Stars of the hit display “The Waltons,” Michael Learned, and Ralph Waite had intense emotions for each different off-screen. But they mutually determined not to pursue a romantic courting.
Hollywood starlet Michael Learned starred alongside famed actor Ralph Waite in the long-running CBS TV show, “The Waltons” as husband and wife.
The collection focused at the Walton family who lived in Virginia’s rural Blue Ridge Mountains all through the Great Depression-era and World War II. The widespread display had a ten-year tenure and was on air for 9 seasons between 1971 and 1982.
(L) Actress Michael Learned embraces actor Ralph Waite in scene from the TV series "The Waltons." (R) Michael Learned and Ralph Waite attend the signing of Mary McDonough's e-book 'Lessons From the Mountain: What I Learned From Erin Walton' at Book Soup on April 16, 2011 in West Hollywood, California | Photo: Getty Images
THE TRUTH REVEALED
In an interview in February 2019, Learned revealed exclusive information about her chemistry with Waite for the primary time in nearly forty years for the reason that show aired.
The veteran actress admitted that she and the proficient director had been in love while filming the drama sequence and even went out on a date as soon as. Even regardless that they had been attracted to one another, the pair never explored a romantic dating.
They feared that one thing would cross incorrect, ultimately affecting the display. Learned added that the location would have “gotten messy.” She stated "The Waltons" would were ruined if she and Waite had theoretically hit a brick wall because of their behind-the-scenes romance.
Michael Learned as Olivia Walton and Ralph Waite as John Walton in "The Waltons" all through the episode "The Empty Nest." | Photo: Getty Images
Even regardless that the idea had crossed their minds, the risk was a ways too high for the lead stars who figured it shouldn't have been well worth the bother:
“We had a deep love for each and every other that we would have ruined if we had taken that extra step, and we didn’t. We never did. We thought about it, but we didn’t.”
Learned mentioned that as an alternative, the "Cliffhanger" star changed into her spiritual husband and that what they had was once one thing that got here throughout on-screen, “our love was deep and true.”
Michael Learned as Olivia Walton and Ralph Waite as John Walton in "The Waltons" during the episode "The Parting" on November 16, 1978 | Photo: Getty Images
When the sequence had only started in 1972, the 82-year-old used to be going through a divorce from her first husband, Pete Donat, whom she married in 1956.
Meanwhile, Waite had already gone thru the same experience a few years previous with his first wife, Beverly Waite. The couple were married from 1951 to 1966.
He and Learned beloved their shut friendship that lasted until his loss of life, and she admitted that she missed him terribly. The mother of 3 described Waite as a complicated guy and defined that as a result of they had been pals, it never bothered her.
An undated image of Michael Learned all the way through CBS at 75 at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, New York | Photo: Getty Images
The four-time Emmy award winner mentioned if they have been married, she would have had a problem along with his complicatedness, adding Waite would have felt the similar about her:
"We're both very flawed human beings, but I loved him dearly. What can I say? And he loved me."
Millions of lovers strongly believed that Learned and Waite's on-screen bond used to be past the small screen, and they have been deemed the perfect couple elevating their circle of relatives.
Michael Learned (as Olivia Walton), Ralph Waite (as John Walton) in "The Waltons" on January 1, 1974 | Photo: Getty Images
A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
Interestingly, the passion between the 2 advanced previous on prior to they changed into one in every of America's liked tv duo. Learned spoke frankly about their instant chemistry from their audition, particularly her first-ever display screen try-out.
Regardless of being a newbie at the time, the "Living Dolls" big name controlled to land probably the most prominent role of her occupation as Olivia on the show despite reservations from some male executives on the network who felt she was once too young for the job.
However, she proved them fallacious as soon as filming began, and they witnessed the appeal between her and Waite that helped their scenes develop into more natural.
Michael Learned showing in the ABC TV movie "Hurricane" in 1974 | Photo: Getty Images
LEARNED’S EXIT FROM THE SERIES
After enjoying the much-loved matriarch of the Walton family and bagging 3 awards since the series began, Learned’s contract ended in December 1978.
Her departure introduced a way of misery as considered one of her fans wrote to her stating he would get started a petition to keep her on the task, but the Washington D.C native used to be not impressed.
Be that as it's going to, Learned herself found it difficult to mention goodbye to her inspiring persona that touched many lives. Still, she admitted that she became unhappy being on the tv display, among different things.
Michael Learned as Olivia Walton in "The Waltons" during an episode "The Empty Nest" on June 16, 1978 | Photo: Getty Images
THE SHOW’S LASTING IMPACT
Nonetheless, Learned still considers her loved castmates as her second circle of relatives whilst mentioning the lasting have an effect on the show has had over the years:
"Ralph and I did become like mom and dad. We were the set mom and dad for the kids. They didn't necessarily come to us with their problems, but we were like family."
LIVING WITH REGRET
She defined that they have been playful and adored every different as co-stars on set. In 2017, Learned revealed to Fox News that there have been occasions she regretted leaving the historical drama.
“Yes, there’s been instances when I’ve regretted it most effective in that it almost certainly would had been higher to complete the entire show,” she said, adding, "the fact is I was bored, and I thought I had enough money, which wasn't true.”
Pictured: From left, Ralph Waite (as John Walton), Richard Thomas (as John Boy Walton), and Michael Learned (as Olivia Walton) in "The Waltons" on January 1, 1974 | Photo: Getty Images
Though she was not part of the show until it ended, Waite was. The New York native tragically died on February 13, 2014, at age 85.
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Waite died at his home in Palm Desert, California and his agent, Susan Zachary, confirmed his passing while revealing that they had not determined the reason for demise.
Ralph Waite as John Walton in the episode "Children's Carol," in the CBS television series "The Waltons," September 20, 1977 | Photo: Getty Images
PLAYING JOHN ON THE SHOW
Waite was a celebrated New York stage actor, and when he was offered the role of the mighty John on "The Waltons," he was reportedly not too enthusiastic about it.
But Zachary advised him to accept the offer to make some money in Hollywood and go back home. As the patriarch of the Waltons, Waite’s character displayed wisdom, courage, goodness, and a bit of temper.
Pictured: The cast of the hit television series "The Waltons" poses for a promotional photo. L-R: (back row) Michael Learned, Richard Thomas and Ralph Waite; (center row) Jon Walmsley, Ellen Corby, Will Geer, Kami Cotler and David W. Harper; (bottom row) Judy Norton Taylor, Eric Scott and Elizabeth McDonough in 1972 | Photo: Getty Images
In 2004, the TV star was ranked No.3 by a TV Guide poll of readers on its “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time” list for his character. Most notably, “The Waltons” produced six made-for-television movie sequels since then.
Apart from being an entertainer, Waite was once a person of many skills. The father of one used to be previously a social employee, a marine, an ordained minister, and a e-book editor.
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