In the comforting embrace of 1970s television, few shows resonated with audiences quite like *The Waltons*.
This iconic series captured the essence of family values and simple living, drawing millions into the lives of a rural family navigating the hardships of the Great Depression.
At the center of this heartfelt narrative stood Grandpa Zebulon Walton, portrayed by the talented Will Gere.
With his charming demeanor and wise words, Gere’s character became a symbol of kindness and traditional American values.
However, beneath the surface of this beloved figure lay a life marked by complexity and controversy.
Will Gere, born William Aug Gere on March 9, 1902, in Frankfurt, Indiana, had a multifaceted journey that led him to stardom.
Initially captivated by botany, he earned a master’s degree at the University of Chicago but soon found himself drawn to the world of acting.
His early career was anything but conventional, as he toured with tent shows and riverboat productions before making his mark in theater during the 1930s and 1940s.
Gere’s talent shone through in various plays, eventually landing him roles in films, including a notable performance as Wyatt Earp in *Winchester 73*.
Yet it was his portrayal of Grandpa Zeb from 1972 until his passing in 1978 that truly endeared him to the American public.
Gere infused warmth and humor into the character, earning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1975.
This role solidified his status in the hearts of many, but it also masked the complexities of his personal life that would have astonished his conservative audience.
Behind the scenes, Gere was not just a beloved actor; he was also a committed activist.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he passionately engaged in labor organizing and leftist movements.
As a member of the Communist Party, he championed workers’ rights and even collaborated with notable folk singers like Burl Ives and Woody Guthrie.
However, this political activism came at a steep price.
During the Red Scare of the early 1950s, Gere’s refusal to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities led to his blacklisting in Hollywood, forcing him to seek alternative projects and venues for his art.
While his political life was somewhat public, another aspect remained shrouded in secrecy—his sexuality.
In an era when being openly gay could spell disaster for an acting career, Gere navigated a complicated personal life.
He married actress Herta Ware in 1934, and they had three children together.
Yet, around the same time, he was involved in a romantic relationship with Harry Hay, a future pioneer in the gay rights movement.
Their passionate connection was not just romantic; it was deeply intertwined with their shared political beliefs.
The relationship between Gere and Hay was intense but ultimately short-lived, with Gere choosing to prioritize fatherhood and a conventional family life.
Even after his marriage, it remains uncertain whether he completely abandoned his same-s** relationships.
What is evident, however, is that he maintained a level of openness about his sexuality with Ware, though their marriage ended in divorce in 1954 after two decades.
Living with such significant secrets undoubtedly weighed heavily on Gere.
In the conservative landscape of 1950s and 1960s Hollywood, the pressure to maintain a heterosexual facade was immense.
This burden was not unique to Gere; his co-star Ellen Corby, who played Grandma Esther Walton, also concealed her long-term same-s** relationship.
The phenomenon of “lavender marriages” emerged during this time, where gay individuals wed straight partners to shield themselves from public scrutiny.
Gere’s artistic journey began in the theater, where he developed both his craft and his political consciousness.
The tumultuous 1930s drew him to the radical left, and he became involved with the Group Theater in New York, known for its socially charged productions.
His activism often intertwined with his performances, using his platform to advocate for social justice and collaborate with influential figures like Woody Guthrie.
Despite facing the challenges of the Hollywood blacklist, Gere found solace in the theater and his love for botany.
In 1951, he and his wife established the Will Gere Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, California, creating a haven for blacklisted artists and merging his passions for performance and nature.
This endeavor allowed him to thrive creatively while remaining true to his beliefs.
Gere’s return to mainstream entertainment in the latter part of his career brought him back into the spotlight.
Cast as Grandpa Walton at the age of 70, he became an emblem of familial warmth and wisdom once more.
Ironically, this former blacklisted communist played a character celebrated for traditional American values, yet his authenticity shone through, bridging divides and resonating with audiences across the nation.
Through his role on *The Waltons*, Gere reached a wider audience than ever before, subtly advocating for environmental issues and the preservation of nature.
His story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities faced by individuals in the entertainment industry, particularly those navigating the intersecting worlds of politics, identity, and public perception.
How different might Will Gere’s journey have been in today’s more accepting society?
It’s a question that invites reflection on the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.
