Sally Struthers has enjoyed a vibrant career in Hollywood spanning decades, yet she is forever cherished as Archie Bunker’s “little girl” from the groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family.” This iconic show, which aired from 1971 to 1979, revolved around a working-class family and featured a stellar cast, including the unforgettable Carroll O’Connor as Archie, alongside Jean Stapleton and Rob Reiner.
Reflecting on her journey, Struthers recalled a pivotal moment before landing her role as Gloria Stivic. “I had just come off ‘The Tim Conway Comedy Hour,’” she shared. “Although I was supposed to be part of all 13 weeks, the executives decided after the fifth episode that I was making the show look cheap and let me go. I was distraught! Tim Conway was someone I admired immensely, and I was uncertain about what the future held for me.”
However, fate had something remarkable in store. “I went to read for Norman Lear, the creator of ‘All in the Family,’” she continued. “He asked me to perform a yelling scene, and despite having laryngitis that day, I think my raspy voice made a lasting impression. I was fortunate to be among the final four candidates for the role.”
Once she was cast, Struthers quickly felt a sense of belonging. “We got along beautifully,” she said, reminiscing about the cast dynamics. “There was no competition among us; we revered one another. The casting was just perfect. Rob and I were the third set of kids—Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton had created two other pilots before we arrived. I’ve never seen those earlier pilots, but I’ve heard they’re available on YouTube, and those who have watched them say Rob and I finally had the right chemistry with Jean and Carroll.”
Struthers formed a close bond with O’Connor, despite his portrayal of a gruff, outspoken bigot on the show. “In 1968, my own father passed away, and I was still grappling with that loss when I joined the cast,” she revealed. “Carroll and his wife, Nancy, became parental figures to me in real life, just as he was to me on the show. He offered me advice, shared in my laughter, and was always quick to give me a hug. He even introduced me to my husband, William Rader! Through my experience on that show, I gained a father figure again.”
As “All in the Family” came to an end, Struthers found it challenging to say goodbye to her castmates. “It was emotional, but not in a sad way. I had no idea how much I would miss it,” she reflected. “Now, whenever I catch an episode on TV, I stop for a moment. Seeing Carroll or Jean brings a wave of nostalgia that can be bittersweet, prompting me to change the channel.”
O’Connor, initially an unknown actor, was tapped by Lear to portray Archie, a character whose unapologetic nature and comic foil represented a unique voice in television. Although the show faced early struggles, it eventually became a beloved classic, ranking No. 1 in viewership for five consecutive years.
Throughout his career, O’Connor remained a highly sought-after actor, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000. Even as health challenges arose, including a toe amputation and heart surgery, he continued to work until his last appearance in the 2000 romantic comedy “Return to Me.” O’Connor passed away in 2001 at the age of 76, with his wife by his side.
Reflecting on her time in “All in the Family,” Struthers expressed pride in the show’s historical significance. “I’ve done many guest appearances on different shows, and while they’re enjoyable, ‘All in the Family’ was truly groundbreaking—something that doesn’t happen for many actors,” she noted. A memorable moment for her was when her daughter, while researching for a school report, exclaimed, “Mom, come in here!” Struthers entered the room to find her daughter had opened the Encyclopedia Britannica to the letter “T,” where a picture of the “All in the Family” cast was prominently displayed under the entry for television. “That’s when you realize the impact we had,” Struthers said with a sense of awe.
Through the laughter and poignant moments captured on screen, the legacy of “All in the Family” continues to resonate, and the bonds forged among its cast members remain a cherished part of television history.
