On April 30, 2024, MeTV Staff reported on a memorable incident involving the iconic actor Carroll O’Connor and his candid critiques of television critics. In 1978, CBS made a fateful decision to invite O’Connor to a dinner with prominent TV critics at the Gingerman restaurant. What followed was a fiery exchange that would go down in media history.
During this gathering, O’Connor unleashed a scathing tirade against one critic, so intense that it was documented in the Tampa Bay Times. He expressed his disdain for critics, referring to them as “jerks,” and concluded with a pointed remark: “I think too many of you don’t know what you are doing.” This confrontation might seem surprising given the immense success of his show, All in the Family, which garnered both audience acclaim and critical recognition. However, O’Connor’s frustrations with the critical community lingered long after the show’s initial airings, right up until his passing in 2001.
The tension between O’Connor and television critics was not merely a spur-of-the-moment reaction; it had deeper roots. Earlier in the evening, he had been asked to elaborate on comments he made during a TV talk show, where he referred to critics as “hacks and semi-literates.” His feelings only intensified when pressed for more details. “I think you all have been in a position where you have said something out of pure emotion that is not all true,” he remarked. “There are semi-literates among you. Many of you copy what others write and sprinkle in a bit of your own flair to make it seem like you have the inside scoop.”
O’Connor went on to criticize the hiring practices of newspaper managing editors, suggesting they often choose subpar talent to cover television. His words struck a chord, especially since he represented a unique case among actors; All in the Family was a groundbreaking show that resonated with both the masses and critics—though it faced its share of early criticism before achieving widespread acclaim.
Despite his irritation, O’Connor acknowledged the power critics wielded in shaping public opinion: “The criticism bothers me. I care about it, and most actors I know do, too. You reach a vast audience, and there’s no way to retaliate. The critic always has the last word.”
Yet, while critics might have had the final say in their reviews, Carroll O’Connor ultimately enjoyed a lasting legacy. Those who penned unfavorable critiques during the show’s run faded into obscurity, while O’Connor’s portrayal of Archie Bunker continues to entertain viewers in timeless reruns, a testament to his talent and the show’s cultural impact.
