Ralph Waite

Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 – February 13, 2014) was an American actor known for his lead role as John Walton Sr. on The Waltons (1972–1981), which he occasionally directed. He also had recurring roles as Jackson Gibbs in NCIS and as Seeley Booth's grandfather in Bones. In addition to his television work, Waite appeared in supporting roles in films such as Cool Hand Luke (1967), Five Easy Pieces (1970), The Grissom Gang (1971), The Bodyguard (1992), and Cliffhanger (1993). Born in White Plains, New York, Waite served in the U.S. Marine Corps before graduating from Bucknell University and earning a master's degree from Yale University's Divinity School.