48 Years Ago Today, Iconic '70s Actor Once Blacklisted in Hollywood Died at 76
Forty-eight years ago today, Hollywood lost Will Geer, a notable actor best known for his warm,
grandfatherly screen presence.
The Indiana native cemented his legendary status after landing the iconic role of Grandpa Zebulon "Zeb" Walton, the stubborn yet affectionate patriarch in the historical drama TV series The Waltons.
The role earned him the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series award at the 30th Primetime Emmy Awards, making this his first major acting award.
Along with his co-star Ellen Corby, who took home Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Geer hit the stage and delivered a playful acceptance speech, thanking the award-giving body for finally getting him in a category.
"When you get to this age, you appreciate things," he said, adding, "I thank the old people, all across the country, the fathers and the mothers and especially the children in the school. Because I know they will not stand for having their elders told at what time they may or may not see the program. I would like to present this officially to the little schoolhouse on Walton's Mountain."
Before his claim to fame on screen, Geer, who had always loved entertainment, had his acting skills put to the test on Broadway around the late 1920s when he joined productions like Tobacco Road and Of Mice and Men.
At the time, he even scored a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Doctor H.C. Curry in 110 in the Shade.
From acting to music, there's nothing that Geer couldn't do. He teamed up with folk musician Woody Guthrie for tours and events.
In addition, he also released an album along with longtime friend Guthrie with Bound for Glory: Songs and Stories of Woody Guthrie in 1956.
Amid his achievements and success in the spotlight, Geer once faced career setbacks after he was blacklisted in Hollywood.
Besides working as a singer and an actor, he was also an activist and was associated in a Communist Party.
At the time, he was actively involved in left-wing causes, including labor organizing.
During the anti-communist McCarthy era, he was called by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) to testify but refused to act as an informant, choosing not to name associates or friends with similar political beliefs.
Unfortunately, this resulted in the actor being blacklisted in Hollywood.
Following the vibrant life of Geer, he passed away on April 22, 1978, in Los Angeles at the age of 76 due to a respiratory ailment.
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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 9:03 PM.