Such fascinating stories, like Hal finding inspiration for the Private Benjamin character from his observations of Ft. Hayes as a kid and then doing his comedic genius in the audition with Goldie Hawn. My goodness, I laughed so hard. I can't think of another actor who would have delivered a more perfect performance. Deserving of an Oscar nomination. Thank you both for making my day with another outstanding conversation.
I loved him as Harley, and enjoyed him in so many other shows. Him on 227, was awesome. Thank you for having him on, and a BIG thank you to Mr. Williams for the many years of wonderful entertainment that he has given me, and countless others!
A absolute blast lol we enjoyed this 2 part Hal Williams sit down. Great questions and lol always learning. Ty ⚘Judy for all you do. Cheers🥂 to health, happiness & family.✌
Hal certainly has a legacy in acting that needs to be remembered. Mr. Hal if you see this comment, thank you for coming on Judy’s UA-cam channel and sharing with us. Your memory and memories are outstanding. Mary
Always Good to see Hal. I bet he's something special in person. seems like a fun guy to be around. Looking forward to your next segment. God Bless and take care Judy. ♥
So good to see and hear from Harley. We were all fortunate that you took a chance on act because you brought a lot to the table. I loved you in "Private Benjamin' and Ellen Brennan as well. I wish that I would have taken a chance as a young man on theatre but my parents figured that I would starve, so I went to law school. But thinking back on it, I would give up anything that I gained from being an attorney for the chance to have worked with any member or guest star or recurring cast member of the Waltons ori in some of Hal and Judy's other work. BTW Hal your white hair really makes you look distinguished, You should be speaking at the DNC and not at home watching on TV. LOL Judy, you always look great and have been since you were fourteen playing baseball and beating up on poor G.W..
Just one correction: it wasn’t Eileen Heckart who co-starred in ‘Private Benjamin.’ It was Eileen Brennan who played Cpt. Lewis. She would later make guest appearances on ‘Will & Grace’ as Zandra, Jack’s agitated acting teacher. Heckart is remembered for her role as Flo Meredith on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and a reprise of that character on ‘Lou Grant,’ a guest appearance on ‘Alice’ playing Alice’s mother-in-law and in the movie ‘The First Wives Club.’
@@willnoiles2001 Thank you Will. Correction made. I was thinking about Eileen Heckart because i had read something about her passing some time before in one of the celebrity death notices on You Tube. I had watched Butterflies are Free, wonderful early movie also starring Goldie Hawn and wondered whatever happened to Eileen Heckart and discovered that she had died in 2001 and I must have been thinking of her
Great to see more of your interview with Hal Williams and glad to see he is still alive and acting, great to hear what he is doing today and as always I really enjoy your videos and remembering the Walton's and your interviews with former cast members and others thank you Judy. 🇺🇲📺🇺🇲
So great to see Mr. Williams again. I can just picture him in San Pedro playing his part and enjoying life while he was doing "Private Banjamin." He just makes me smile. His insights and shared stories are a deight.Thank you, Judy, for sharing this great man with us. His story about working on Ralph Waite's "On the Nickel" was just astounding. That's what I call dedication to craft. Amazing. Thank you again, Judy. Great interview/conversation.
judy ralph is truly amazing for 101 years he is very informative a walking encyclopedia remembers every detail of productions he has worked on what a memory he has I just love listening to all these chats you have with ralph and John long may they continue
The falling leaves 🍂 drift by the window 🍂 the autumn leaves 🍁 of red and gold. Great interview Judy and interesting guest. The hostess with the mostest. Judy it still is very much summer. My family and I are going out for a camping 🏕️ weekend today and the local mountains ⛰️ are an amazing spot for summer fun. Judy ❤ best wishes always, sincerely, Bill. 1955 Nat King Cole “ autumn leaves “ a beautiful tune for the coming fall weather. 😊
Oh my goodness, Judy, what a great interview with Hal. I could listen to the two of you sharing your experiences for hours. I love your channel. Thanks so much!
I wish Hal lived closer as I would get that 3/4 inch tape transferred for him (I had one transferred myself some time ago). I completely agree that the film should be seen, especially today. I know Ralph is cheering us on from above to make that happen.
I enjoyed Hal's work - he could do so many characters and if you needed someone tough, no one could be tougher. . I enjoyed this segment .. thanks Judy !
Really enjoyed hearing Hal’s acting process. I’ve heard about actors staying in character but never heard anyone that had done it actually explain what they did. That was fascinating and really shows the self-discipline it requires to do that type of method acting.
Great story and sounds like it was a great choice with the soldiers who weren’t really actors. I imagine it impacted how they responded to him in scenes thinking he was really a Drill Sargeant.
Now we know you a little better than before Hal Williams. It completes the the circle when everyone involved contributs their story. Whatever their involvement in front or behind the camera, it all counts in getting the whole story. Happy you are able to keep bringing special guests to the segments, always nice to see them after all this time. I'm curious, I don't remember seeing the Waltons in reruns after the series ended. It seems to have disappeared, until recently when it airing again on METV. Maybe it's been on all along and I was just a little to busy living life to be watching TV like I did when COVID started.
I have just finished watching the whole series and the last one was The Revel. To me this episode looked like it was a true finale and that everyone knew the series was finished.
A couple of days ago, I saw the Quilting Party one. I realize that this has nothing to do with the video. I just wanted to tell you, that i was, inspite of some historical attitudes more in line with the 70s, your performance was absolutely amazing. It also reminded me of my Mom's Mother have quilting parties in the late 50s and early 60s All the grandkids got a hand made quilt.
Good heavens, Judy and Mr Williams: We fans already love you and this interview just makes us love you even more if that's possible!❤ You made my heart smile, Mr Williams when you mentioned you "set pins at the bowling alley in Columbus!" My Dad used to talk about the Saturday matinées at the neighborhood theaters where they showed cartoons, "B" movies, and newsreels. He was born in 1932, so this was during the Great Dépression. The nickel for the movies and a bag of peanuts came from "sticking pins," a phrase I've never heard anyone else say until you! My friends parents did other jobs, but my Dad and his brother stuck pins. Our city had many ethnic social clubs that had bowling alleys in the basements. I loved Private Benjamin! So funny and touching! What a vast experience you've had and continue to have in acting! I really do hope we fans will get the chance to see Ralph's movie! Unfortunately, as you said, the social challenges are still with us today. My goodness, I hope there's a part three: I could listen to your stories all day! That Verdi sure knew how to select a good gentleman! ❤ Bless Walton's everywhere! ❤🙏🕊️
Thank you so much for this interview! It's good to see he's doing well and able to get about! He is one of my all-time great actors stemming from his work on the Waltons and 227 and other guest spots I've seen him in over the years!
So great to see and hear from Hal. I was a big Private Benjamin fan and it was a bummer when the TV show went belly up. It never really had a chance to get rooted, and now hearing Hal talk about the behind the scenes activities, it all makes sense.
What a pleasure to hear Hal Williams speak again. Thank you ,for extending your conversation with him and making this part two. Hal is just one of those people who needs to be heard. From his stories,you see that he was basically born with the acting bug and has,to this day been grateful for all the experiences and opportunities he has had,as is shown through his performances. He has such a passion,and yet,underneath,there is a lightness,and a great sense of humour. As you said,Judy,he makes us all smile!!😀😊
Loved hearing from Hal Williams. I remember the character of Verdie more strongly than Harley on The Waltons. I enjoyed watching 227 and never realized that the actor who portrayed Lester Jenkins on 227 was the same actor who played Harley Foster on The Waltons and Officer Smitty on Sanford & Son and Alex Haley on Roots! Never watched Private Benjamin but enjoyed hearing how he based the character on observations of an Army officer he watched every day through a fence as a child. Loved how he stayed in character for roles, especially the homeless guy.
This was fascinating. He has had a wonderful acting journey in spite of different things. What dedication to stay totally in character for the length of the show. I have never heard anybody else say they had or would do that. Amazing. Thanks, Judy.
Great chat with Hal Williams! He was great in all of the roles he played. BTW: the actress who played Flo on Alice and coined the phrase “Kiss my grits” was Polly Holliday. I did not realize that she filled in for Eileen Brennen when she was hurt during the time that “Private Benjamin” was in production.
I was kind of shocked to find out Mr. Williams only appreared in 9 episodes, He always wah and will remain to be a main character of the series to me. Will there be a part three?
Im so glad to see Hal. I loved him snd Verie when he played Harley on the waltons. They have to be two of my favorite guest star characters and Todd Bridges. The episode where John Walton took Todd Bridges to meet and live with Verdie has to be my favorite and when Verde met Harley on the waltons. Im sorry to hear Lynn (Verdie) is not feeling well. My Dad had alzheimers. Its very hard for the entire family. She will always be remembered as Verdie and Hal as Harley the beloved couple from the Waltons.
Hello Judy and Hal! I so enjoyed part two. What wonderful stories, thank you so MUCH for sharing them. I have seen some clips of Ralph's movie and didn't realize that Hal was in it. I wish that there was a way for that movie to be shown. I hope that we will hear more great stories from you soon. Both of you be Blessed and thank you again! 🥰
Polly Holiday portrayed another wonderful character in another film written by Earl Hamner: The Gift of Love ~ A Christmas Story! Its a very good Christmas film and Ms Holiday's character has a good deal of mystery and a touching story!
It’s so good to see Hal Williams (Harley Foster) once again. His character, along with Lynn Hamilton as (Verdi Grant Foster) were two of my favorite recurring characters on “The Waltons”. Love you all a million Harley, Verdi ,Jody and Josh Love you All !! ❤️ 😃 ❤️ Thank you, Judy ❤
Judy…. Love your show. Have you ever thought about doing a broader show about 70’s TV. Not just the Waltons, I was born in 65 and I love hearing these stories from people whose work in TV I admired so much.
I wanted to tell you that I am watching the Waltons right now and it's called the grandchild.... it makes me cry every single time after Cassie had her stillborn and you were running down the road screaming! I watched the episode where you said you had to talk over all of that scene... but still it makes me cry watching that part of the movie!
Hey kiddo! What a remarkable man and an extraordinary life he has had. Such a joy to listen to. I could sit and listen to him 24/7. The library of stories he has! I hope to meet him one day. Thank you for this joyous occasion to be a third party to such a memorable 22 minutes of my life. Hugs to ya, kiddo
Hal Williams is such an engaging storyteller. I love hearing these stories about his experience as an actor and how he started and the different people he worked with. And Judy you do a good job of asking questions and letting people open up and share. This one was really special!
After this interview, I am keeping my fingers crossed that Hal can somehow get some channel or streamer or physical media company to either air or release ‘On the Nickel.’ I think it would have a built-in audience of ‘The Walton’s’ fans. Since Ralph was the producer and his widow was the director, she might have an in or pull somewhere…
That was so interesting, I would love to see that movie that Ralph made with Hal. I do think that Hal is a bit of a living legend now with everything he has done in his career. Thank you Judy for another great segment and best wishes to you as always from your waltonian superfan in a cooler England😉
Judy - a video idea… for those cast members who have passed away, maybe give us a peek into their lives after the show. Those people who you aren’t able to interview… just to let us know how their lives evolved… Regardless, thank you for the continued great work!
Where did you find footage of “On the Nickel”? I can find some information on it with a search but nowhere to stream or purchase. Amazon has a VHS posting of it with reviewers commenting on the movie. Very interesting.
Interesting stories from Mr. Williams in how he started his performing career so long ago- and how he fought to keep his characters' integrity intact despite the pressure of the producers and writers to debase said characters (e.g. his character Sgt. Ross being firm but fair to Pvt. Benjamin). BTW, if no one else mentions it, the performer who replace Eileen Brennan after her near death getting hit by the car was Polly Holliday (though she played a much more subdued and professional character than Flo on 'Alice' and her spin off series though she was supposed to exit as soon as Miss Brennan recovered but the show was canceled before that would happen). Anyway, it was good to hear how he overcame so many odds to have a steady career for so long to provide for himself and his loved ones. Thanks for this!
I watched the outrage today when Ralph wait ( Aka John Walton Sr. ) and Hal Aka ( Harley Forester) walk in to a diner and Hal aka harley asked for coffee to go and he was told they don't serve coffee to outsiders John Walton walked in and said what do you mean, you don't serve coffee to outsiders but your serve your pow boys. So john says lets go harley we'll get coffee someplace else. Hal and Ralph were so wonderful playing there characters. I just love them both. Ralph will be so Missed. 😢
Would love to see a Interview with Lynn Hamilton. Enjoy watching you interview the your co stars that have had a LONG Career in the entertainment world.
Judy, I love this man. He's great and is so honest and charming. What it must have been like to work with him. If I were interested in acting (which I'm not) I would really enjoy working with him. So...I have some technical questions that have built up in my mind that I wanted to ask you. As always, I respect your time and appreciate the effort you always consistently give on this channel. 1) I was thinking about, back in the day, commercials were an integral part of a show. That, of course meant timing. How does a writer keep track of the pace so that when the commercials happen, they are properly timed as to have a smooth transaction to an advertisement. Or, is it the editor/and or director in charge of that? I've heard page count is used to time an episode but I often wonder how accurate that is depending on what dialog is used and so on. This might be a slightly involved question. 2) The title segments, of course are done digitally today - but back in the day, how did a program title get made for each episode such as 'directed by Ralph Waite' and how much time did that take? 3) Each episode had music in it. Was that stock music made by the conductor or fresh? If fresh, how much time would a person have to compose that material. I can imagine you are under such pressure to get it done. FINALLY: If you can get a TV composer on your show, I'm really curious how they put that music together SO quickly. What the process is to make music for a show and so on. Composition, I know is an art in itself, but everything needs a deadline. Again, thank you SO, SO much for what you do for every show. I know this is a lot to answer, so free to do it in an ask-Judy if that's easier for you. Either way, thanks SO So much! Cheers and have a good labor day!
Marie Cheatham was on "Days of Our Lives'. Ralph Waite knew Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes on "Days". Polly Holliday from "Alice". I think Eileen Brennan got an Emmy for the TV show. Never heard of "On the Nickel"...Did you help Hal contact the museum and get the movie?
I certainly do agree with you Mr. Williams always makes me smile. He could handle both comedy and drama and it was impossible not to see him coming on screen and know you were going to get a wonderful performance. God Bless you both!
Hal is such a talented and versatile actor. I really enjoyed this two-part interview. When he said " Kiss my Grits" was he referring to Polly Holiday? I don't really remember the TV version of Private Benjamin.
Hi !!! Watching The Grandchild after you mentioned the other day that it was a much longer filming day w that episode. Ralph directed it, right? He really was talented ! So were you !
Such fascinating stories, like Hal finding inspiration for the Private Benjamin character from his observations of Ft. Hayes as a kid and then doing his comedic genius in the audition with Goldie Hawn. My goodness, I laughed so hard. I can't think of another actor who would have delivered a more perfect performance. Deserving of an Oscar nomination. Thank you both for making my day with another outstanding conversation.
I loved this episode too. Hal Williams is such a great actor
He has had so many standout moments in his career.
I loved him as Harley, and enjoyed him in so many other shows. Him on 227, was awesome. Thank you for having him on, and a BIG thank you to Mr. Williams for the many years of wonderful entertainment that he has given me, and countless others!
He’s such a great guy and wonderful actor. It was a pleasure to have him join me.
I really enjoyed that interview. I've always loved Hal Williams, he is such a versatile actor. Glad to see he's doing well.
He’s such a great guy and such an amazing talent.
Hal needs to write a book. What a history he has!
So many wonderful stories.
A absolute blast lol we enjoyed this 2 part Hal Williams sit down.
Great questions and lol always learning. Ty ⚘Judy for all you do. Cheers🥂 to health, happiness & family.✌
Thanks for joining us.
Never to late, I met this guy in Stone Mountain Ga. On the train, great guy 😊
Very cool!
Hal certainly has a legacy in acting that needs to be remembered. Mr. Hal if you see this comment, thank you for coming on Judy’s UA-cam channel and sharing with us. Your memory and memories are outstanding. Mary
So grateful he agreed to come join me.
Great episode Judy thank you for your hard work that you do to bring us these spectacular shows. 💓💓💓
My pleasure and I’m so grateful to Hal for coming to join me.
Glad to see that Hal is still doing well. Best August wishes Ms. Judy
Thank you, and thanks for joining us.
@@judynorton2598 certainly
Second great episode judy
So glad you enjoyed it.
Great episode. Great stories. A joy to watch. Thanks for all you do to bring us these great episodes. You're the best!
My pleasure. Thanks so much for watching.
Always Good to see Hal. I bet he's something special in person. seems like a fun guy to be around. Looking forward to your next segment. God Bless and take care Judy. ♥
Hal is the best. 🥰
So good to see and hear from Harley. We were all fortunate that you took a chance on act because you brought a lot to the table. I loved you in "Private Benjamin' and Ellen Brennan as well. I wish that I would have taken a chance as a young man on theatre but my parents figured that I would starve, so I went to law school. But thinking back on it, I would give up anything that I gained from being an attorney for the chance to have worked with any member or guest star or recurring cast member of the Waltons ori in some of Hal and Judy's other work. BTW Hal your white hair really makes you look distinguished, You should be speaking at the DNC and not at home watching on TV. LOL Judy, you always look great and have been since you were fourteen playing baseball and beating up on poor G.W..
Just one correction: it wasn’t Eileen Heckart who co-starred in ‘Private Benjamin.’ It was Eileen Brennan who played Cpt. Lewis. She would later make guest appearances on ‘Will & Grace’ as Zandra, Jack’s agitated acting teacher. Heckart is remembered for her role as Flo Meredith on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and a reprise of that character on ‘Lou Grant,’ a guest appearance on ‘Alice’ playing Alice’s mother-in-law and in the movie ‘The First Wives Club.’
@@willnoiles2001 Thank you Will. Correction made. I was thinking about Eileen Heckart because i had read something about her passing some time before in one of the celebrity death notices on You Tube. I had watched Butterflies are Free, wonderful early movie also starring Goldie Hawn and wondered whatever happened to Eileen Heckart and discovered that she had died in 2001 and I must have been thinking of her
Ms Judy,
Another home run with Hal! He needs to be interviewed by the Television Archives!
Absolutely.
@judynortan always great to see Another Waltons cast Member and multi Television Actor … God bless you Mr. Hal Williams
Thank you for joining us.
I loved the Private Benjamin series.
I could listen to Hal all day long. His background and start was fascinating.
Yes - we could have gone on and on.
Great to see more of your interview with Hal Williams and glad to see
he is still alive and acting, great to hear what he is doing today and as
always I really enjoy your videos and remembering the Walton's and
your interviews with former cast members and others thank you Judy.
🇺🇲📺🇺🇲
Our pleasure. Thank you for watching.
Thank you Mr. Williams. Your insight was wonderful!
So great to see Mr. Williams again. I can just picture him in San Pedro playing his part and enjoying life while he was doing "Private Banjamin." He just makes me smile. His insights and shared stories are a deight.Thank you, Judy, for sharing this great man with us. His story about working on Ralph Waite's "On the Nickel" was just astounding. That's what I call dedication to craft. Amazing. Thank you again, Judy. Great interview/conversation.
Thank you so much for joining us.
Hal is a legend in tv. Each show he was on was better for having him. Sending love Hal ❤️
I completely agree. So happy to call him my friend.
@judynorton2598 I think he would say they same of you Judy.💕
judy ralph is truly amazing for 101 years he is very informative a walking encyclopedia remembers every detail of productions he has worked on what a memory he has I just love listening to all these chats you have with ralph and John long may they continue
Thank you for joining us for these chats.
The falling leaves 🍂
drift by the window 🍂
the autumn leaves 🍁 of red and gold.
Great interview Judy and interesting guest.
The hostess with the mostest.
Judy it still is very much summer. My family and I are going out for a camping 🏕️ weekend today and the local mountains ⛰️ are an amazing spot for summer fun.
Judy ❤ best wishes always, sincerely, Bill.
1955 Nat King Cole “ autumn leaves “ a beautiful tune for the coming fall weather. 😊
Have a great camping trip.
Oh my goodness, Judy, what a great interview with Hal. I could listen to the two of you sharing your experiences for hours. I love your channel. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much.
I wish Hal lived closer as I would get that 3/4 inch tape transferred for him (I had one transferred myself some time ago). I completely agree that the film should be seen, especially today. I know Ralph is cheering us on from above to make that happen.
The film deserves to be seen.
I enjoyed Hal's work - he could do so many characters and if you needed someone tough, no one could be tougher. . I enjoyed this segment .. thanks Judy !
So glad you enjoyed this.
What a fascinating journey Hal had! Thank you, Judy!
Our pleasure. Glad you enjoyed our chat.
This was wonderful. Will there be another segment where he talks about 227? I hope so.
We didn’t get a chance to chat more about 227 - such a prolific career it would take hours.
Great questions , great guest make great interviews. Thanks Judy
So glad you enjoyed our chats.
Really enjoyed hearing Hal’s acting process. I’ve heard about actors staying in character but never heard anyone that had done it actually explain what they did. That was fascinating and really shows the self-discipline it requires to do that type of method acting.
Great story and sounds like it was a great choice with the soldiers who weren’t really actors. I imagine it impacted how they responded to him in scenes thinking he was really a Drill Sargeant.
Now we know you a little better than before Hal Williams. It completes the the circle when everyone involved contributs their story. Whatever their involvement in front or behind the camera, it all counts in getting the whole story. Happy you are able to keep bringing special guests to the segments, always nice to see them after all this time. I'm curious, I don't remember seeing the Waltons in reruns after the series ended. It seems to have disappeared, until recently when it airing again on METV. Maybe it's been on all along and I was just a little to busy living life to be watching TV like I did when COVID started.
I've been rewatching "The Waltons" recently too
Thank you for continuing to watch the shows.
@@judynorton2598 ❤️ your welcome
I have just finished watching the whole series and the last one was The Revel. To me this episode looked like it was a true finale and that everyone knew the series was finished.
It really does have that feel watching it back.
A couple of days ago, I saw the Quilting Party one. I realize that this has nothing to do with the video. I just wanted to tell you, that i was, inspite of some historical attitudes more in line with the 70s, your performance was absolutely amazing. It also reminded me of my Mom's Mother have quilting parties in the late 50s and early 60s All the grandkids got a hand made quilt.
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it.
Love the interview. Hal is a great actor
Absolutely. So glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Judy…happy to see you today❤️
Thank you. Thanks for watching.
I Joy
Story
About the
Walton 👍 🌹 🌞 🔥 🎈 ♥️ 👍 🌹 🌞 😊
Good heavens, Judy and Mr Williams: We fans already love you and this interview just makes us love you even more if that's possible!❤ You made my heart smile, Mr Williams when you mentioned you "set pins at the bowling alley in Columbus!" My Dad used to talk about the Saturday matinées at the neighborhood theaters where they showed cartoons, "B" movies, and newsreels. He was born in 1932, so this was during the Great Dépression. The nickel for the movies and a bag of peanuts came from "sticking pins," a phrase I've never heard anyone else say until you! My friends parents did other jobs, but my Dad and his brother stuck pins. Our city had many ethnic social clubs that had bowling alleys in the basements. I loved Private Benjamin! So funny and touching! What a vast experience you've had and continue to have in acting! I really do hope we fans will get the chance to see Ralph's movie! Unfortunately, as you said, the social challenges are still with us today. My goodness, I hope there's a part three: I could listen to your stories all day! That Verdi sure knew how to select a good gentleman! ❤
Bless Walton's everywhere! ❤🙏🕊️
Such great trivia of the day - bowling pins :). Love it. One more part with Hal.
@@judynorton2598 Yay! 🎳😄❤️
🔥🌹🌞🎈🔥🔥🔥👏
I believe that Polly Holiday was the one brought in to replace Eileen Brennan in Private Benjamin after her accident
Thank you for sharing that info.
Thank you so much for this interview! It's good to see he's doing well and able to get about! He is one of my all-time great actors stemming from his work on the Waltons and 227 and other guest spots I've seen him in over the years!
Our pleasure!
I enjoyed this conversation so much! So good to see and hear from him!!!
Thank you for joining us.
Wonderful chat with Hal! Thanks!👏💖
Thanks for joining us.
So great to see and hear from Hal. I was a big Private Benjamin fan and it was a bummer when the TV show went belly up. It never really had a chance to get rooted, and now hearing Hal talk about the behind the scenes activities, it all makes sense.
Yes - tough situation for all of the cast and crew to go through.
What a pleasure to hear Hal Williams speak again. Thank you ,for extending your conversation with him and making this part two. Hal is just one of those people who needs to be heard. From his stories,you see that he was basically born with the acting bug and has,to this day been grateful for all the experiences and opportunities he has had,as is shown through his performances.
He has such a passion,and yet,underneath,there is a lightness,and a great sense of humour. As you said,Judy,he makes us all smile!!😀😊
So glad you enjoyed it. Hal is very special.
Hi Judy great topic. What a great actor ❤
He’s so great and such a nice man.
Another great episode Judy. Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome
Loved hearing from Hal Williams. I remember the character of Verdie more strongly than Harley on The Waltons. I enjoyed watching 227 and never realized that the actor who portrayed Lester Jenkins on 227 was the same actor who played Harley Foster on The Waltons and Officer Smitty on Sanford & Son and Alex Haley on Roots! Never watched Private Benjamin but enjoyed hearing how he based the character on observations of an Army officer he watched every day through a fence as a child. Loved how he stayed in character for roles, especially the homeless guy.
So glad to hear you appreciate Hal’s work over his career. He really has quite a career.
A very delightful interview. A very interesting career and successful. We loved him on the Waltons.
So glad.
This was fascinating. He has had a wonderful acting journey in spite of different things. What dedication to stay totally in character for the length of the show. I have never heard anybody else say they had or would do that. Amazing. Thanks, Judy.
Real Drill sergeants also "stay in character" for the entire length of the 8 to 12 week show known as boot camp. I speak from experience 😄
I loved that story. Sounds like it worked out well for him.
Great interview
So glad you enjoyed it.
Great chat with Hal Williams! He was great in all of the roles he played.
BTW: the actress who played Flo on Alice and coined the phrase “Kiss my grits” was Polly Holliday. I did not realize that she filled in for Eileen Brennen when she was hurt during the time that “Private Benjamin” was in production.
Thank you for supplying Polly Holiday’s name for all of us.
Hal Williams and Donald Moffat in a movie made by Ralph Waite? Yes, please. Sounds great. Thanks for another good one, Judy.
Hopefully it can be made more widely available.
Really enjoyed this interview (both parts 1 and 2)
So glad. Thank you.
I was kind of shocked to find out Mr. Williams only appreared in 9 episodes, He always wah and will remain to be a main character of the series to me. Will there be a part three?
His presence was felt throughout even when he didn’t appear. Yes there is a Part 3 coming.
Im so glad to see Hal. I loved him snd Verie when he played Harley on the waltons. They have to be two of my favorite guest star characters and Todd Bridges. The episode where John Walton took Todd Bridges to meet and live with Verdie has to be my favorite and when Verde met Harley on the waltons. Im sorry to hear Lynn (Verdie) is not feeling well. My Dad had alzheimers. Its very hard for the entire family. She will always be remembered as Verdie and Hal as Harley the beloved couple from the Waltons.
They were such a wonderful addition to the show - I’m glad you feel the same.
Just Watched The Episode Where Mary Ellen Didn't Want To Have Her Quilting Party!
Mary Ellen was such a brat in that episode 😢
Judy I recently saw you on a couple of old "Password" shows and I must say, you looked stunning!
Thank you so much.
Oh!, and i should have added that you were a great player as well!
A very interesting interview and Ms. Norton, you're just as beautiful as ever!
Thank you so much.
Grat show! Loved Harley on the show.
Hal was so wonderful as Harley!
Love
Edisode
Of
Walton 👍 🌹 🌞 🔥 🎈 ♥️ 👍 🌹 🌞 🔥
Judy 👋🏼👏
🥰
Another wonderful part to this great segment always fun to watch and learn
Thanks for joining us for this chat.
Hello Judy and Hal! I so enjoyed part two. What wonderful stories, thank you so MUCH for sharing them. I have seen some clips of Ralph's movie and didn't realize that Hal was in it. I wish that there was a way for that movie to be shown. I hope that we will hear more great stories from you soon. Both of you be Blessed and thank you again! 🥰
I’ll keep you posted if I hear the film becomes available.
Polly Holiday portrayed another wonderful character in another film written by Earl Hamner: The Gift of Love ~ A Christmas Story! Its a very good Christmas film and Ms Holiday's character has a good deal of mystery and a touching story!
What a great additional connection.
It’s so good to see Hal Williams (Harley Foster) once again. His character, along with Lynn Hamilton as (Verdi Grant Foster) were two of my favorite recurring characters on “The Waltons”. Love you all a million Harley, Verdi
,Jody and Josh
Love you All !! ❤️ 😃 ❤️
Thank you, Judy ❤
Thanks for joining us.
What a fun interview Judy!
Hal was all over the small screen way back when! Oh, I just dated myself.
I'd forgotten about Private Benjamin.🎉
Sounds like we’ve all more or less grown up together :)
Judy…. Love your show. Have you ever thought about doing a broader show about 70’s TV. Not just the Waltons, I was born in 65 and I love hearing these stories from people whose work in TV I admired so much.
Definitely considering other actor friends from various shows. Have some in mind…
This was so interesting. Let's have a part 3!!😊
There is a Part 3 coming soon.
I wanted to tell you that I am watching the Waltons right now and it's called the grandchild.... it makes me cry every single time after Cassie had her stillborn and you were running down the road screaming! I watched the episode where you said you had to talk over all of that scene... but still it makes me cry watching that part of the movie!
Thank you so much. I’m so glad you were moved by the episode.
I had no idea Hal lived in Columbus Ohio.... It's not far from where I live!
Very cool.
Hey kiddo! What a remarkable man and an extraordinary life he has had. Such a joy to listen to. I could sit and listen to him 24/7. The library of stories he has! I hope to meet him one day. Thank you for this joyous occasion to be a third party to such a memorable 22 minutes of my life. Hugs to ya, kiddo
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you Judy and Hal for the great interview, it is nice to know what he is doing now. :)
Thanks for joining us.
Excellent!
Glad you liked it!
Hal Williams is such an engaging storyteller. I love hearing these stories about his experience as an actor and how he started and the different people he worked with. And Judy you do a good job of asking questions and letting people open up and share. This one was really special!
Thank you so much.
P.S. I just saw an old episode of Super Password from Oct. 1984 you were on with Richard Moll! Very cool.
Oh wow - how cool. I loved doing Password.
Great interview! He is a very interesting actor.
Thanks for joining us.
Hi Judy this was interesting to listen to see you in the next one
Thanks for joining us.
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After this interview, I am keeping my fingers crossed that Hal can somehow get some channel or streamer or physical media company to either air or release ‘On the Nickel.’ I think it would have a built-in audience of ‘The Walton’s’ fans.
Since Ralph was the producer and his widow was the director, she might have an in or pull somewhere…
Ralph wrote and directed On the Nickel and was also a producer.
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That was so interesting, I would love to see that movie that Ralph made with Hal. I do think that Hal is a bit of a living legend now with everything he has done in his career. Thank you Judy for another great segment and best wishes to you as always from your waltonian superfan in a cooler England😉
So happy to have this chance to have Hal join me for a chat.
Judy - a video idea… for those cast members who have passed away, maybe give us a peek into their lives after the show. Those people who you aren’t able to interview… just to let us know how their lives evolved…
Regardless, thank you for the continued great work!
Might be able to do that in small segments :). Sweet idea.
Where did you find footage of “On the Nickel”? I can find some information on it with a search but nowhere to stream or purchase. Amazon has a VHS posting of it with reviewers commenting on the movie. Very interesting.
My editor found it. Likely only clips from trailers or something.
Interesting stories from Mr. Williams in how he started his performing career so long ago- and how he fought to keep his characters' integrity intact despite the pressure of the producers and writers to debase said characters (e.g. his character Sgt. Ross being firm but fair to Pvt. Benjamin). BTW, if no one else mentions it, the performer who replace Eileen Brennan after her near death getting hit by the car was Polly Holliday (though she played a much more subdued and professional character than Flo on 'Alice' and her spin off series though she was supposed to exit as soon as Miss Brennan recovered but the show was canceled before that would happen).
Anyway, it was good to hear how he overcame so many odds to have a steady career for so long to provide for himself and his loved ones. Thanks for this!
So glad you enjoyed our chat. It was unfortunate that the series didn’t work as well as the movie and didn’t last longer.
p.s Judy. Congrats on making 80k subscribers! Now we need you at a 100K!
Yes please! 🎉
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I watched the outrage today when Ralph wait ( Aka John Walton Sr. ) and Hal Aka ( Harley Forester) walk in to a diner and Hal aka harley asked for coffee to go and he was told they don't serve coffee to outsiders John Walton walked in and said what do you mean, you don't serve coffee to outsiders but your serve your pow boys. So john says lets go harley we'll get coffee someplace else. Hal and Ralph were so wonderful playing there characters. I just love them both. Ralph will be so Missed. 😢
Such a strong 2 part episode - The Outrage.
Would love to see a Interview with Lynn Hamilton. Enjoy watching you interview the your co stars that have had a LONG Career in the entertainment world.
I wish her health was up to doing an interview.
Judy, I love this man. He's great and is so honest and charming. What it must have been like to work with him. If I were interested in acting (which I'm not) I would really enjoy working with him.
So...I have some technical questions that have built up in my mind that I wanted to ask you. As always, I respect your time and appreciate the effort you always consistently give on this channel.
1) I was thinking about, back in the day, commercials were an integral part of a show. That, of course meant timing. How does a writer keep track of the pace so that when the commercials happen, they are properly timed as to have a smooth transaction to an advertisement. Or, is it the editor/and or director in charge of that? I've heard page count is used to time an episode but I often wonder how accurate that is depending on what dialog is used and so on. This might be a slightly involved question.
2) The title segments, of course are done digitally today - but back in the day, how did a program title get made for each episode such as 'directed by Ralph Waite' and how much time did that take?
3) Each episode had music in it. Was that stock music made by the conductor or fresh? If fresh, how much time would a person have to compose that material. I can imagine you are under such pressure to get it done.
FINALLY: If you can get a TV composer on your show, I'm really curious how they put that music together SO quickly. What the process is to make music for a show and so on. Composition, I know is an art in itself, but everything needs a deadline.
Again, thank you SO, SO much for what you do for every show. I know this is a lot to answer, so free to do it in an ask-Judy if that's easier for you. Either way, thanks SO So much!
Cheers and have a good labor day!
Soooo interesting! How many of us now want to see On the Nickel, 3-hour version!!!?
Hopefully it will be made available to view.
@@judynorton2598 I do hope so, that would be wonderful!
Thank you, Judy & Hal.
Our pleasure.
Marie Cheatham was on "Days of Our Lives'. Ralph Waite knew Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes on "Days". Polly Holliday from "Alice". I think Eileen Brennan got an Emmy for the TV show. Never heard of "On the Nickel"...Did you help Hal contact the museum and get the movie?
So many wonderful actors and connections.
She was on the tv show Alice
I say Kiss my Grits all the time and the younger generation has no idea what I’m talking about lol
Hal has great stories.
I could listen to his stories for hours.
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I certainly do agree with you Mr. Williams always makes me smile. He could handle both comedy and drama and it was impossible not to see him coming on screen and know you were going to get a wonderful performance. God Bless you both!
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed our chat.
Its so great to see him again!
Glad you enjoyed our chat.
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Hal is such a talented and versatile actor. I really enjoyed this two-part interview. When he said " Kiss my Grits" was he referring to Polly Holiday? I don't really remember the TV version of Private Benjamin.
I do recall the series briefly as it didn’t last long.
Hi !!! Watching The Grandchild after you mentioned the other day that it was a much longer filming day w that episode. Ralph directed it, right? He really was talented ! So were you !
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed The Grandchild. A tough episode to film.