For fans of the classic family drama The Waltons, Cindy Eilbacher is best remembered for her role as Martha Rose Coverdale, appearing between 1972 and 1976. As the sweet local girl who captured the heart of Waltons’ eldest son John-Boy, Eilbacher became a familiar face during her time on the show. But after leaving The Waltons, Eilbacher seemed to step back from the spotlight, leaving many fans to wonder—what ever happened to Cindy Eilbacher?
Background Information
Cindy Eilbacher, born in Saudi Arabia to an American oil executive, began her acting career at a young age. Along with her siblings, including Bobby Eilbacher and Lisa Eilbacher, Cindy entered the world of acting as a child star. Her early years in the industry were marked by appearances in various television shows, where she quickly made a name for herself with her natural acting style and on-screen charisma.
Acting Career
Cindy Eilbacher had a prolific acting career spanning from the mid-1960s through the mid-1990s. She got her start as a child actress in TV shows like Bewitched, My Mother the Car, and Family Affair.
As she got older, Eilbacher transitioned into more mature roles in shows like The Waltons, playing Martha Rose Coverdale for several seasons, as well as appearances in popular 70s and 80s shows like Vega$, Hunter, and The Young and the Restless.
She also starred in a number of made-for-TV movies over the course of her career and small budget movies including Slumber Party Massacre II, staring alongside Crystal Bernard.
While never achieving mainstream stardom, Eilbacher established herself as a prolific character actress with a lengthy resume of guest starring and supporting roles across film and television.
Cindy Eilbacher’s last credited acting role was in the 1996 TV movie “My Son Is Innocent”, where she played a Female Customer. After that, she does not seem to have any further acting credits, suggesting she retired from acting around that time in the mid-1990s.
What Cindy Eilbacher is Doing Now?
Cindy Eilbacher, much like her sister, remains retired from the acting world. In the years following her departure from Hollywood, she has maintained a remarkably private life. There are no recent news updates or interviews that shed light on her current endeavors, and she does not have any known public social media profiles. This absence from the public eye suggests that Eilbacher has chosen a path of tranquility and privacy, far removed from the media attention that once surrounded her.
Her decision to live a quiet life, away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, speaks volumes about her desire for a more personal and peaceful existence, one that prioritizes her well-being and privacy over public recognition.
Recently, Cindy Eilbacher was mentioned in a video by Judy Norton, a fellow actress from “The Waltons.” In the video, Judy Norton discusses her relationship with Cindy Eilbacher during their time on “The Waltons.” Norton recalls that she knew Eilbacher before the show, as they often encountered each other at auditions. She mentions that Eilbacher frequently secured roles that Norton herself had auditioned for, indicating a professional rivalry in their early careers. Norton believes Eilbacher might have auditioned for the role of Mary Ellen on “The Waltons,” a part that Norton ultimately got.
While acknowledging Eilbacher’s talent and admitting to a bit of jealousy over her getting parts she wanted, Norton clarifies that their on-camera rivalry did not translate off-camera. They were not close friends and did not spend time together outside of the set, but they did get along well during their work.