‘The Waltons’ Star Sian Barbara Allen Dies — Cause of Death Revealed

Sian Barbara Allen, best known for her role in “The Waltons,” passed away on March 31, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The obituary confirmed she had been living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Allen rose to prominence in the 1970s and ’80s, appearing in major television series such as “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” “Columbo,” and “The Rockford Files.” In 1972, she starred in “You’ll Like My Mother” alongside Patty Duke and Richard Thomas, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising New Actress.

She often portrayed characters defined by empathy and vulnerability — qualities that resonated with audiences. In 1978, she became the first woman to write a produced script for “Baretta.”

Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Allen trained at the Pasadena Playhouse and later at the Mark Taper Forum. She stepped away from public life in 1990 but remained active in political causes, supporting labor rights and volunteering for Jackie Goldberg’s 1993 Los Angeles City Council campaign.

According to the obituary, Allen spent her final year in North Carolina, surrounded by her favorite books, music, and comforts — including mac and cheese, root beer floats, and bacon cheeseburgers. She enjoyed C-SPAN, Irish culture, and the music of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon’s “Graceland.”

Most meaningfully, she shared more time with her daughter than she had in decades. AuthoraCare Collective Hospice of Burlington provided care that ensured her final months were peaceful and pain-free.

Allen is survived by her daughter, Emily Fonseca, and son-in-law, Max Fonseca; her sisters, Hannah Davie and Meg Pokrass; her nephew, Miles Bond; her ex-husband, Peter Gelblum; her cousins, Marcy, Mike, and Mark Reuben; and her grandson, Arlo Fonseca, who, according to the obituary, “made her laugh more than anyone could dream.”

Tributes from family and former colleagues soon followed, reflecting on Allen’s impact both on and off-screen.

Allen’s sister, Pokrass, shared the news of her death in a Facebook post, describing her as a “wonderful sister” who “died peacefully today after a long illness.” Pokrass noted how much Allen valued her online community, saying she “loved you all.”

She also shared a photo from 2016 showing Allen during an interview in Portland, Oregon. In the image, Allen is smiling and looks relaxed, wearing glasses and a brown checked coat.

Her long, curly red hair frames her face as she stands next to a companion with his arm around her. Pokrass expressed appreciation for the photo and thanked the person who shared it.

Tributes also came from Allen’s former “The Waltons” co-star, Mary McDonough, who remembered Allen for her kindness and for the beloved on-screen romance between their characters. Reflecting on Allen’s real-life relationship with Richard Thomas, McDonough recalled how much fans embraced their connection both on and off-screen.

Allen’s passing comes less than a year after the death of another “The Waltons” cast member, Tom Bower, who portrayed Dr. Curtis Willard. Bower died in his sleep on May 30, 2024, at his Los Angeles home. He was 86.

Bower’s career spanned five decades, with appearances in “Die Hard 2,” “The Rockford Files,” “The X-Files,” and “The West Wing.” He was known for his strong advocacy for actors’ rights and was remembered as “an exceptional human being,” according to his longtime representative.

In a separate loss for the acting community, Denis Arndt, known for his roles in “Basic Instinct” and “S.W.A.T.,” also died recently on March 25, 2025. He was 86.

He spent his final moments in the comfort of his cherished cabin home in Ashland, Oregon. His wife of 45 years, Magee Downey, confirmed his passing.

His family shared the news in his obituary, expressing that he died “in his beloved cabin home of almost 50 years” and that he “wouldn’t have had it any other way.” While no cause was reported, Arndt had suffered and recovered from a stroke in 2019.

Born in 1939, Arndt’s career spanned decades across film, television, and theater. He was a longtime fixture at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where he performed for 15 seasons. His work also included acclaimed Broadway performances and notable Hollywood roles.

His commanding presence and versatility brought to life iconic characters such as King Lear, Titus Andronicus, and Iago in “Othello.” Beyond acting, he also directed productions like “Richard III” and “Cold Storage,” showcasing his talent behind the scenes.

Arndt’s work extended beyond Oregon. He graced stages at prominent theaters across the country, including the Seattle Repertory Theatre, Goodman Theatre, and Arena Stage. His work in New York included notable roles at The Public Theatre.

On screen, Arndt’s career was equally impressive. His film credits included roles in “Metro, Distant Thunder,” and “Dolphin Tale 2.” He was also a familiar face on television, appearing in popular shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Supernatural,” “Boston Legal,” “24,” “The Practice,” and more.

Before stepping into the spotlight, Arndt lived a life of courage and service. A Vietnam War veteran, he flew helicopters in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart twice for his bravery. After his military career, he piloted helicopters in Alaska, taking on dangerous missions in unforgiving terrain.

Arndt’s life took an unexpected turn when he moved to Seattle. A friend encouraged him to audition for a local theater production, where he landed the lead role. This chance encounter ignited his passion for acting, setting him on a path that would lead to a successful career on stage and screen.

He brought that same dedication and intensity from his time as a pilot into his acting. At 77, Arndt achieved what many actors only dream of — making his Broadway debut.

On October 13, 2016, he took the stage in Simon Stephens’s “Heisenberg,” a two-character play where a spontaneous encounter between strangers unfolds into something unexpected.

Arndt, who originated the role Off-Broadway at Manhattan Theater Club, played Alex Priest, a reserved and thoughtful man whose life is upended after an impulsive kiss from Georgie, played by Mary-Louise Parker.

Though the play’s title nods to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which suggests that one cannot precisely measure both the position and momentum of an object, the story delves into the unpredictability of human relationships.

In many ways, Arndt’s journey to Broadway mirrored this principle — unexpected, yet perfectly timed. His career reached its peak when he earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance in “Heisenberg.”

Offstage, Arndt embodied the quiet confidence of his character. During an interview in a calm, less hectic train station, he was described as charming and gracious, encouraging his dining companion to try Washington State oysters.

For Arndt, reaching Broadway was “a really unexpected boon at my time of life,” echoing Alex’s own words in the play. However, while Arndt attributed much of his success to luck, those who worked with him pointed to his discipline, focus, and natural talent.

His passion for acting was sparked early. Growing up near Seattle, he was drawn to the theater as a teenager, inspired by a charismatic drama teacher. “It happened at a time in my life when I was ready to be set on fire by something,” Arndt recalled.

His interest was further fueled by the presence of “all the cute girls in drama,” including his ex-wife, Marjorie Arveson. Arndt’s journey to Broadway may have been unexpected, but like his life, it was filled with purpose, passion, and an unyielding dedication to his craft.

Outside of his professional life, Arndt was drawn to the sea. He found solace sailing around the San Juan Islands, embracing the freedom that came with navigating open waters. His family remembers him as a man who lived fully, blending charm, wit, and spontaneity with a deep passion for his art.

Arndt is survived by his wife, Downey, and their three children — Tanner, Bryce, and McKenna. The actor also leaves behind four children from his previous marriage to Marjorie — Laurie, Scott, Tammy, and Kirsten.

In addition, he is remembered by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Honoring his wishes, the family will not hold any services.