Whatever Happened to ‘Waltons’ Star Jon Walmsley?
What To Know
- Jon Walmsley, best known as Jason Walton on The Waltons, transitioned from acting to a successful career in music after the series ended.
- He has worked as a professional musician, collaborating with renowned artists and contributing to various television series, while maintaining ties to The Waltons through reunions and fan events.
- Now living in Cornwall, England, Walmsley enjoys a quieter, creative life focused on music, far removed from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Jon Walmsley turns 70 on February 6, 2026, and for millions of viewers, he will always be Jason Walton, the music-loving middle son on The Waltons. From 1972 to 1981, Walmsley grew up on television as part of one of the most comforting and beloved families in TV history.
Unlike some former child stars, Walmsley never disappeared, but he also never chased celebrity status. Instead, he quietly built a respected career in another field he loved even more than acting: music. Today, he lives in England, still writing, performing, and enjoying a creative life far removed from Hollywood.
How did Jon Walmsley begin his career?
Walmsley was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, in 1956. His family moved to California when he was two years old, and he grew up there as an only child. From a young age, he showed an unusual gift for music and learned to play multiple instruments, including piano, guitar, banjo, harmonica, flute and cello.
He began acting as a child in the 1960s, appearing on shows like My Three Sons, Daniel Boone and Adam-12. He also provided the voice of Christopher Robin in Disney’s Winnie the Pooh animated features, including the classic short Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.
What is Jon Walmsley known for?
Everett Collection
Walmsley joined The Waltons at age 16 and remained with the series for its entire nine-season run. Jason Walton grew from a shy teenager into a confident young man, and Walmsley’s real-life musical talent became an important part of the character. When the original series ended in 1981, Walmsley returned for all of the Waltons reunion movies made throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He has always spoken fondly of the cast and the experience, and he remained close to many of his television siblings.
After The Waltons, Walmsley gradually stepped away from acting and focused on his true passion of music. Over the years, he became a professional guitarist, vocalist, composer and producer. He worked with an impressive range of well-known artists, including The Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald, Gregg Allman, Merle Haggard, Denny Laine, Spencer Davis, Roger Daltrey and members of The Beach Boys.
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images
In the late ’80s, he toured with Richard Marx as part of Marx’s band and appeared in the music videos for “Should’ve Known Better” and “Too Late to Say Goodbye.” Walmsley also contributed music to television series such as 7th Heaven and 8 Simple Rules.
Walmsley’s personal life has its own connection to Walton’s Mountain. He married actress Lisa Harrison, who had played Jason Walton’s girlfriend Toni Hazelton on the series. The couple had a daughter, Brighton, before later divorcing. In 2008, Walmsley married his current wife, Marion. Not long after, he made a major life change and moved back to England.
Where is Jon Walmsley now?
He now lives in Cornwall, far from the Los Angeles entertainment scene. These days, his focus is on performing, recording, and enjoying a more peaceful, private life. He still takes part in occasional Waltons reunions and fan events, but he seems happiest out of the spotlight.
Where to Watch The Waltons
Fans who want to revisit the series can find The Waltons streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock and Freevee. Episodes are also available for digital purchase through Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu.
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