Before Carroll O’Connor became synonymous with the character of Archie Bunker on All in the Family, he had serious reservations about the show’s potential success. Convinced that its content was too provocative for mainstream American audiences, O’Connor stipulated a unique condition in his contract before agreeing to take on the role. This condition revealed not only his skepticism about the show but also his foresight regarding its impact.
The Doubtful Decision
At the time he was approached for the role, O’Connor was living in Italy, and he firmly believed that All in the Family would likely fail. In his mind, the show’s edgy themes and politically incorrect humor would not resonate with viewers. To safeguard himself, he requested that the contract include a clause guaranteeing airfare to return to Italy if the show flopped. He was so certain of its imminent cancellation that he even joked about needing a ticket back to Rome within six weeks.
Lear’s Perspective
Norman Lear, the show’s creator, vividly recalls O’Connor’s audition in his 2014 memoir, Even This I Get to Experience. He described how O’Connor transformed from a cultured actor into the brash, bigoted Archie Bunker in an instant, declaring, “When Carroll came to audition…his voice, his eyes, and the attitude of his body shifted; he opened his mouth, and out poured Archie Bunker.” Lear felt a rush of excitement, likening it to recognizing something inherently profound, much like Justice Potter Stewart’s famous definition of pornography: “I know it when I see it.”
A Surprising Turn of Events
Despite O’Connor’s reservations, Lear secured a deal with CBS, leading him to call O’Connor in Rome to inform him of the show’s pickup. O’Connor could hardly believe the news, as it defied his expectations.
In later years, O’Connor reflected on the complexities of portraying a character like Archie Bunker. During a conversation with a CBS writer, he was questioned about how a liberal man like himself could take on such a controversial role. O’Connor’s response was candid: “The show’s point was to make a fool out of Archie Bunker… We did make a fool out of him, and everybody saw him being made a fool.”
A Lasting Legacy
Ultimately, O’Connor’s initial doubts were unfounded, as All in the Family became a groundbreaking success that changed the landscape of television. The show not only entertained but also sparked important conversations about race, class, and social issues, solidifying its place in TV history. O’Connor’s unique contract clause serves as a reminder of the risks taken in the pursuit of art and the surprising journeys that often accompany groundbreaking projects
