'The Waltons' actor Ralph Waite dies at 85

Los Angeles: Ralph Waite, who played the father in TV's hit series 'The Waltons' has died.

Waite's manager, Alan Mills, says the actor died on Thursday in the Palm Springs area. He was 85.

Waite was best known for his role as the patriarch in the 1970s series 'The Waltons' but he had had remained a working actor.

Mills says Waite appeared recently in recurring roles on shows including 'NCIS' and 'Days of Our Lives'.