https://www.metv.com/stories/producers-on-the-waltons-tried-making-olivia-walton-look-older

The casting description called for an actress in her early to mid-40s, with long, reddish hair. Michael Learned was the opposite.

Sometime I'll provide an in-depth analysis of Miss Michael L.'s looks on
The Waltons. In the meantime, here are some nice images.

Looking very young in this early series image. So lovely,
naturally beautiful. I'll be checking my Season 1 DVDs to
see if she's wearing earrings in the actual episodes:
286224

Updos for her hair - we tended to see her tresses
down only in bedroom scenes:
286225

Another look at an updo. No doubt the producers had
a matronly look in mind for Miss Michael L.:
286226

Attractive ponytail:
286227

Quite glamorous in this image, as the series picks up much-
deserved awards. Her eye makeup is very prominent, so
unlike how she appears in character on the shows:
286228

Miss Michael Learned is quite an attractive woman with
exceptionally pretty hair. Her 1973 Gunsmoke episode has my
highest recommendation, she is very hot on that show....!