A Journey of Growth and Family Connection
Throughout its nine-season run, All in the Family consistently topped the ratings, becoming one of the few shows to hold the number one spot for five consecutive seasons. With millions tuning in, Sally Struthers, who portrayed Gloria Bunker-Stivic, experienced significant personal and professional growth.
Struthers leveraged her success on the show to explore new acting opportunities. In a 1973 interview with Longview Daily News, she expressed a desire to take on more dramatic roles during the show’s hiatus. “When we go on hiatus, I want to do something different,” she shared. “I would like to play a murderess, an unwed mother, a nun, and an old Jewish mother. By the end of my career, I hope to be as funny as Judy Holliday and as revered as Ruth Gordon.”
Before pursuing acting, Struthers considered careers in medicine and painting but ultimately “flipped out” and moved to Hollywood. She referred to All in the Family creator Norman Lear as the “father of us all,” crediting him with championing the show’s honest portrayal of complex issues. This commitment influenced her transformation during the series.
“At first, I behaved like an idiot on the set,” Struthers recalled. “I thought that was the way to get people to like me. I’ve learned to be myself, and now, they respect me.”
Reflecting on the premiere of the pilot episode, Struthers described the palpable tension among the cast and crew as they awaited viewer ratings. “After it was over, it became a real celebration,” she said. “We figured we’d made it in spite of all the pessimism. TV had offered nothing quite that frank before.”
One of Struthers’ greatest joys was connecting with fans, particularly teenagers, who approached her to discuss the show. She felt All in the Family bridged generational gaps like no other program.
Coming from a middle-class, conservative family, Struthers initially worried about how they would react to her role. “I thought this kind of show might turn them off completely,” she admitted. Fortunately, her family’s sense of humor prevailed, with her grandmother eventually finding joy in the humor that once offended her.
It seems Struthers’ grandmother had excellent taste in television
