Waltons patriarch Ralph Waite dies at 85

Ralph Waite, best known for his role in the hit '70s TV series The Waltons, has died at his Palms Springs home at the age of 85.

US actor Ralph Waite, who played in the hit TV series The Waltons, has died at the age of 85. (AAP)

US actor Ralph Waite, who played the father in the hit TV series The Waltons, has died.

Waite's manager, Alan Mills, says the actor died on Thursday in the Palm Springs area. He was 85.

Waite was best known for his role as the patriarch in the 1970s series, but he continued working as an actor.

Mills says Waite appeared recently in recurring roles on shows including NCIS and Days of Our Lives.