WALTONS Star Michael Learned Reflects On Show’s Legacy: ‘We Were Truly Family’
By Movieguide® Contributor
THE WALTONS star Michael Learned recently opened up about her time on the show, as well as her “deep” love for co-star Ralph Waite.
THE WALTONS premiered in 1972 and ran for nine seasons, in addition to six TV movies and a 2021 reboot movie.
Learned and Waite played the matriarch and patriarch of the Walton clan in the original show.
The actress, who describes the cast as her “second family,” spoke of her love for her TV family.
“We spent more time together shooting the show than we did with our own families,” she joked. “So of course, we became close. I love them.”
She was especially close to Waite, her onscreen husband.
“I loved him very much,” Learned said. “And we loved each other as much as anybody could love anybody…our love was so deep and spiritual. And you know, Ralph would put me in my place…He didn’t make any bones about telling me to shape up. And it was the same with me.”
She continued, “I just couldn’t bear it whenever we had a disagreement. If we weren’t getting along, I couldn’t stand it. I remember once we had a spat about some stupid thing. I just had to go knock on his dressing room door. I was crying. Just in tears. I told him, ‘We have to make up because I can’t shoot this scene if we’re still mad at each other.’ And of course, he would just open his arms up and hug me.”
“We were truly family, with all the ups and downs that come with it, except there was no prior baggage,” the actress concluded.
Learned also spoke about the deep impact THE WALTONS had on its audience.
“When I look back, I think about the people who watched the show, those who were also going through financial hardships,” Learned explained. “Those who had unhappy childhoods. They tuned in because it made them feel good. And when we started, none of us thought we would stick around. We used to joke that we were just going to be around for a week or two.”
She continued, “It makes [the cast] feel good that the show continues to hit home. So many people come up to me, even today, and say, ‘Watching THE WALTONS was the only time I felt safe for an hour.’ Others tell me it reminds them of their childhoods when life was sweeter and more innocent. We’re proud of our work.”
The legacy of THE WALTONS continues today. A WALTONS THANKSGIVING will premiere on November 20.
A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:
A WALTONS THANKSGIVING is another wonderful program. A very kind, gentle and homey manner permeates the movie. There’s always sufficient jeopardy that propels the story and keeps it exciting. This time, Olivia has the strongest role. Best of all, faith and family underlie every scene, with prayer and family love taking the lead.
A WALTONS THANKSGIVING is a delightful Thanksgiving treat that will help audiences understand why it’s so important to give thanks to God and to love each other.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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