Lindsay-Abaire has given Elliot his humanity by allowing him to express his remorse and regret.
The play raises important questions about who gets to make decisions about what changes and what stays the same. Thomas argues that everyone in the play has a valid point of view, and that progress is unavoidable. However, he also acknowledges that those in power will always struggle to maintain their control, and that eventually, they will go down too.
Thomas reflects on his long and illustrious career, from his early days in the theater to his iconic role in 'The Waltons'. He credits his success to hard work and a willingness to take on challenging roles. Despite the challenges he has faced, Thomas remains grateful for the opportunities he has had and the impact he has had on audiences around the world.
In addition to his work in theater and television, Thomas also discusses his love for the horror anthology series 'Night Gallery'. He reflects on his favorite episode, 'Sins of the Fathers', and his collaboration with the late Geri Page. Thomas believes that 'Night Gallery' was a product of its time, and that it represented the maximalist melodramatic acting style that is no longer seen.
Overall, Richard Thomas is a man who has dedicated his life to the art of acting. His passion for the craft and his commitment to his craft have made him one of the most respected and beloved actors of his generation. From his early days in the theater to his iconic role in 'The Waltons', Thomas has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and his work in 'The Balusters' is sure to be no exception.
