Ralph Waite, 85, died at his home Palm Desert, CA., Waite was best known for his portrayal of John Walton, Sr., on the 1970s CBS TV series The Waltons. He also played the slave ship first mate Slater in the mini-series Roots. In addition, he appeared in many guest roles on numerous television series - most recently NCIS, Bones and Days of Our Lives.


Waite died on Thursday afternoon at his Palm Desert, California, home, according to Steve Gordon, his family accountant. Jane Mead, a representative of the Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship that Waite attended regularly, confirmed his death to CNN.

According to IMDB.com, Waite was already a Hollywood veteran with parts in movies like "Cool Hand Luke" and "Five Easy Pieces," plus TV series such as "Bonanza" when he landed the role of John Walton Sr.

Stephan Nathan, "Bones" executive producer, remembered Waites as "a wonderful man."

"A big loss," Nathan tweeted. "RIP."

Pauley Perrette, part of the "NCIS" cast, also tweeted condolences for the man she referred to as Papa Gibbs.

"We love him at NCIS SO much," Perrette said. "So so sad."

Goodnight Pa....