Before Sally Struthers became one of America’s most beloved sitcom daughters, she made her primetime debut dancing on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” a variety show celebrated for showcasing some of the best musical acts of the ’70s. This gig, though not the most glamorous, caught the attention of Norman Lear, the burgeoning writer-producer who would soon revolutionize television with “All in the Family.”
In a 2021 retrospective interview with Closer Weekly, Struthers reminisced about the serendipitous turn of events that led to her iconic role in “All in the Family.” Like many big breaks, hers followed a particularly stinging rejection. “I had just come off ‘The Tim Conway Comedy Hour.’ I was supposed to be on all 13 weeks, but after the fifth show, the executives said, ‘Get rid of that dancer girl. She makes the show look cheap!'” Struthers recounted. In a similar interview with Newsday, she mentioned how a producer defended her, trying to explain to “the suits in New York” that her role as the sole dancer was part of a comedic bit about the show’s budget constraints.
Despite the producer’s efforts, Struthers was let go. “I was distraught! I adored Tim Conway and wondered what would happen to me next,” she told Closer Weekly. Ironically, Conway’s show would only last one year, while “All in the Family,” with its provocative and groundbreaking approach to social issues, would run for nine seasons, win 22 Emmys, and cement its place in television history.
Struthers’s journey from dancer to an iconic sitcom star is a testament to the unpredictable nature of show business and the resilience required to succeed. Her story highlights how sometimes, rejection can lead to the most unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
