Michael Learned of 'Waltons' Says She Is Living Sloth-Like Life Amid Pandemic

Michael Learned is feeling the effects of the coronavirus as she self-quarantines like everyone else. For the actress, the days are long and lazy.

Michael Learned spoke to Fox News on Tuesday about how she's dealing with the effects of COVID-19, which has most of the world in some form of lockdown and physical distancing.

The 81-year-old's experience has a bittersweet air to it, as she explained that she's staying in touch with family but is empathetic to others who've lost loved ones.

Best known for her role as Olivia Walton on "The Waltons," Learned is a family-oriented person who's using the traditional routes to keep in touch with her people.

"There's been lots of checking in by phone," said the beloved star. "And, a visit from my youngest son, Luke, in full mask and gloves." Learned said she was sad for those who lost family members.

At the same time, she's happy to see frontline workers like nurses and caregivers receive their due praises. As for how her days are going, the actress described a "sloth-like" feeling.

She explained: "It seems as though everything is moving so slow. But we must take this seriously. God bless us all." Learned will always be remembered for her part in the '70s show that followed a Virginia family after the Depression.

In particular, she and former co-star Ralph Waite gave the impression of a genuine couple. It might have been because the pair were actually in love, Learned reportedly said in another interview.

A representative told Fox News that the pair were highly attracted to each other. However, they chose not to take things to another level in case it fell through and they had to keep working together.

They didn't want things to "get messy," the rep said. When Learned struggled with alcohol in 1971, it was Waite who helped her through it. The two actors kept a close friendship until Waite died in 2014, aged 85.

Learned is also thankful for working on "The Walton's" because it helped her through a painful divorce. The actress got married early — at age 17 — and the show made it easier to overcome things.

Despite being 15 years younger than her character was said to be, and extremely nervous, Learned got the part thanks to Richard Thomas and Waite. She no longer had to struggle financially.

Learned has appeared in a number of shows and television movies since the series ended in 1981. Most recently, she was in a short called "Second Acts" in 2019. We wish her the best amid COVID-19.