ARTICLE: ‘One Life to Live’ Alum Replaces Ben Lawson in ‘A Waltons Thanksgiving’

[Errol]

When “The Waltons’ Homecoming” premiered last fall, not only was it The CW’s first ever made-for-TV movie, but it also marked the network’s most watched night since April 14, 2021 with 969,000 viewers and a 0.12 rating in Adults 18-49, reported ShowBuzzDaily at the time. Nearly a year later, the follow-up movie, “A Waltons Thanksgiving,” will premiere but will have a significant change to its cast.

Teddy Sears (“One Life to Live”) is replacing actor Ben Lawson (“Firefly Lane”) in the role of John Walton Sr., the father of John Boy, played by Logan Shroyer. No official reason for the actor switch was given, but we suspect it was due to Lawson’s commitment to the Netflix series “Firefly Lane,” which was picked up for a second season by the streamer three months after season one concluded in 2021. 

In an April post on his Instagram page, Lawson shared a quick video of his time in hair and makeup as he prepared for his role as Johnny Ryan in the Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke friendship series. Season two is expected to premiere in two parts for a total of 16 episodes, beginning Friday, December 2 with the release of the first nine episodes. The final seven episodes will drop on the streamer in 2023. There will not be a third season for the series.

The Family (“A Waltons’ Homecoming”)
Photo by Tom Griscom/The CW

The Family (“A Waltons Thanksgiving”)
Photo by Tom Griscom/The CW

During his “One Life to Live” run, Sears portrayed Chad Bennett, a bartender who had a love affair with Emily MacIver (Amber Ryan). Following his exit from the series in 2002, Sears would later have significant roles in such shows as “Raising the Bar,” “The Defenders,” “Torchwood,” “American Horror Story,” “Masters of Sex,” “The Flash,” and more recently, “Chicago Fire.”

“A Waltons Thanksgiving” reunites the Walton family as they prepare for Thanksgiving in 1934. The Depression has affected everyone, but John Walton (Sears) has found a way to provide for his family through the farm and by picking up odd jobs from the eccentric Baldwin Sisters. It’s also the time of year for the Annual Harvest Festival Fair, where carnival rides, talent shows and pie contests become the center of attention for the Waltons. 

As the story unfolds, John Boy (Shroyer) learns the true meaning of taking responsibility, Mary Ellen (Marcelle LeBlanc) comes to understand patience and collaboration, Grandma (Rebecca Koon) finds that winning can be complicated, and Olivia (Bellamy Young) shares her healing heart with every other Walton family member — at a time when each of them needs it most. And when a young boy enters the Waltons’ world, everyone’s life is changed in ways they could never have imagined — transformed forever through love, faith and kindness!

The movie also stars Christian Finlayson as Jason, Tatum Matthews as Erin, Samuel Goergen as Jim Bob, Callaway Corrick as Elizabeth and Alpha Trivette as Grandpa Walton. Notable guest stars include Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Meanwhile, Richard Thomas, who originally starred as an adult version of John Boy Walton in the beloved television series “The Waltons,” continues as the movie’s narrator.

Note: The post ‘One Life to Live’ Alum Replaces Ben Lawson in ‘A Waltons Thanksgiving’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website.
 

 

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[janea4old]

I remember that Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr were in the 2021 Waltons movie, filming in a southern state.  Also they were narrating part of Questlove's Summer of Soul documentary. And they also were promoting their new album of Beatles covers.  They were very busy! Some of the reasons why Marilyn wasn't available for some of the Price family storylines on DAYS.

Edited October 8, 2022 by janea4old