As an art form, acting is often considered to be a full-time job, especially for those acting in television who find themselves on set more frequently than off. It can be difficult to separate a public life from a private one, but in order to live a rich and multifaceted life, it's important to enjoy passions and hobbies whenever you can.

When he wasn't playing John-Boy, Richard Thomas frequently enjoyed showing dogs in various dog shows throughout the country.

"I participate in as many shows as I can," said Thomas during an interview with The Herald Statesman. "Of course, it depends a lot on my timing with The Waltons and right now we're between shooting schedules."

It was a passion that Thomas discovered long before he ventured into acting when he was still just a child.

"I love this show," Thomas said of the annual Show and Obedience Trial by the Saw Mill River Kennel Club. "This is one of the best shows left in the country, and certainly the cream of the crop of the few indoor 'benched' shows that still exist."

Specifically, Thomas showed Great Danes, a dog known for their enormous size.

"Most of the dogs are here on the east coast," he said. "But I keep a couple of them with me in California."

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Richard Thomas loved acting in television, despite its reputation

Still, Thomas wasn't entirely safe from a few eagle-eyed fans, who noticed him at the Trial. Funnily enough, a young fan of The Waltons actually confused Thomas with his character, John-Boy Walton.

"What's he doing here?" asked a young girl who spotted Thomas. "I thought he lived on a farm."

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