Barbara Walters Connection to The Waltons

[flossieskid]

Barbara Walters recent passing at age 93 is definitely noteworthy for many reasons. As the first woman on The Today Show, to being the first co-anchor on any night time news show, to her many TV specials and creating daytime’s first all female hosts on the talk show “The View”, are just a few of her myriad accomplishments in her life.

But did you know that the production of TV series like “The Waltons and others led to 2 of her 4 divorces? She was married to the CEO of Lorimar Productions, Merv Adelson. Many may remember that “Lorimar” was named for his first wife “Lori” and the wife of Merv’s partner, Lee Rich, whose name was “Mary”.

It had been known in the entertainment industry that Merv HAD to be in L.A. to run Lorimar and oversee successful TV programs like “The Waltons” “Dallas” and “Knots Landing” to name a few. Barbara’s career was in New York. Both Merv and Barbara tried the bi-costal marriage, but they couldn’t sustain it and divorced after 2 years. But their love was strong and they married for a 2nd time
a few years later.

Sadly, their jobs and lives were in different parts of the country and neither wanted to leave their home base. Both were stubborn and wouldn’t move, so her second divorce from Adelson was the unfortunate result.

So, in a way, “The Waltons” can be named as “part” of the reasons Barbara and Merv suffered through 2 divorces!! But, Barbara had no ill will toward her ex husband and, many years after their second divorce, Barbara said Merv was a kind, caring man with great humor who remained a dear friend after their 2nd divorce. He died in 2015.

Flossie, Cora Beth and the Baldwin sisters would be shocked by that news, but I don’t think it would stop their gossip mill! Hopefully, Grandma Walton would put a stop to it with her disapproving stare. and cryptic tone, probably telling them to just “Zip it”!!

[Easton]

That is not the kind of information one can usually find just by picking up a book or opening a webpage.

So, what did Barbara think of Gilda Radner's SNL version of 'Baba Wawa'? See for yourself, and enjoy a guest appearance from yet another incredible 'lady of the screen':

[patriciaanne]

Gilda Radner was such a comedic gift. Taken way too soon. 😟