Why One ‘Waltons’ Star Couldn’t Eat During the Show’s Famous Thanksgiving Episode
Judy Norton, who played Mary Ellen on The Waltons, often shows up on YouTube to share fun behind-the-scenes facts about the beloved show with fans. In a recent video, gave some behind-the-scenes insight into the show’s famous “The Thanksgiving Story” episode, and revealed how she had to fake eating certain dishes that she didn’t like in real life.
While Norton said that the dinner scenes on the show could be fun because they just sat around eating all day, it wasn’t always a joy — especially when they had to eat certain things on camera. She explained, “I don’t like relish. So at the point when I’m being given the relish to taste, I can guarantee I wasn’t eating that relish. I was faking that. If you couldn’t see that someone was eating, if it was something I didn’t like, I avoided eating it.”
TV Guide/CBS/Everett Collection
“The Thanksgiving Story” was a two-hour episode focused on the holiday and jam-packed with storylines, including a life-threatening accident. While the Thanksgiving meal was just part of the episode, it does offer some comic relief.
Watch Judy’s entire video below. And if you’re looking for a fun Thanksgiving game to play with the family, watch “The Thanksgiving Story” and see if you notice the times she’s faking while eating her meal!
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TV's Family Dinners
November 2023
Celebrate Family dinner traditions on your favorite feel good TV shows.
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