Why Did Michael Learned Leave The Waltons in 1979? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Mike22580 · 04-13-2007, 10:16 PM

I was watching the waltons the final seasons of the waltons which are not my favorite seasons and i was wondering why Olivia Walton (Michael Learned's Character) was written off the show. They explained she had an illness and went away to seek treatment? I was wondering if producers wrote her off the show or she opted not to renew her contract during the final few seasons of the show. I think the show would have probably lasted another season if she would have stayed with the series.

Dr. Thong · 04-13-2007, 10:38 PM

Michael Learned left to star in a 1980 TV movie titled Nurse, which ended up serving as the pilot for a show that ran for two seasons and 25 episodes, spanning April 1981 - May 1982. The show also featured Robert Reed and Hattie Winston as regulars.

Ireneparalegal · 04-13-2007, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Michael Learned left to star in a 1980 TV movie titled Nurse, which ended up serving as the pilot for a show that ran for two seasons and 25 episodes, spanning April 1981 - May 1982. The show also featured Robert Reed and Hattie Winston as regulars.

That was why we were given that annoying family member ROSE!

I totally forgot abt that show NURSE. My God, I used to watch that show. How could I forget?

Dr. Thong · 04-14-2007, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

That was why we were given that annoying family member ROSE!

I totally forgot abt that show NURSE. My God, I used to watch that show. How could I forget?

Well, it was over 25 years ago, Irene - cut yerself some slack!

It was basically a one-season wonder and I don't believe it's ever been rerun since then, so I think you're forgiven this memory lapse.

Dusty's Fan · 04-14-2007, 01:04 PM

Quote:

That was why we were given that annoying family member ROSE!

I thought that was a rare example of poor casting for the show. I didn't care for her either.

catlover79 · 04-14-2007, 04:48 PM

Michael Learned was in every single Waltons reunion movie, and so was Richard Thomas. I don't think Peggy Rea was ever in any, but I'm not sure. Ms. Rea went on to play Mrs. Boss Hogg on Dukes of Hazzard, and Suzanne Somers' mother the first season of Step by Step.

Did anyone ever see the Waltons' Christmas movie, The Homecoming? This served as the pilot to the series. Patricia Neal and Andrew Duggan played Olivia and John. Edgar Bergen played Grandpa. Ellen Corby (Grandma) and all the kids were the same. I wonder how Patricia Neal would've done had she gone on to the series. She was wonderful in the movie.

Tennesseestorm · 09-02-2007, 01:15 AM

I think also around 1980, she played in the movie, "Christmas Without Snow".

I have never seen that pilot Waltons, but would love to see it. Does anyone know if it is available on DVD?

Thanks

Mr. Television · 09-02-2007, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Well, it was over 25 years ago, Irene - cut yerself some slack!

It was basically a one-season wonder and I don't believe it's ever been rerun since then, so I think you're forgiven this memory lapse.

It was rerunned on Lifetime for awhile.

Mr. Television · 09-02-2007, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Michael Learned was in every single Waltons reunion movie, and so was Richard Thomas. I don't think Peggy Rea was ever in any, but I'm not sure. Ms. Rea went on to play Mrs. Boss Hogg on Dukes of Hazzard, and Suzanne Somers' mother the first season of Step by Step.

Did anyone ever see the Waltons' Christmas movie, The Homecoming? This served as the pilot to the series. Patricia Neal and Andrew Duggan played Olivia and John. Edgar Bergen played Grandpa. Ellen Corby (Grandma) and all the kids were the same. I wonder how Patricia Neal would've done had she gone on to the series. She was wonderful in the movie.

I used to watch that movie every year. It's a true classic.

catlover79 · 09-02-2007, 02:01 PM

The Homecoming (1971) is indeed available on DVD. It is a true Christmas classic.

Tennesseestorm · 09-02-2007, 02:36 PM

Thanks Catlover! I will look for it!

catlover79 · 09-02-2007, 08:33 PM

No problem! Let us know what you think once you've watched it!!

Jude The Obscure · 06-08-2008, 02:42 AM

I have the DVD of The Homecoming--one of my fave Christmas movies.

I think Patricia Neal, IMO, was too old to play the mother on the series....such a startling contrast to Michael Learned's youthfulness.

I guess one day I will get the series on DVD.

Zoneboy · 06-08-2008, 03:33 AM

I didn't mind Rose that much, Jeffrey Burton though was extremely annoying and Serena was somewhat tolerable. Keith Mitchell who played Jeffrey has developed quite a resume since he started using his given name (Keith Coogan) Martha Nix (Serena) hasn't done much since then and when actress Adele Longmire passed away in January, Peggy became the last surviving nurse from the I Love Lucy episode Lucy Goes to the Hospital.

TV Guy · 06-08-2008, 10:04 AM

Peggy Rea did have a cameo in 1993's "A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion", where we find out that Rose is now working as a housekeeper for Erin's ex-husband.

Richard Thomas didn't appear in any of the 1982 NBC movies, though John Boy did appear in one (Robert Wightman reprised the role in "A Day For Thanks on Walton's Mountain"). Michael Learned only appeared in one of those three NBC movies - "Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain." Thankfully, both were back for the CBS movies in the 1990s.

04-13-2007, 10:16 PM	#1
Mike22580 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Northeastern United States Posts: 85	Why Did Michael Learned Leave The Waltons in 1979? I was watching the waltons the final seasons of the waltons which are not my favorite seasons and i was wondering why Olivia Walton (Michael Learned's Character) was written off the show. They explained she had an illness and went away to seek treatment? I was wondering if producers wrote her off the show or she opted not to renew her contract during the final few seasons of the show. I think the show would have probably lasted another season if she would have stayed with the series.

04-13-2007, 10:38 PM	#2
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	Michael Learned left to star in a 1980 TV movie titled Nurse, which ended up serving as the pilot for a show that ran for two seasons and 25 episodes, spanning April 1981 - May 1982. The show also featured Robert Reed and Hattie Winston as regulars.
	__________________ "Sunday has been cancelled due to lack of interest. That is all."

04-14-2007, 04:48 PM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Michael Learned was in every single Waltons reunion movie, and so was Richard Thomas. I don't think Peggy Rea was ever in any, but I'm not sure. Ms. Rea went on to play Mrs. Boss Hogg on Dukes of Hazzard, and Suzanne Somers' mother the first season of Step by Step. Did anyone ever see the Waltons' Christmas movie, The Homecoming? This served as the pilot to the series. Patricia Neal and Andrew Duggan played Olivia and John. Edgar Bergen played Grandpa. Ellen Corby (Grandma) and all the kids were the same. I wonder how Patricia Neal would've done had she gone on to the series. She was wonderful in the movie.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

06-08-2008, 03:33 AM	#14
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,338	I didn't mind Rose that much, Jeffrey Burton though was extremely annoying and Serena was somewhat tolerable. Keith Mitchell who played Jeffrey has developed quite a resume since he started using his given name (Keith Coogan) Martha Nix (Serena) hasn't done much since then and when actress Adele Longmire passed away in January, Peggy became the last surviving nurse from the I Love Lucy episode Lucy Goes to the Hospital.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

09-02-2007, 01:15 AM	#7
Tennesseestorm Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 02, 2006 Location: northeast Tennessee Posts: 37	I think also around 1980, she played in the movie, "Christmas Without Snow". I have never seen that pilot Waltons, but would love to see it. Does anyone know if it is available on DVD? Thanks

09-02-2007, 02:01 PM	#10
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	The Homecoming (1971) is indeed available on DVD. It is a true Christmas classic.

09-02-2007, 02:36 PM	#11
Tennesseestorm Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 02, 2006 Location: northeast Tennessee Posts: 37	Thanks Catlover! I will look for it!

09-02-2007, 08:33 PM	#12
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	No problem! Let us know what you think once you've watched it!!

06-08-2008, 02:42 AM	#13
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,519	I have the DVD of The Homecoming--one of my fave Christmas movies. I think Patricia Neal, IMO, was too old to play the mother on the series....such a startling contrast to Michael Learned's youthfulness. I guess one day I will get the series on DVD.

06-08-2008, 10:04 AM	#15
TV Guy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3,419	Peggy Rea did have a cameo in 1993's "A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion", where we find out that Rose is now working as a housekeeper for Erin's ex-husband. Richard Thomas didn't appear in any of the 1982 NBC movies, though John Boy did appear in one (Robert Wightman reprised the role in "A Day For Thanks on Walton's Mountain"). Michael Learned only appeared in one of those three NBC movies - "Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain." Thankfully, both were back for the CBS movies in the 1990s.