Ellen Corby and Will Geer, the beloved and talented actors who portrayed grandma and grandpa Walton on the iconic TV series “The Waltons,” captured the hearts of audiences with their on-screen chemistry. What many people might not have known is that they both led fascinating lives outside of the show.

While Ellen Corby was married to Frank Corby from 1934 to 1944, she had a deeply emotional connection with her mother. When her mother passed away, Corby felt a significant loss, saying, “A great deal of me disappeared with her. She was a large part of my life, much more than my husband ever was.”

Will Geer, on the other hand, had a male lover while working on the show. However, after his relationship with Harry Hay ended, he decided to marry actress and activist Herta Ware. Together, they had three children. Geer’s honesty about his sexuality with his wife is worth noting, as it demonstrates the complexities of his personal life.

Both Corby and Geer were instrumental in bringing joy and love to millions of viewers through their roles as grandma and grandpa Walton. In an interview, Corby expressed her deep affection for the child actors on the show, saying, “These children on the show are like my own grandkids, and I am the grandma around here.”

The cast of “The Waltons” was known for their close-knit relationships, and both Corby and Geer played a significant role in fostering this family-like atmosphere. Geer, in particular, was remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his love for gardening.

It’s incredible to think that the heartwarming TV series we all know and love had such wonderful actors who brought their own unique experiences and stories to their roles as grandma and grandpa. The legacy of Ellen Corby and Will Geer lives on, reminding us of the beautiful connections that can be formed through television and the power of love and family.