Every Saturday night, Sally Struthers captured the attention of households across America as she portrayed Gloria Bunker-Stivic on All in the Family. Over the show’s nine-season run, Struthers not only observed her character’s evolution but also had some thoughtful suggestions for the writers regarding Gloria’s development.
In a 1972 interview with The Shreveport Journal, Struthers candidly discussed why she felt Gloria had limited growth during the series. “Gloria is just as lazy as [her] husband Mike,” she noted. “An only child, Gloria has been babied for so long; she just wouldn’t be able to make the break. She doesn’t polish silver, dust, or cook, and I’ll bet Gloria even avoids making the bed. So moving out doesn’t make sense.” While she was content with her role within the family dynamic, Struthers was also eager to explore new avenues for Gloria.
Struthers frequently approached the writers with ideas to propel Gloria’s storyline forward. “I’m not a writer,” she admitted, “but I like the idea of Gloria getting a job to help out. A lot of funny things could happen with that premise.” One can only imagine the comedic potential that could have emerged from such a storyline.
Interestingly, one of Struthers’ real-life experiences led to a significant plot suggestion. During a whirlwind romance, she proposed the idea of Gloria getting pregnant. The writers humorously responded, “Great. And if you time it right, Gloria could give birth on a Tuesday,” referencing the show’s weekly taping night. Struthers playfully acknowledged the historical precedent set by Lucille Ball, who famously incorporated pregnancy into her own show. “Lucille Ball did it and made TV history,” she said. “There’s a difference, though. Lucille Ball is taller and could carry it well. I’d be as big out as up.”
Despite her extensive acting career post-All in the Family, Struthers revealed in a 1972 interview with Press and Sun-Bulletin that acting wasn’t initially her first choice. She noted a pattern that led her to become superstitious: All in the Family was her third major project, her third career choice, and it convinced her that the third time was the charm. “From now on,” she quipped, “I’m going to try and figure out a way to skip number one and two.”
Through her insights and suggestions, Sally Struthers not only highlighted her passion for her character but also showcased her desire for deeper, more meaningful narratives within the beloved sitcom.
