John-Boy Walton is a fictional character from the television series The Waltons, which aired from 1972 to 1981. He is the eldest son of the Walton family, living in the rural community of Walton's Mountain during the Great Depression and World War II. John-Boy is portrayed as a thoughtful and ambitious young man who aspires to be a writer. The character is played by actor Richard Thomas, who brings depth to John-Boy's experiences and challenges. Throughout the series, he navigates family dynamics, personal growth, and the struggles of his time, often serving as the narrator of the family's story.