• Why did 'The Waltons' have to end? 
  • Judy Norton explains the real reasons
  • THIS is what she had to say

It's been 43 years since the curtain officially fell on 'The Waltons'. Actress Judy Norton, who played "Mary Ellen Walton," explains why the series had to end. After nine seasons, 'The Waltons' ended in 1981 and the fans had to say goodbye to the most famous TV family around. According to 'MeTV', the ending shocked fans greatly. But the popularity of the series had long since fallen.

'The Waltons' made TV history

According to 'MeTV', the ending shocked fans greatly. But the popularity of the series had long since fallen. In American series ratings, the second season took second place, seven seasons later it slipped to 42nd place, according to 'MeTV'.

Also interesting:

For actress Judy Norton, however, the series' ending came as no surprise. The actress said this in a YouTube video: "I think a lot of us sort of felt like the show was coming to an end. There was that sort of feel about it. But expecting something and actually hearing about it are two different things," Judy explained...

Watch the video above to learn more!