Michael Learned's real-life kids wanted her to be more like Olivia Walton

They wished life would imitate art, according to Judy Norton in a new video.

Michael Learned was an accomplished stage actress based in San Francisco when she was cast as mother of seven Olivia in the beloved family drama The Waltons. She most often acted opposite Ralph Waite as her husband John, and together the pair embodied the kind, nurturing figures that all good parents strive to be.

Of course, it's easy to be perfect when your words come from a script and you have multiple takes to get things right.

In a new video uploaded to her YouTube channel, Mary Ellen Walton herself, Judy Norton, talks about Michael Learned and working with her for years on set. Norton relates the struggles of working long days while filming, especially for Learned who had three boys at home.

"It was very challenging for her with the kind of work schedule that we had," Norton remembers. "That was really difficult for her at times, to have to work all day and feel that she was not having the opportunity to be there for her own sons."

Norton notes that Learned "loved spending all the time with all of her second family" but she was conflicted — a feeling many working parents can relate to.

Learned's home and work life were brought head to head in a funny anecdote she shared with her onscreen daughter.

"She told me a story one time that I absolutely love," Norton says in the video. "Michael, like most of us, had her struggles as a parent. I always said it's much easier to be a parent on television because the script writers give you all the right answers and at the end of the day you always get it right."

Norton continues, "Michael said there was a time around her own table at home when her sons weren't particularly happy and one of them finally said to her, 'Why can’t you be more like you are on The Waltons?'"

They have a point. Who wouldn't want Olivia Walton as a mom?

Judy Norton divulges another good story she heard from Learned. Because Michael had a name not typically associated with women, it sometimes caused confusion. Even in early episodes of The Waltons, Learned is credited as "Miss Michael Learned," just to stress her femininity.

Learned spoke once about a mix-up that happened over the phone. In Norton's words, "She got on the phone and the person answered and she said, 'Michael,' and the person said, 'No, Michele' and she said, 'No, it's Michael,' and he said, 'No, it's Michele.' It turned out his name was Michele. So, he thought that she was calling him by the wrong name and she thought that he was trying to call her by the wrong name."

Watch Judy Norton's full video below.

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9 Comments

Traumaangel 42 months ago
My life was uprooted numerous times during my childhood. I'd end up living with my grandmother and uncle occasionally. My grandmother was Grandma Walton to a tee. My grandfather, Native American, taught me the ways of the mountain and land just like Grandpa Walton. I didn't get to enjoy him long. He died the same time Grandpa Walton did. The Waltons were our show we watched together. I miss the time I spent with them and the wealth of knowledge that was passed down even through the show. I always wanted the girls to be my sisters. Great memories! I hope to 1 day get Ms Mcdonough's book to find out what it was truly like.
rita 43 months ago
Where is the story about how the parent Waltons fell in love in real life
frances3agape 49 months ago
the script comment
the phone name mixup
ASperos 49 months ago
Love Mr.and Mrs. Walton!!!! That is still a great show!!!!!
elisawilcurt 49 months ago
I love watching the Waltons. Miss Learned was a great mom.
F5Twitster 49 months ago
"Learned spoke once about a mix-up that happened over the phone. In Norton's words, 'She got on the phone and the person answered and she said, "Michael," and the person said, "No, Michele" and she said, "No, it's Michael," and he said, "No, it's Michele." It turned out his name was Michele. So, he thought that she was calling him by the wrong name and she thought that he was trying to call her by the wrong name.'"

EXCEPT that the man on the other end of the line's name was FRENCH, and it's spelled MICHEL, pronounced "Michelle."
nickiallen 49 months ago
I really love the show. Good ole days....,bygone days!
49 months ago
I would loved to have had Olivia Walton as a mom too.
Not me. I was happy with the one I had. She was the greatest. {To paraphrase Jackie Gleason.}
There was a character on the Waltons who I sort of likened to my mom: The teacher. My mom was a teacher, and they each had the same name: Rose Mary.
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