MICHAEL LEARNED Every Day Is PRECIOUS

The Waltons are WAS delighted to He a pled of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

- Amanda Champagne-Meadows

Through the 1970s, Michael Learned was best known as TV's Olivia Walton, the warmhearted and hardworking mother of eight on The Waltons. "I was 32. They were looking for a woman in her 40s with long red hair. I had short blond hair," Michael, 83, recalls to Closer. "Who knows why they picked me? I must have had somebody in my corner." Michael stayed with the popular Depression-era drama for seven seasons, earning six Emmy nominations for Lead Actress and winning three times.

She has done other rewarding work since The Waltons. Her role in the hospital drama Nurse allowed her to scoop up a fourth Emmy in 1982. She's also returned frequently to her roots in theater. Earlier this year, Michael starred in a Canadian production of On Golden Pond. She's also always happy to return to the small screen for a meaty role. This season, she plays the grandmother of a serial killer on Netflix's series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. "I kind of considered it a character role. And then I realized, no, it's not a character role. I am that old!" Michael says with a laugh. "They did have to give me a white wig, but just to work was 'Hallelujah!' I love working."

Let's start at the beginning. When did you discover your love of acting?

I was in a boarding school in England because I wanted to be a prima ballerina. They had school competitions in dance, tap, and ballroom and I won the drama cup. The teacher pulled me aside and said, "You're not really a very good dancer. Maybe you ought to consider becoming a drama student." I had flat feet and I was already too tall, so she's the one that really pushed me in that direction.

Was your family supportive?

Always, especially my mother. She always encouraged all of us in the arts.

What gave you your big break?