Remember John-Boy Walton from the classic TV series The Waltons? If you’re wondering what is Richard Thomas doing now, you’re in for a treat. Richard Thomas, the Emmy Award-winning actor who brought that beloved character to life, is far from retired. At 72 years old, he’s busier than ever, touring the country and preparing for his next big Broadway project.
Many fans of the iconic 1970s drama series still remember him fondly and frequently ask, “what is Richard Thomas doing now?” The good news? This talented actor shows no signs of slowing down, and his current projects prove he’s at the top of his game.
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Richard Thomas Current Projects in 2025
Mark Twain Tonight! National Tour
Richard Thomas is currently starring in Mark Twain Tonight!, the legendary one-man show originally created and performed by Hal Holbrook. Thomas is the first and only actor authorized to perform this show since the original, which is a tremendous honor in the theater world.
The tour kicked off in October 2025 and continues through February 2026, with performances scheduled across the United States. Thomas brings Mark Twain’s humor and wisdom to life in cities including:
- Detroit, Michigan
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Denver, Colorado
- San Diego, California
- New Orleans, Louisiana
This demanding role showcases Thomas’s incredible range as a stage actor. Playing Mark Twain requires him to embody one of America’s most beloved literary figures, delivering sharp wit and social commentary that feels surprisingly relevant today.
Upcoming Broadway Return: The Balusters
After his current tour wraps up, Richard Thomas will return to Broadway in Spring 2026 for The Balusters, a new play by David Lindsay-Abaire. The production will be directed by Kenny Leon, adding another prestigious credit to Thomas’s already impressive Broadway resume.
This upcoming role demonstrates that Thomas continues to challenge himself with new material and fresh characters, even after six decades in the entertainment industry.
Richard Thomas Age and Net Worth
Richard Thomas was born on June 13, 1951, making him 72 years old as of 2025. Despite being well into his seventies, he maintains the energy and enthusiasm of someone half his age.
While Thomas keeps his financial details private, industry estimates place his net worth between $6-8 million. This wealth comes from his extensive career spanning television, film, and theater, including:
- Nine seasons on The Waltons (1972-1981)
- Numerous Broadway productions
- Television appearances in hit shows like Ozark, The Americans, and Billions
- National theater tours
- Film roles in movies like Wonder Boys and Taking Woodstock
His continued work in theater touring and Broadway shows that he’s working because he loves acting, not because he needs to financially.
From John-Boy to Atticus Finch: Career Evolution
The Waltons Legacy
Richard Thomas became a household name playing John-Boy Walton, the eldest son in the Walton family. The CBS television series debuted in 1972 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show’s famous ending, where family members said “Good night, John-Boy” to each other, became part of American pop culture.
Even today, Thomas says people call out “Good night, John-Boy” to him multiple times a day. At curtain call for his theater performances, audiences often shout the famous phrase. Rather than being frustrated by this connection to his past, Thomas considers it “a wonderful blessing.”
He won an Emmy Award in 1973 for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of John-Boy. This recognition launched what would become a remarkable six-decade career.
Life After The Waltons
Thomas left The Waltons in 1978, before the series ended, because he wanted to grow as an actor. It wasn’t an easy transition. As he told the Sunday Press, leaving meant giving up the security of working five days a week, nine months a year, with a steady paycheck.
“Suddenly, it was all gone,” Thomas admitted. But he quickly realized that uncertainty is normal for actors. “We are not creatures of habit,” he explained. “Or at least, we should not be.”
This bold move paid off. Thomas proved he could succeed beyond his famous role, taking on challenging parts in theater, television, and film.
To Kill a Mockingbird Success
From 2022 to 2024, Richard Thomas toured for three years as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. This role seemed perfect for him – Atticus Finch shares many qualities with John-Boy Walton, including integrity, empathy, and a strong moral compass.
Thomas loved Sorkin’s adaptation because it updated the story for modern audiences while preserving Harper Lee’s essential message about social justice. The playwright gave Black characters more voice and agency, and presented Atticus as more flawed and human than in the original novel.
“It’s very satisfying to do,” Thomas said in an interview with Seniors Guide. He particularly enjoyed the humor Sorkin added to the script, calling it “the most delicious part of it all.”
Recent Work and Accomplishments
Netflix’s Ozark
Contemporary audiences recognize Richard Thomas from his role in Netflix’s hit drama Ozark. He played various characters across the series, showcasing his versatility as an actor. This role introduced him to younger viewers who never watched The Waltons.
Broadway Career Highlights
Thomas has appeared in more than a dozen Broadway productions throughout his career, including:
- Sunrise at Campobello (his debut at age 7 in 1958)
- The Little Foxes (Tony Award nomination in 2017)
- The Great Society
- You Can’t Take It with You
- An Enemy of the People
- Race
- Democracy
- Our Town (most recently in 2024)
His 2017 Tony nomination for The Little Foxes proved that even after decades in the business, Thomas continues to deliver award-worthy performances.
Television Appearances
Beyond The Waltons and Ozark, Richard Thomas has maintained a steady television career with roles in:
- The Americans (critically acclaimed spy drama)
- Billions (Showtime’s financial drama)
- It (1990 miniseries based on Stephen King’s novel, where he played Bill Denbrough)
Personal Life and Family
Richard Thomas has five daughters, two sons, and four grandchildren. He’s been married to his wife Georgiana Bischoff since 1994. Family remains incredibly important to him, which makes sense given his most famous role centered on family values.
Thomas grew up in the world of theater. His parents were ballet dancers who performed with prestigious companies including Balanchine’s. He was literally a “backstage baby,” raised in the wings while his parents danced.
Interestingly, Spanish was Richard Thomas’s first language because his parents lived in Havana, Cuba, dancing with Alicia Alonzo’s ballet company when he was born.
Health and Advocacy
In his thirties, Thomas was diagnosed with cochlear otosclerosis, a bone disorder affecting the middle ear. He lost 50% of his hearing and now wears hearing aids. Rather than hiding this condition, he became a strong advocate for hearing health and serves as national chairman of the Better Hearing Institute.
Thomas also practices Zen meditation, which he started about twelve years ago. Despite majoring in Chinese at Columbia College in the 1970s, he came to meditation later in life.
Why Richard Thomas Won’t Retire
When asked about retirement, Thomas is clear: “I don’t see it in my future, I really don’t.”
He admits that touring has become more challenging as he’s gotten older. The role of Mark Twain is physically and emotionally demanding. “When you’re doing a part this size in a play this long, you really spend the day just conserving yourself for the evening,” he explained.
But the love of acting outweighs the challenges. “We love what we do too much,” Thomas said about himself and fellow actors.
After Mark Twain Tonight!, Thomas has mentioned wanting to tackle some big Shakespearean roles. At his age, he’s now perfect for character parts and older roles in the Bard’s plays.
Richard Thomas Then and Now
1972 (Age 21): Fresh-faced John-Boy Walton debuts on CBS, becoming America’s favorite television son
1973 (Age 22): Wins Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor
1978 (Age 27): Leaves The Waltons to pursue other acting opportunities
1990 (Age 39): Stars in Stephen King’s It miniseries
2017 (Age 66): Receives Tony Award nomination for The Little Foxes
2022-2024 (Ages 71-73): Tours as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird
2024 (Age 73): Performs in Broadway’s Our Town
2025 (Age 72): Currently touring in Mark Twain Tonight!; inducted into Theater Hall of Fame
- 2026 (Age 74): Set to return to Broadway in The Balusters
What Makes Richard Thomas Special
Unlike some actors who sully their wholesome image with off-screen scandals, Richard Thomas has maintained his integrity throughout his career. The qualities that made John-Boy Walton appealing – intelligence, empathy, kindness, and hard work – seem to reflect Thomas’s real personality.
Thomas stays connected with his Waltons co-stars. “We’re always in touch,” he says. “It’s like a family.” This loyalty and genuine affection for his roots endears him to longtime fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richard Thomas still acting?
Yes, absolutely. Richard Thomas is currently touring in Mark Twain Tonight! and will return to Broadway in Spring 2026 for The Balusters.
How old is Richard Thomas now?
Richard Thomas is 72 years old. He was born on June 13, 1951.
What is Richard Thomas doing in 2025?
In 2025, Thomas is performing in the national tour of Mark Twain Tonight!, traveling to cities across America through February 2026.
Did Richard Thomas retire?
No, Richard Thomas has not retired and says he has no plans to retire. He continues to take on challenging theater roles and remains passionate about acting.
Is Richard Thomas married?
Yes, Richard Thomas has been married to Georgiana Bischoff since 1994. He has seven children and four grandchildren.
What was Richard Thomas’s most recent Broadway show?
Thomas most recently appeared in Broadway’s Our Town in 2024. Before that, he toured for three years in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Does Richard Thomas still get recognized as John-Boy?
Yes, constantly. Thomas says people call out “Good night, John-Boy” to him multiple times daily, and he considers it a blessing rather than a burden.
The Bottom Line
So, what is Richard Thomas doing now? He’s living proof that age is just a number. At 72, this Emmy Award winner continues to captivate audiences on stage, tour the country, and prepare for his next Broadway role.
From John-Boy Walton to Atticus Finch to Mark Twain, Richard Thomas has embodied some of America’s most beloved characters. His dedication to his craft, his gratitude for his legacy, and his refusal to rest on past accomplishments make him an inspiration for actors of any age.
If you want to see Richard Thomas perform live, check the Mark Twain Tonight! tour schedule for dates in your area. Watching this master actor bring American literary genius to life is an experience you won’t forget.
After more than six decades in entertainment, Richard Thomas proves that the show must go on – and when you love what you do, why would you ever stop?
