Sally Struthers, renowned for her role as Gloria Stivic in the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, reveals how the show’s immense success dramatically altered her life. In a recent interview with Page Six, she candidly shared, “It became apparent rather quickly that my life had completely turned upside down.”
At 76, Struthers reminisces about the early days of her fame, recalling outings with her on-screen husband, Rob Reiner, at The Grove in Los Angeles. “Within two months, we couldn’t do that anymore,” she says, highlighting the swift shift in their public lives. Fans often mistook her real-life husband, William Rader, for Reiner, leading to humorous misunderstandings. “When they saw me with my real-life husband, they would ask, ‘Where’s your husband?’” Struthers chuckles, noting how persistent fans were in their beliefs.
As she portrayed the Bunkers’ daughter on the show, which aired from 1971 to 1979, Struthers acknowledges its groundbreaking nature. “The Bunkers came along and they flushed toilets,” she explains, emphasizing how the show tackled real-life issues and depicted the less-than-perfect aspects of human behavior. “They peeled off the veneer. You saw the arguing, the vehemence, and the bigotry. You can’t put the genie back in the bottle now. Everything got more honest after that.”
Despite the challenges that come with sudden fame, Struthers expresses her gratitude for All in the Family. “Over the years, the gratitude has grown because it continues to open doors,” she notes. “I don’t have to audition for theater. I get offered parts because they know my name sells tickets and fills seats. That wouldn’t have happened without the renown of All in the Family.”
For younger fans, Struthers is also cherished for her role as Babette Dell in Gilmore Girls. She delights in the interactions she has with fans who connect with both characters: “The best part of my life is when I’m met by a mother-daughter team arguing over whether they loved me as Gloria or Babette. That just tickles me pink.”
Still actively working in the industry, Struthers recently signed on to star in a new Netflix comedy series titled A Classic Spy, alongside Ted Danson. She has also completed a successful run in the play The Journals of Adam and Eve, opposite Hal Linden, with hopes for a New York transfer.
Reflecting on her enduring career, Struthers shares, “I’m a little long in the tooth to travel around, yet I feel it’s that very life that’s kept me young and strong.” Her philosophy is clear: “You rest, you rust!” With her unwavering spirit, Struthers continues to embrace the opportunities that come her way, remaining a beloved figure in entertainment.
