Before Richard Thomas became known for his long and happy second marriage, his life included a deeply emotional chapter with Alma Gonzales, the woman who was once his first wife. Their story is not only about fame and divorce but also about love, family, sacrifice, and personal growth. This article explores who Alma Gonzales is, how her life connected with Richard Thomas, why their marriage ended, and what happened after they went their separate ways.
Quick Bio Table: Alma Gonzales
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Alma Gonzales |
| Known For | First wife of Richard Thomas |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Ethnicity | Mexican-American |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Richard Thomas |
| Marriage Year | 1975 |
| Divorce Year | 1993 |
| Children | 4 |
| Famous Child | Gweneth Gonzales Thomas |
| Public Presence | Very private |
| Current Life | Lives quietly |
Who Is Alma Gonzales?
Alma Gonzales is best known as the first wife of Richard Thomas, the famous actor from The Waltons. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and comes from a Mexican-American background. Unlike her former husband, she never wanted fame or a public career.
Before marriage, Alma Gonzales worked in education and had a strong interest in dance, especially folk dancing. Friends described her as calm, artistic, and family-oriented. She preferred a simple life and stayed far away from Hollywood attention.
How Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales Met
The love story between Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales began in the early 1970s in Los Angeles. Richard met Alma while she was dancing at a club. He later said he was drawn to her natural beauty and quiet confidence.
At that time, Richard was becoming very famous. Even with his rising career, Alma Gonzales stayed grounded. Their relationship grew quickly, based on respect and shared values, not Hollywood glamour.
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Marriage: A Quiet Wedding Away from Fame
Richard Thomas married Alma Gonzales on February 14, 1975, choosing Valentine’s Day for their wedding. The ceremony was private and simple, held at a church instead of a celebrity venue.
At that time, many people referred to her as Richard Thomas’ wife Alma Gonzales, but she avoided interviews and public events. She focused on building a strong family while Richard worked long hours as an actor.
Children and Family Life
Together, Richard and Alma Gonzales had four children. Their first child, Richard Francisco Thomas, was born in 1976. Later, they welcomed triplet daughters in 1981.
One of the daughters is Gweneth Gonzales Thomas, often searched online because of her unique name. Raising four children, including triplets, was not easy. Alma Gonzales became the main caregiver, managing home life while Richard traveled for work.

Richard Thomas Alma Gonzales Age Difference
Many fans ask about the Richard Thomas Alma Gonzales age difference. While exact birth years are private, sources suggest their age gap was small and never a problem in their relationship.
Their challenges came not from age, but from different lifestyles. Richard lived a public life, while Alma Gonzales preferred privacy and emotional stability.
Life Behind Closed Doors
Even though they looked happy in public, their marriage faced pressure. Richard’s acting career required long absences. Alma Gonzales handled parenting, home duties, and emotional support mostly alone.
Over time, emotional distance grew. Alma later shared that she felt unhappy and unheard. This quiet struggle stayed hidden from fans who saw only smiles and success.
The Heartbreaking Divorce
After nearly 18 years of marriage, Alma Gonzales filed for divorce in 1992. The divorce became final in 1993. The reason given was “irreconcilable differences.”
Richard later admitted the divorce shocked him deeply. The split marked the end of a major chapter in his life. Even though the separation was painful, both agreed to remain respectful for their children.
First Wife Alma Gonzales Today
Many people search for first wife Alma Gonzales today, but she lives a very private life. After the divorce, she stayed out of the spotlight and avoided media attention.
Alma Gonzales did not remarry publicly and focused on her children and personal peace. She chose a quiet life, away from Hollywood and celebrity culture.
Is Richard Thomas Married Now?
A common question is, is Richard Thomas married today? Yes. After his divorce from Alma Gonzales, Richard married Georgiana Bischoff in 1994.
They have now been married for over 30 years, building a blended family. This long marriage came only after Richard healed from his earlier heartbreak.
Who Is Richard Thomas Married To?
For those asking who is Richard Thomas married to, the answer is Georgiana Bischoff, an art dealer. Their relationship is stable and private, very different from his early years in Hollywood.
Richard often credits life lessons learned during his marriage to Alma Gonzales for helping him grow emotionally.
Legacy of Alma Gonzales in Richard’s Life
Even years later, Alma Gonzales remains an important part of Richard Thomas’ personal history. She was his first wife, the mother of his children, and a key influence during his early adulthood.
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Their story shows that not all love stories last forever, but they still matter deeply. Respect, co-parenting, and growth became their shared legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Alma Gonzales?
She is the first wife of actor Richard Thomas and the mother of his four children.
Q2: How long were Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales married?
They were married for about 18 years, from 1975 to 1993.
Q3: Does Alma Gonzales live in public today?
No, she lives a very private life and avoids media attention.
Q4: Is Richard Thomas married now?
Yes, he has been married to Georgiana Bischoff since 1994.
Q5: Who is Gweneth Gonzales Thomas?
She is one of the triplet daughters of Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales.

