Richard Thomas, standing at exactly 5ft 8 (172.7 cm), is an American actor best known for portraying the tall, wholesome John-Boy Walton in The Waltons. He once noted that the camera enhanced his height, making his 5ft 8 frame appear larger-than-life, perfectly suiting the character's commanding presence. This optical illusion became central to his on-screen image, contributing to the show's enduring success. Career highlights include Emmy wins for The Waltons, extensive Broadway roles, and guest spots in series like NCIS.