Sally Struthers, best known as Gloria Stivic from the iconic sitcom “All in the Family,” has enjoyed a long and celebrated career in Hollywood. However, she remains fondly remembered as Archie Bunker’s “little girl.” The show, which aired from 1971 to 1979, starred Carroll O’Connor as Archie, alongside Jean Stapleton and Rob Reiner, and centered on the dynamics of a working-class family.
Reflecting on her journey, Struthers recounted how she faced a challenging setback before landing her role in “All in the Family.” After being let go from “The Tim Conway Comedy Hour”—a decision made by executives who deemed her the “dancer girl” who made the show look cheap—she found herself feeling distraught. “I adored Tim Conway and wondered what would happen to me next,” she shared with Closer Weekly.
Despite this setback, Struthers auditioned for Norman Lear, the creator of “All in the Family,” and impressed him with her performance, despite having laryngitis that day. “I guess it made him remember me,” she said. Ultimately, she was cast in the show, and the chemistry among the cast was palpable from the start.
Struthers developed a close relationship with O’Connor, who played the outspoken Archie Bunker. “In 1968, my own father passed away,” she revealed. “Carroll and his wife, Nancy, turned out to be as parental with me as he was in the show. Carroll gave me advice, laughed at my antics, hugged me all the time—and he introduced me to my husband!” She noted that through the show, she felt like she had gained a father figure again.
When “All in the Family” concluded, Struthers felt a mix of emotions. “It was emotional, but it wasn’t sad,” she explained. Yet, she often finds herself reminiscing when she sees reruns. “Whenever I see an episode on TV now, I get so sad that I have to change the channel.”
Carroll O’Connor, initially an unknown actor, became a household name as Archie Bunker. Despite a rocky start, the series found its audience and dominated television ratings for five years. O’Connor continued to act until his health began to decline, ultimately passing away in 2001 at the age of 76.
Struthers reflects on her time with pride, cherishing the friendships and the historical significance of the show. “I knew it the day my daughter found a picture of the ‘All in the Family’ cast in the Encyclopedia Britannica. That’s when you say, ‘Wow!’” she said, acknowledging the lasting impact of their work together.
