I once read an interview with Mary McDonough and she stated that for a large part of The Waltons run she was paid only $400 per episode.

Well Mary was only 10 or 11 years old when The Waltons started in 1972 and the children were very much supporting characters when the show started with the parents and grandparents being the stars. So it is possible.

I bet Richard Thomas made more. lol

I bet Richard Thomas made more. lol

Richard Thomas was earning $20,000 per episode in his final season.

Richard Thomas was earning $20,000 per episode in his final season.
I wondered when the ruination of the Western world began.

Speaking of 1970s series, Bill Daily has described his pay on The Bob Newhart Show as "terrible." This coming from an adult actor whose role was much more important than young Ms. McDonough's was on The Waltons.

$400.00 and $20.000 ? That is a big difference.
That would not set well with me if I was only making $400.00.

" Goodnight John Boy..you bstrd "

I wondered when the ruination of the Western world began.
One time Erik (Ben) said he made $15,000 an episode.

When you're on a new TV show and haven't had much acting experience $400 an episode is good. When the show is more of a hit then you can make more money.

You have to keep in mind that The Waltons had a large cast (11 Waltons plus various townsfolk and guest cast) and only so much money to go around. And of course Richard Thomas would get more money since all the stories were told from John Boys point of view as long as he was on the show. He was in almost every scene!

RT had to work a lot in the first 5 years.

Erin wasnt a major characrter though either

I remember reading an article with Michael Learned and she said the her tv children worked hard and should have received more money. The show lasted ? 9 years and you would hope their salaries would got up. It is true that it was a big cast but who knows special guest stars might asked for good size paycheck. I do think the child actors did have go to school also.