Richard Thomas, aka John-Boy from The Waltons, Is a Proud Father of 7, Including Rarely-Seen Triplet Daughters
Richard Thomas, best known for playing John-Boy Walton in the beloved television series The Waltons, has lived much of his life in the spotlight. However, when it comes to his personal life, particularly his role as a father, he has maintained a level of privacy that has left many fans curious. The actor is a devoted dad to seven children, including a set of triplet daughters, who have rarely been seen in the public eye.
Thomas first became a father with his first wife, Alma Gonzales, whom he married in 1975. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Richard Francisco, in 1976. However, their family grew unexpectedly in 1981 when Alma gave birth to triplet daughters—Barbara Ayala, Pilar Alma, and Gweneth Gonzales. The birth of triplets was a surprise and brought immense joy, but it also came with challenges, as raising three infants at once is no small feat.
Thomas has often spoken about how being a father changed his life. Despite his demanding acting career, he always prioritized his family. However, in 1993, his marriage to Alma ended in divorce. While the split was difficult, Thomas eventually found love again with his second wife, Georgiana Bischoff.
Their marriage in 1994 brought not only a new chapter for Thomas but also an even larger family. Bischoff had two daughters from previous relationships, making him a stepfather as well. Together, they later welcomed their own son, Montana, completing their blended family of seven children.
Though Thomas is a public figure, he has kept his children out of the spotlight for the most part. Unlike their father, none of them have pursued a career in Hollywood, and they have rarely been seen at events or in media appearances. However, on the few occasions that they have been spotted, fans have marveled at the resemblance they share with their famous father.
One of the rare glimpses of his triplet daughters came when they were younger, photographed alongside Thomas in a few family moments. Now adults, they have remained largely private, living their lives away from the fame that followed their father.
Despite the low profile of his children, Thomas has always expressed his deep love and pride for them. He has spoken in interviews about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of family and the values he holds dear—many of which were reflected in his role as John-Boy on The Waltons.
At 72 years old, Richard Thomas continues to act, appearing in television, film, and stage productions. While his professional career has been long and successful, his greatest achievement seems to be his role as a loving husband and father. Even though his children rarely make public appearances, it’s clear that family remains the most important part of his life.
