‘The Waltons’ Actor Tom Bower Dies At Home — Details Revealed

Hollywood mourns a legend! Tom Bower, the revered actor who captivated audiences for decades, has passed away at 86. More than just a star, Bower’s legacy extends beyond the screen. Founding the Boston Repertory Theater and sharing scenes with icons like Al Pacino, his influence on acting remains undeniable.

Veteran actor Tom Bower, famously known for his role as Dr. Curtis Willard on the 1970s historical drama “The Waltons,” has passed away at the age of 86. His sister-in-law, Mary Miller, confirmed that the actor died peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home.

Reflecting on his life, his representative, Marsha McManus, highlighted the most important things to Tom. He mentioned his wife, Ursula Bower, his illustrious acting career, and his unwavering commitment to fairness and support for fellow actors.

Tom strongly advocated for SAG-AFTRA, passionately believing in fair representation for all actors. The union expressed their heartfelt condolences on their official X page.

The message read, “We are saddened to learn of #TomBower’s passing. A working actor for 50 years & best remembered for ‘The Waltons.’ He served his union as a SAG Nat’l Board member from ’95–’02, on many committees & co-created @SAGindie. #RIP.”

Stacy Tavis, an actress and SAG-AFTRA board member, also paid tribute to Tom, recalling his dedication and impact. “I worked with #TomBower in union service for many years. He will be deeply missed by a great number of people,” she wrote, reflecting the sentiments of many who admired his contributions both on and off the screen.

Though Tom’s career spanned numerous movies and TV shows, it was his role on “The Waltons” that truly defined his legacy. Initially guest-starring as pilot Rex Barker in the 1975 episode “The Wing Walker,” Tom soon became a fixture on the show as Dr. Curtis Willard.

In the following season, Dr. Curtis arrives in Walton’s Mountain to replace Dr. Vance, played by Victor Izay. Upon his arrival, he hires Mary Ellen Walton, portrayed by Judy Norton, as his nurse. The two characters quickly fall in love, marry, and welcome a son.

Years later, Judy invited Tom onto her YouTube channel to reflect on their time on the beloved series, in a heartfelt segment titled “The Waltons – Behind the Scenes With Guest Tom Bower.”

The actors shared cherished memories and the real reason behind Tom’s departure from the show. Tom revealed that his character was written off in 1978 after he asked for a raise. The storyline had Dr. Curtis supposedly die during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Yet, in a 1981 episode, Dr. Curtis reappeared alive in Florida, now portrayed by Scott Hylands.

“I asked for a very small raise, so they sent me to Pearl Harbor,” Tom said with a laugh during his interview with Norton. The decision to recast Dr. Curtis with Scott Hylands after Tom’s departure added an unexpected twist to the show.

Despite the circumstances, Tom’s portrayal of Dr. Curtis remains a memorable chapter in “The Waltons.” The character left an indelible mark on its fans and the show’s legacy.

Tom also played janitor Marvin, in the 1990 action film “Die Hard 2.” In the movie, he helped John McClane played by Bruce Willis foil terrorists at the airport. His versatility as an actor shone in various roles, such as in “Shadows” and the western drama “The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez,” starring Edward James Olmos.

Tom’s impressive filmography includes playing Nicolas Cage’s father in “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.” He also played the father of the 37th U.S. president in Oliver Stone’s “Nixon”, starring Anthony Hopkins.

Additionally, Tom took on the role of Dan Dugan in the crime drama “Out of the Furnace.” He also appeared in “Crazy Heart,” “Appaloosa,” “Senior Love Triangle,” and “Raymond & Ray,” among others.

Ralph Thomas Bower was born on January 3, 1938, in Denver, Colorado. Initially, Tom envisioned a career in athletics, excelling in baseball during high school.

However, when he realized he wasn’t quite good enough for professional baseball, he pivoted to a new passion. He traveled to New York in 1956 to enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

In a 2012 interview, Tom revealed that he began acting with a purpose while still in high school, eventually choosing the stage over the baseball diamond. Even as he honed his acting skills in New York, the versatile actor spent a few years working as a private investigator in Boston.

Tom’s legacy is marked by his significant contributions to the arts and the lives he touched both on and off-screen. As the founder of the Boston Repertory Theater, he not only championed the craft of acting but also mentored future legends like Al Pacino.

Their remarkable collaboration in David Rabe’s “The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel” remains a testament to his impact, earning Pacino a Tony Award.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom was deeply devoted to his family. He leaves behind his beloved children, Viv and Rob. He was the grandfather to Jonathan, Henry, Nicole, and Lucille. He was also a supportive brother to Bobby and Shirley.

The passing of his wife, Ursula, in August 2023, marked the end of their 51-year inseparable journey together, a love story that stood the test of time.

Tom Bower’s absence will be deeply felt in the industry he helped shape. His spirit will live on through the indelible mark he left on the world of acting and the hearts he touched along the way.