To hear Norman Lear, the creator and producer of All in the Family, recount his experience working with Carroll O’Connor is to understand a dynamic filled with both immense gratitude and significant challenges. O’Connor’s portrayal of Archie Bunker was nothing short of iconic, but the actor’s intensity often made the weekly script reviews a daunting ordeal for Lear.
A Blessing and an Affliction
From the moment Lear first saw O’Connor audition for the role of Archie Bunker, he knew he had found the perfect actor. O’Connor’s ability to embody the character was unparalleled, making him an invaluable asset to the show. However, this same passion and dedication often translated into friction during the script discussions. According to Lear, O’Connor frequently found issues with the scripts, making the process nearly impossible at times.
The Episode That Nearly Ended the Show
One script, in particular, pushed O’Connor to his breaking point and almost resulted in the show’s cancellation. This contentious episode was “The Elevator Story,” from the second season’s fourteenth episode, which aired in 1972.
In this episode, Archie Bunker finds himself stuck in an elevator with a diverse group of characters: a working-class Latino couple with a very pregnant and nervous wife, a sophisticated Black man, and an emotionally fragile woman. The tension escalates when the pregnant woman goes into labor while they are trapped.
O’Connor’s Strong Opposition
When O’Connor first encountered the script during a table read, he was visibly distressed. Lear described the reading as “an agony for Carroll.” The actor vehemently opposed the script, stating it was logistically impossible to film and narratively implausible. He exclaimed, “A baby born on the floor of a godd**n elevator! What’s that all about? I don’t want to talk about this anymore!”
The situation escalated when O’Connor called for an emergency meeting with CBS executive Robert Wood and brought along his attorney. He declared the script repulsive and unplayable, insisting he would not perform in it.
A Heated Standoff
Lear and O’Connor found themselves at a standoff. The argument grew heated as they discussed every possible alternative, even considering producing an episode without Archie. However, the tension reached a boiling point when O’Connor, overwhelmed with frustration, began to cry.
Lear realized the severity of the situation and proceeded with scheduling the episode for filming. When O’Connor did not show up, CBS formally warned that All in the Family would be canceled if the issue was not resolved. After intense negotiations between the actor’s and the network’s attorneys, they reached a compromise, and the show continued.
A Performance for the Ages
The episode eventually aired, and the scene that had initially repelled O’Connor turned into a defining moment. As the baby was born in the elevator, Archie Bunker’s expressions mirrored the unfolding drama. The first cry of the newborn brought a profound transformation in Archie, capturing the wonder, mystery, and beauty of life. Lear described this as a “watershed performance” that showcased O’Connor’s exceptional talent and the emotional depth of the show.
This story highlights the complex relationship between creative vision and performance, illustrating how challenges can lead to extraordinary moments in television history. All in the Family continues to be celebrated for its groundbreaking storytelling and unforgettable characters, thanks in no small part to the passionate contributions of both Norman Lear and Carroll O’Connor.
