Eric Scott (born Eric Scott Magat; October 20, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, United States) is an American actor who is best known for his role as Ben Walton, which he first played in the television film The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971) and then in the series it inspired, The Waltons.
Early life Scott's father was a mail carrier, and his mother was his guardian on the set of The Waltons.Scott, Vernon, 'The Waltons' Eric Scott Is Just a Normal 16-year-old, Tulsa World, November 30, 1975, page 142 He has an older brother, Alan, and a younger brother, Dana.
Career As a child he appeared in several television commercials, and had roles in Medical Center, The Interns, Bewitched, Lancer, The Doris Day Show, The Young Rebels,Mailbag, The Kansas City Star, August 18, 1974, page 119 and in the film The Million Dollar Duck, starring Sandy Duncan.Huser, Mary Ann, Actor learns to cope with real-life tragedy, Simi Valley Star, December 4, 1994, page 8
In 1971, he first played the role of Ben Walton on the television movie, The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971). He reprised the role when the film turned into The Waltons, premiering in 1972 and remaining on the series throughout its nine-season run until its end in 1981. He eventually reprised the role again for all of the series' television films and reunions during the 1980s and 1990s.
During his tenure on The Waltons, Scott attempted a music career with his co-star Joe Conley (who played Ike Godsey), where he approached Scott to create a song-and-dance act, and tour across the country, in which Scott agreed. They took their live show on the road, and eventually recorded and released an album together in 1979, where they sang popular hit songs spanning several decades, from the 1930s through the 1970s, which included music from Elvis Presley and The Beatles; it also included a special version of the Waltons' theme song with added lyrics. This act would take part on The Waltons as well, as they sang and dance together on the seventh-season episode "The Obstacle" in 1979. Scott and Conley developed a lifelong relationship through the years until the latter's death in 2013.
After The Waltons ended in 1981, Scott appeared on few shows and movies. He appeared on the television series The Fall Guy, and the movies The Loch Ness Horror (1982) and Never Again (2001), where he reunited with Sandy Duncan.
Personal life Scott is of the Jewish faith.A Walton Family Tragedy, People, February 1, 1993, pages 79-84
He was briefly married to actress Karey Louis. His second marriage was to Theresa Fargo, the mother of his daughter, until her death from acute myelomonocytic leukemia on November 5, 1992. Fargo developed the disease during her pregnancy. The child was delivered by cesarean section one month early so that Fargo could begin chemotherapy, but Fargo died two days after the birth.
In March 2000, Scott married Cynthia (Cindy) Ullman Wolfen. They have two children.
Today, Scott owns Chase Messengers, a parcel delivery service, in Encino, California. He stated that being rejected from auditions as a child was a good preparation for working in sales.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes1971 The Million Dollar Duck Eddie Uncredited1982 The Loch Ness Horror Brad 1997 Defying Gravity Steinman 2001 Never Again Arthur
Television Year Title Role Notes1969 Lancer Robbie Moran Episode: "The Gifts"1970 The Doris Day Show Boy Episode: "The Gas Station"1970 The Interns Christopher Episode: "Dancy"1971 Bewitched Herbie Episode: "Out of the Mouths of Babes"1971 Medical Center Danny Episode: "The Corrupted"1971 The Homecoming: A Christmas Story Ben Walton TV film which inspired The Waltons1972–1981 The Waltons Ben Walton 212 episodes1974 The FBI Versus Alvin Karpis, Public Enemy Number One Bert TV movie1978–1979 ABC Afterschool Special Eric / David 2 episodes1980 The Waltons: A Decade of the Waltons Ben Walton / Himself TV movie 1982 A Wedding on Walton's Mountain Ben Walton TV movie 1982 Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain Ben Walton TV movie 1982 A Day for Thanks on Walton's Mountain Ben Walton TV movie1985 The Fall Guy Sheldon Down Episode: "Spring Break"1993 A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion Ben Walton TV movie 1995 A Walton Wedding Ben Walton TV movie 1997 A Walton Easter Ben Walton TV movie
Discography Joe Conley & Eric Scott of The Waltons (1979)
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