Mom Olivia from ‘The Waltons’ Amazes with Blonde Bob at 84 – She ‘Loved’ Her TV Husband Yet They Married Other Co-stars
The alias Michael Learned Olivia Walton, mother of “The Waltons,” stunned fans with her 84-year-old blonde bob! The actress revealed that she “loved” Ralph Waite, her television husband, and discussed their relationship. After breaking their hearts, Michael and Ralph fell in love with their younger “The Waltons” co-stars.
Michael Learned, widely known for playing Olivia Walton in the hit TV drama, “The Waltons,” celebrated her 84th birthday on April 9, 2023. Countless fans gathered on social media to wish the actress a happy birthday and thank her for the years of entertainment she offered them.
Many of her co-workers and friends also took to Facebook to mark her big day. Even at her age, Learned stunned fans with a beautiful blonde bob. Besides being a multiple Emmy Award winner, Learned is also a doting mom and grandma.
The Washington D.C. native was raised in England, where she attended boarding school. Here, she discovered her love for acting and honed her craft. At the age of 17, she met her first husband and had three children, although she eventually divorced and remarried three more times.
Learned’s time on “The Waltons” significantly shaped her life.
These days, Learned spends much of her time doting on her grandchildren. She shared that the little ones have adorably nicknamed her “My Granny Mikey,” and that she adores being a grandmother. Admittedly, Learned often spoils her grandchildren, sneaking them candy without their parents knowing. The actress shared:
“I just melt and want to say, ‘You want some candy? Take two, they’re small. Just don’t let mommy know!'”Fans and friends wished Learned the best with one writing, “Happy Birthday. Michael Learned. I saw your interview on you tube sensational you still got that energy and spark and loved you in the Waltons (sic).”
Another commented, “Michael is amazing!! Happy birthday Michael (sic).” Fans also described the aging beauty as “sensational,” and said she still looks fantastic.
What Relationship Did Michael Learned Have with Her TV Husband Ralph Waite?
Learned’s time on “The Waltons” significantly shaped her life. The actress has confessed that her on-screen romance with her co-star Waite often translated into real life. The two were reportedly “in love” off-screen but never pursued a romantic relationship.
Following their divorces, Learned and Waite were both downtrodden and had little hope of finding love again.
They never formed a physical relationship, though. Learned instead described their bond as “spiritual.” Waite also mentioned that he and his on-screen wife were like family. He noted that it was almost impossible not to become so close after working together for seven years.
Nonetheless, Learned and Waite kept things professional for the sake of the cast. The two had both gone through tremendous heartbreak in their life and didn’t want their personal lives to seep into the show. While working together, the two bonded over the pain of going through a divorce.
Which Co-stars Did Michael Learned and Ralph Waite Marry?
Following their divorces, Learned and Waite were both downtrodden and had little hope of finding love again. Over time, however, they each met new people through “The Waltons.”
Waite was linked to the actress Kerry Shear, who guest starred on the TV show, and the couple eventually married in 1977.
