What Happened to Alma Gonzales After Her Divorce from Richard Thomas?

Alma Gonzales is best known as the first wife of actor Richard Thomas, who is famous for his role as John-Boy Walton in the beloved TV show The Waltons. Their marriage lasted nearly two decades, but in 1992, Alma shocked everyone — including Richard — when she filed for divorce. Since then, Alma has chosen to live a quiet and private life, far from the media and Hollywood spotlight. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what happened to Alma after the divorce and how she has been living her life since.

Alma Gonzales Quick Bio


Full Name	Alma Gonzales
Birthplace	Los Angeles, California
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Marriage	Richard Thomas (1975–1993)
Children	Richard Jr., Barbara, Gwyneth, Pilar
Net Worth	Unknown
Current Life	Private, away from the spotlight

Alma Gonzales’ Early Life

Before meeting Richard Thomas, Alma had a life of her own. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and attended a local junior college. Alma wasn’t just a student — she was also a self-taught dancer. She didn’t attend any formal dance schools but had a natural talent for it. Her passion for dance would eventually lead her to a fateful meeting with Richard.

Alma worked as an English teacher, teaching Chicano students before diving into her passion for dancing. It was in a Middle Eastern nightclub in Los Angeles called The Fez that Alma’s life would change forever. While she wasn’t famous at the time, her graceful dancing caught the eye of Richard, and that would be the beginning of their story together.

How Alma Met Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas and Alma’s love story began in a way that’s almost like something out of a movie. They met at The Fez nightclub in Los Angeles, a place known for folk dancing. Alma was there practicing, and she immediately stood out to Richard. He later said, “She was obviously the best dancer there, and I kept ending up with her.”

Their chemistry was instant. Richard, who grew up surrounded by dancers, was captivated by Alma’s natural talent. They quickly started dating, and just a few months later, they were married. Their wedding took place on Valentine’s Day in 1975, at Richard’s childhood Baptist church in New York, a humble ceremony far from the typical Hollywood glitz.

Alma and Richard’s Marriage in the Spotlight

For a while, Alma and Richard had a picture-perfect life. After marrying in 1975, they settled into their new life together. Alma devoted herself to her family, teaching, and supporting Richard’s acting career, while Richard remained a well-known face on television.

The couple had their first child in 1976, a son named Richard Francisco Thomas Jr. They were overjoyed and embraced parenthood with love and care. A few years later, their family grew unexpectedly — in 1981, Alma gave birth to triplet daughters, Barbara, Gwyneth, and Pilar. The couple was initially expecting twins, but the surprise arrival of a third baby changed their lives forever.

The Surprising Birth of Triplets

Imagine expecting twins and finding out you’re having triplets! That’s exactly what happened to Alma and Richard. When Alma went in for a routine check-up, the doctors discovered a third heartbeat. Their surprise was shared by many, and their story made headlines. The couple’s joy was overwhelming as they welcomed their three daughters into the world.

Richard and Alma embraced their new family dynamic with love. Their triplets’ first birthday party was a big event, with friends and family gathered to celebrate. Even celebrities like John Ritter and Sally Struthers attended, making it a memorable occasion. Alma’s ability to handle the chaos of raising four young children — including three newborns — earned her admiration from Richard, who was deeply involved in parenting.

What Led to Alma and Richard’s Divorce?

Despite their seemingly perfect life, things weren’t as rosy behind the scenes. After nearly two decades of marriage, Alma filed for divorce in 1992. The news shocked Richard, who admitted it wasn’t his idea to separate. Alma explained that the decision wasn’t made lightly, but she felt emotionally unhappy in the marriage.

In an interview, Alma revealed that there wasn’t one single reason for the split. She felt that her needs weren’t being met in the relationship, and that the connection between them had changed. Richard, though devastated, later said he had no idea things were not right. However, Alma’s decision was final, and they parted ways in a respectful and amicable manner.

Alma’s Quiet Life After the Divorce

After the divorce, Alma chose to keep a very private life. She stayed away from the media and hasn’t made any public appearances or statements. Alma focused on her children and lived quietly, far from the spotlight that had once shone on her.

While Richard Thomas continued with his acting career and remarried in 1994, Alma focused on raising her children and living a peaceful life. Her decision to avoid the public eye was respected by many, as she chose to maintain her privacy and focus on family life.

Co-Parenting with Richard Thomas

Even though Alma and Richard were no longer together, they worked hard to co-parent their four children. They shared custody, and Richard remained an active part of their kids’ lives. Alma made sure to keep things calm and respectful, ensuring their children were raised with love and care from both parents.

Richard, despite his busy acting career, remained a hands-on dad, continuing to help with the kids’ daily routines. Alma supported Richard’s role as a father, and both worked together to ensure their children had a stable, loving environment.

Alma Gonzales’ Relationship with Her Children

Alma’s role as a mother has been central to her life. Even after the divorce, she remained close to her children. They all grew up to have successful and fulfilling lives, with some of them pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. Alma’s daughter Barbara Ayala became involved in production, while Gwyneth pursued acting.

Alma’s support for her children was always present, though she remained a quiet figure behind the scenes. She gave them the freedom to grow into who they wanted to be, never imposing her own dreams on them. Her approach to parenting was rooted in love and respect, which her children have always appreciated.

Life Away from the Spotlight

After her divorce, Alma Gonzales decided to step away from the public eye. She hasn’t made any public appearances or participated in media interviews. While Richard Thomas continued his career in acting and later remarried, Alma chose a quieter life, focusing on her family.

Alma has made it clear that she values her privacy. It’s not easy to live a life away from fame, especially when you’re married to someone like Richard Thomas. But Alma’s decision to stay out of the spotlight has been respected by many. She didn’t need fame to be happy. Instead, she built a peaceful life with her children and has maintained that privacy ever since.

Alma Gonzales’ Strong Relationship with Her Children

Alma has always been a devoted mother. Even after her divorce from Richard, she remained close to her children. They have grown up to be successful and independent, and Alma has always supported them from the background.

Her children, including Richard Jr., Barbara, Gwyneth, and Pilar, have followed their own paths. Barbara, for example, became involved in post-production work, and Gwyneth pursued acting. Alma never tried to push her dreams onto her children but instead allowed them to find their own way, always supporting them with love and care.

Even though Alma stayed out of the limelight, her influence on her children’s lives has been clear. They continue to speak fondly of her, showing just how strong her role as a mother was.

How Alma Gonzales Handled the Divorce with Dignity

The divorce came as a shock to many, especially Richard. But Alma handled the entire situation with grace and dignity. She admitted that the decision wasn’t easy, but she knew it was what was best for her.

Alma’s calm approach during the divorce set a strong example. Even though she was unhappy in her marriage, she didn’t let the separation turn bitter. She and Richard remained respectful towards each other, focusing on their children’s well-being. This maturity and thoughtfulness allowed them to co-parent without conflict, ensuring their kids had a stable environment.

Where Is Alma Gonzales Now?

So, where is Alma Gonzales today? Not much is known about her current life, and that’s the way she likes it. Alma’s choice to remain private after the divorce means that there are no recent updates about her location or activities. She has kept her life far from the public eye, focusing on what matters most — her family.

It’s clear that Alma’s journey after the divorce has been one of quiet strength. While Richard found love again and built a new family, Alma has chosen peace and privacy. Although she’s not in the news, Alma’s life remains meaningful and full of love, especially through her children.

Alma Gonzales’ Legacy of Privacy and Strength

Alma’s story is a reminder that there are different paths to happiness. While Richard Thomas became a well-known figure in Hollywood, Alma chose a different route — one that prioritized family, privacy, and peace. Despite the challenges she faced, Alma handled everything with grace, raising her children and creating a life for herself away from the cameras.

Her legacy is a quiet one, but it’s one built on strength, love, and the importance of family. Alma might not seek the spotlight, but she continues to inspire those who value personal happiness and resilience.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Alma Gonzales’ life after her divorce from Richard Thomas is a testament to the power of personal strength and quiet resilience. Though her story is not one of public fame, it’s one of quiet grace, dedication to her children, and a commitment to living a peaceful life.

Her choice to live privately may have seemed unusual to some, but it was the right path for her. Alma continues to be a reminder that living a fulfilling life doesn’t require public recognition — sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones that are told quietly, behind the scenes.