Movie icon Jane Powell was often referred to as “everyone’s favorite little sister” during her girl-next-door days in the ’40s and ’50s, when studios like MGM and United Artists ruled Hollywood. Jane balanced starring roles in movies such as “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Small Town Girl” with starring stage roles in “Oklahoma” and “The Unsinkabale Molly Brown.”

Now, Jane is returning to the screen – albeit in a television production of “The Sandy Bottom Orchestra,” airing Sunday, Aug. 27 (8 p.m.) on Showtime. In this family-oriented TV movie, she co-stars as Delia Ferguson, an 80-year-old matriarch who helps a small town keep its cultural heritage.

Who are your heroes?

I never really had any heroes. I was so busy growing up, and I started working when I was 2. I was in awe of adults and anyone that was grown up. I always wanted to go to college, and a hero to me was someone who went to college, because I thought they must have been terribly intelligent.

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Is there a book or movie that changed your life?

I think what influenced my life the most was finally being on my own. I had never been on my own, either with my parents or husband or kids. When I left the studio at 26, that opened my eyes to world. All of my life I had been protected by something, and it was like being thrown out of the nest. It was quite a learning experience and was something I’ll never forget and am grateful for. It was such an eye-opener for me.

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What was the worst day of your life?

When my father died. That was quite a shocker to me. I’m an only child and had no siblings to relate to or be with or commiserate with. It was a very lonely time. I used to go to the phone to call father, and he wasn’t there.

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What would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?

I always wanted to be a painter, which I’m not. I’ve taken [art] classes, and I admire people who can paint. I would give anything to be able to do that.