A former child star from the classic drama The Waltons was recently spotted during a rare outing in Los Angeles after leaving Hollywood behind for a career in education.
Now 60, the actress famously portrayed Elizabeth Walton, the youngest member of the close-knit family at the center of the beloved series about life during the Great Depression and World War II. While the original show aired from 1972 to 1981, the story later continued through several TV reunion movies.
After stepping away from acting, she dedicated herself to education, building a career as a teacher, school principal, and charter school founder. She was recently seen running errands in LA wearing a fun graphic T-shirt paired with a blue jacket and black pants.
The mystery star was none other than Kami Cotler.
Cotler first landed the role of Elizabeth after appearing in the TV movie The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, which later inspired the hit series. She once recalled that her acting career began almost by accident after a photographer suggested she try commercial work because of her outgoing personality and youthful appearance.
She auditioned for several projects before booking The Homecoming, eventually becoming part of one of television’s most beloved families. Cotler fondly remembered playing on set with her co-stars and looking up to the older cast members during filming.
Although she briefly returned to acting in a 2018 TV movie, Cotler largely left Hollywood behind. She later admitted that auditioning as an adult felt far more competitive and uncomfortable than it had as a child star.
Instead, she found her passion in education. Cotler taught history at Environmental Charter High School before helping establish a K-8 charter school in Los Angeles. She later became principal of Environmental Charter Middle School and remained involved with the school system even after stepping down from the leadership role.
Created by Earl Hamner Jr., The Waltons was inspired by his childhood in rural Virginia and based on his book Spencer’s Mountain. The award-winning series became a television staple throughout the 1970s and featured appearances from stars including Sissy Spacek, Ron Howard, and Merle Haggard.
