Two original cast members from CBS’s All in the Family recently reunited at the Emmy Awards to pay tribute to the legendary television producer, Norman Lear. Sally Struthers and Rob Reiner took the stage to speak about Lear’s profound influence on television and their gratitude for being part of his iconic shows.
Celebrating a Unique Television Family
Sally Struthers and Rob Reiner were integral to the success of All in the Family, portraying Mike and Gloria Stivic, the daughter and son-in-law of Archie and Edith Bunker. During the Emmy Awards tribute, they stood on a set designed to resemble the Bunker family living room, a space ingrained in television history.
“Sally and I were part of a unique television family. Not just the Bunkers, but Norman Lear’s extended family,” Reiner began. “Over the decades, Norman brought us together and created groundbreaking television shows that depicted real people who made us laugh, made us think, and made us feel.”
Reiner continued with a heartfelt reflection, saying, “There’s a Yiddish word that describes Norman’s genius: it’s kochleffel. Kochleffel is a ladle, a ladle that stirs the pot. And when Norman the kochleffel stirred that pot, he changed American culture.”
Struthers added, “Tonight, as we remember the legends of our industry we lost this past year, we celebrate their lives, their legacy, and the joy they brought us. So, to all of the members of our television families who have passed on: those were the days.”
Honoring Norman Lear and Other Legends
Norman Lear, celebrated for creating All in the Family, Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, Good Times, and numerous other iconic series, revolutionized the way television addressed pressing societal issues. Throughout his illustrious career, Lear won six Emmy Awards from 18 nominations. He passed away on December 5, 2023, at the age of 101.
After honoring Lear’s extraordinary legacy, Reiner and Struthers introduced a musical tribute by Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty. The duo performed the 2015 hit “See You Again” during a video montage that honored the celebrities who passed away in the previous year.
A Touching Tribute to Matthew Perry
The In Memoriam segment concluded with a special homage to Friends star Matthew Perry. Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty transitioned from their first number into a moving rendition of “I’ll Be There for You,” the Friends theme song.
Matthew Perry, beloved for his role as the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing, starred in over 200 episodes of the hit NBC series. His unexpected death on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, shocked fans and colleagues alike. Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. According to law enforcement, there were no signs of foul play or drugs at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that he died from “the acute effects of ketamine.”
The heartfelt tributes at the Emmy Awards not only honored the legacy of Norman Lear but also celebrated the lives and contributions of other beloved television icons. These moments of reflection and celebration underscored the enduring impact of their work on the world of entertainment.
