Leaving a comfortable place for new experiences is a part of life. The simple fact is that if we want to grow as people, we have to leave some things behind. But the truth doesn't mean that it becomes any easier to exit those familiar spaces, especially when they're full of familiar and well-loved faces.

Michael Learned wasn't the first to leave The Waltons. Richard Thomas left the series after roughly five seasons playing John-Boy. Thomas went on to pursue a career in film and on the stage. Some departures felt much more sudden; actor Will Geer passed away in 1978, during the show's initial airing.

Learned decided to leave the series in 1979. But although she wasn't the first Walton to leave the family, the loss was still felt, not only amongst the cast and crew but in the fictional world that The Waltons had created.

"Each time we lose a person, we lose very special qualities," said Earl Hamner in an interview with the Associated Press. "With Richard Thomas, it was that young, inquiring, intellectual feeling. With Will Geer, it was the patriarch, the link with the past, and sort of the heartbeat of the show. Without Michael — which we hope is only temporary — we lose the mother figure. She was Mother Earth, Mother Courage."

See More

Michael Learned always wanted an opportunity to play a ''nasty lady''

Hamner's hope proved to be vital; Learned did return to the role in various guest appearances. Moreover, even after The Waltons had ended, many of the cast reunited in special programming as the years went on, proving that no matter where we go, the strength of family will remain as long as we are gone.

Watch The Waltons on MeTV!

Weekdays at 12 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

 Add to Favorites  Remind Me