Eric Scott, best known for playing Ben Walton on the 1970s classic The Waltons, was recently spotted in Los Angeles in a Dodgers T‑shirt and faded jeans. After the show ended in 1981, he left Hollywood, worked a year in retail, then pivoted to delivery driving and ultimately founded his own messenger service across Greater Los Angeles.

From Ben Walton to Delivery Driver: A Career Pivot After 1981

According to a March 2026 interview with That’s Classic, Scott’s transition from acting to retail was brief; he quit the Broadway department store after realizing it wasn’t for him. He then accepted a role as a delivery driver for a messenger company, a job he appreciated for its flexibility while still keeping him somewhat connected to the entertainment industry. The source notes that this practical move ultimately led him to found and run his own messenger service.

Retail Reality and the Decision to Quit

Scott’s brief retail experience, as reported by the source, ended with the line, "I don’t like retail. I quit it." The interview highlights that he had expected another acting job to materialize, but when that did not happen, he chose a more stable livelihood. This decision underscores a broader trend of former child actors seeking grounded careers outside Hollywood.

Mother’s Discipline and the Eagle Scout Legacy

Scott credited his mother for keeping him grounded during his child‑star years , insisting he maintain a normal routine that included chores and participation in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts . The source records that he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a detail that illustrates the disciplined foundation he carried into adulthood. This personal background may explain his prgmatic career choices post‑acting.

Unanswered Questions About the Messenger Business

While the source confirms that Scott founded his own messenger service , it does not disclose the company’s name, size, or current operational scope. It also leaves unclear whether the business has expanded beyond the Greater Los Angeles area or how it competes with larger courier firms. These gaps invite further inquiry into the scale and success of his entrepreneurial venture.

Reflections on a “Strange Transition” and Childhood Fame

In the interview, Scott described his career shift as a "strange transition" that ultimately worked out better than expected. He humorously critiqued his former character Ben Walton as "very impulsive" and "an idiot," noting that Ben was far more emotional and prone to poor decisions than he is himself. Watching old episodes now serves as a personal time capsule, the source says, allowing him to observe his younger self interpreting scripts.