The Waltons actor Sian Barbara Allen said that this was the true strain of being an actor

"You can't give up," said Allen.

Warner Brothers

The Waltons has the rare opportunity to appeal to viewers of all ages. While many fans seem focused on the simplicity of the series, on the comforting nature of John and Olivia Walton, there's plenty of action and drama to satisfy a younger generation of viewers.

Young fans were able to grow up alongside John-Boy, to watch as he fell in love with Jenny Pendleton, played by Sian Barbara Allen. Allen appeared multiple times in The Waltons, and was also the girlfriend of actor Richard Thomas for a period of time, according to an interview with the Associated Press.

Despite her recurring role on The Waltons, Allen knew that an actor's success was never guaranteed.

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"The competition is incredible," said Allen. "The terrible thing about acting is that there are so many of us," said the actor. "There isn't enough work. And we're so emotionally insecure. That's why all actors are neurotic and crazy. God knows I am. You live in your emotions, and you overreact to things."

Allen acknowledged that the actual acting process was fairly easy to work; it was the business itself and the life of an actor that was truly a struggle.

"When your life depends on acceptance and rejection, it's a strain," said Allen. "The strain of being an actor is not the work. It's what you go through before and after. The agony of not getting the work."

Still, Allen was willing to persevere, and always put her best foot forward, relying on the words of her acting idols to inspire her.

"You can't give up," said Allen. "I found a 1936 fan magazine with a quote from Bette Davis. She said, 'I'll never give up acting for anybody or anything, even if it breaks my heart.'"

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8 Comments

cperrynaples 10 hours ago
That last quote was ironic in that Allen disappeared after the '70's! His last role was LA Law in 1990!
KawiVulc 1 day ago
That 4th paragraph... nothing's changed there except the current crop won't admit it.
coolhat KawiVulc 8 hours ago
Likely because their every move is highly scrutinized, i would think.
cperrynaples 1 day ago
Sad and ironic timing! Allen died yesterday at the age of 76!
PS It was dementia that killed her!
JimmyAngel 1 day ago
Karen Allen’s sister
cperrynaples JimmyAngel 10 hours ago
FALSE! I can see a similar face but they're NOT related! I believe she was Little Joe's last romance on Bonanza! It was after his wife was murdered!
JimmyAngel cperrynaples 7 minutes ago
My bad I thought she was and you need to relax
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