David W. Harper

Actor David W. Harper is best known for his portrayal of Jim-Bob Walton on the warm-hearted family classic television series "The Waltons." Harper certainly proved to be in the right place at the right time during the early 1970s, as his very first acting gig was the 1971 television movie "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story," which served as a prelude to the launching of "The Waltons" as a series the following year. An incredibly popular program in its day, "The Waltons" would run from 1972 through 1981. As Jim-Bob Walton, the youngest Walton boy, Harper's character was at first obsessed with aviation, before poor eyesight forced him to become a mechanic instead. After "The Waltons" wrapped up, Harper participated in sporadic "Waltons"-themed made-for-TV movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including such gems as "A Wedding on Walton's Mountain," "A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion," and "A Walton Easter," among others. Harper also landed bit parts in movies, including 1985's Chevy Chase mystery comedy "Fletch," but apart from appearances in "Waltons"-related reunion movies, Harper has retired from acting.