What I Learned from Erin Walton
with Mary McDonough
For nine seasons, Mary McDonough was part of one of the most beloved families in television history. Just ten years old when she was cast as the pretty, wholesome middle child Erin, Mary grew up on the set of The Waltons, alternately embracing and rebelling against her good-girl onscreen persona. Now, as the first cast member to write about her experiences on the classic series, she candidly recounts the joys and challenges of growing up Walton—from her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star, to the personal challenges that led her to take on a new role as an activist for women’s body image issues.
Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always illuminating, Lessons from the Mountain is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over—and beyond—that famous mountain.
“A fascinating look at what it’s like to grow up in front of and beyond the cameras.” —Eve Plumb
“For someone who started out as a sweet little girl afraid to speak up, it certainly is a pleasure to hear her shout from the top of the mountain now!” —Alison Arngrim, New York Times bestselling author
“[A] poignant memoir . . . the actress shares intimate, behind-the-scenes memories.” —Smashing Interviews Magazine
The story behind the story
Way back in the 2000s, I approached Mary about telling her story and she agreed. We set out to write about her life growing up on the show, and what Hollywood was like in the days of the Brat Pack and Sea Breeze commercials, a grandpa who smoked weed and a big brother whose fame and talent still continues to astound and amaze.
She had a cool adventure, and I had a blast helping her write this book that’s gone into five printings to date. More than a story about “The Waltons,” it’s a wonderful glimpse into her fascinating childhood. And yeah, she knew George before he was just “Clooney.” It’s all in the book!
Love ya, Mary!