Veteran actress Michael Learned, now 85 years old, was recently photographed during a rare public outing in Los Angeles. The Emmy-winning star appeared cheerful as she stepped out of a vehicle while holding a canned drink and engaging in an animated conversation.

Dressed in a stylish stone-colored raincoat layered over a navy blue outfit, Michael looked both elegant and relaxed. Her ensemble featured a cozy blue sweater and matching navy trousers, paired with a black handbag slung over her arm. She completed the look with her signature straight, shoulder-length blonde hair. Michael was accompanied by her husband, John Doherty, whom she has been married to for 34 years. Her radiant smile, reminiscent of her on-screen days, was as captivating as ever. Over her celebrated career, Michael has won an impressive four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress.

Three of these awards were for her portrayal of Olivia Walton, the beloved matriarch on the classic TV series The Waltons, which ran for nine seasons from 1972 to 1981. Her fourth Emmy came in 1982 for her performance in the medical drama The Nurse. During the early seasons of The Waltons, Michael was credited as “Miss Learned” to avoid any confusion regarding her gender. Her character, Olivia Walton, left the show in its seventh season after being diagnosed with tuberculosis.

The family drama was not without its challenges off-screen. Mary McDonough, who played Erin Walton, previously revealed the pressure she faced as the “pretty one” on the show. In a candid interview, she shared that she was often criticized about her weight, which led to struggles with body image and unhealthy dieting habits during her youth.

After her time on The Waltons, Michael continued to shine in various roles across television and film. She appeared in popular soap operas such as All My Children, One Life to Live, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless, solidifying her legacy as one of television’s most versatile and talented actresses.