“All in the Family,” the iconic sitcom created by legendary TV writer and producer Norman Lear, ran for nine successful seasons from 1971 to 1979. Starring Carroll O’Connor as the loveable yet bigoted Archie Bunker, Jean Stapleton as his underappreciated wife Edith, Sally Struthers as their daughter Gloria, and Rob Reiner as her liberal husband Mike, the show depicted the lives of a working-class family in Queens, New York. Set in the post-1960s era, “All in the Family” tackled controversial issues like racism, antisemitism, feminism, LGBTQ rights, religion, sexual abuse, and the anti-war movement, seamlessly weaving these themes into its family-centered storylines. By addressing these subjects, the show made waves, gradually easing more conservative viewers into these complex topics. Some audiences saw themselves in Archie, while others resonated more with the progressive Mike and Gloria.
Today, “All in the Family” remains one of television’s greatest sitcoms, though its portrayal of bigotry and progressivism has sparked some controversy. Despite its age, the show is remembered fondly, although many of its stars have passed away. Here’s a look at the cast members of “All in the Family” who are no longer with us:
Carroll O’Connor
Carroll O’Connor, who played the iconic Archie Bunker, began his career on stage in Dublin and New York City. After appearing on various TV shows like “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” and “The Fugitive,” he found immense success with “All in the Family” and its spinoff “Archie Bunker’s Place.” O’Connor later starred in the TV adaptation of “In the Heat of the Night,” making him one of the few actors to win the Primetime Emmy Award for lead actor in both comedy and drama series. Married to Nancy Fields, O’Connor faced personal tragedy when their adopted son, Hugh, died by suicide in 1995. O’Connor passed away in 2001 at the age of 76 due to a heart attack and complications from diabetes.
Jean Stapleton
Jean Stapleton portrayed Edith Bunker, Archie’s often-ridiculed but kind-hearted wife. Born in New York City, Stapleton began her career in summer stock theater and Broadway musicals like “Funny Girl” and “Damn Yankees.” Before joining “All in the Family,” she appeared on shows such as “The Patty Duke Show” and “My Three Sons.” Stapleton chose to leave “Archie Bunker’s Place” after five episodes, ending her character’s story with a stroke. She continued acting until her death in 2013 at the age of 90.
Sherman Hemsley
Sherman Hemsley, who played George Jefferson, first appeared on “All in the Family” before starring in the successful spinoff “The Jeffersons.” Known for his roles in “Amen,” “Dinosaurs,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Hemsley had a prolific career. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 74 from lung cancer, with his estate eventually awarded to his friend and business partner, Flora Isela Enchinton, after a legal dispute.
Isabel Sanford
Isabel Sanford played George Jefferson’s wife, Louise, or “Weezy.” Sanford, who began her career in New York City’s theater scene, caught the attention of Norman Lear after her performance in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” She earned numerous accolades for her role in “The Jeffersons,” including five Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy Award, making her the first Black actress to win in the comedy lead actress category. Sanford died in 2004 at the age of 86.
Mike Evans
Mike Evans played Lionel Jefferson, George and Louise’s son, a positive depiction of an opinionated Black man who often patronized Archie’s ignorance. Evans co-created “Good Times” and returned to “The Jeffersons” for its final season. He passed away in 2006 from throat cancer at the age of 57.
Allan Melvin
Allan Melvin, known for his role as Barney Hefner, Archie’s best friend, had an extensive television career, including appearances on “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Brady Bunch,” and “Gomer Pyle, USMC.” Melvin also had a successful voice-over career, voicing characters like Bluto and Magilla Gorilla. He died in 2008 from cancer at the age of 84.
Betty Garrett
Betty Garrett played Irene Lorenzo, Archie’s feminist neighbor. Garrett’s career spanned Broadway and television, including roles on “Laverne & Shirley” and various soap operas. She died in 2011 at the age of 91 from an aortic aneurysm.
Vincent Gardenia
Vincent Gardenia played Frank Lorenzo, Irene’s husband, and appeared in various roles on “All in the Family” before becoming a regular. An accomplished actor, Gardenia was nominated for two Academy Awards. He died in 1992 of a heart attack while performing on stage.
Mel Stewart
Mel Stewart played Henry Jefferson, George’s brother. Stewart had an extensive television career, appearing on shows like “Scarecrow and Mrs. King” and “Good Times.” He died in 2002 from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 72.
Bea Arthur
Bea Arthur played Maude, Edith’s feminist cousin, who later starred in her own spinoff. Arthur had a successful career on stage and television, including “The Golden Girls.” She died in 2009 from lung cancer at the age of 86.
Bob Hastings
Bob Hastings played Tommy Kelsey, the bar owner where Archie frequents. Hastings had a long career in radio, television, and voice acting, notably voicing Commissioner Gordon on “Batman: The Animated Series.” He died in 2014 from prostate cancer at the age of 89.
Jason Wingreen
Jason Wingreen played Harry Snowden, the bartender who becomes Archie’s business partner. Wingreen had a varied career, including voicing Boba Fett in “The Empire Strikes Back.” He died in 2015 at the age of 95.
Gloria LeRoy
Gloria LeRoy played Mildred “Boom Boom” Turner, a secretary turned waitress at Archie’s bar. LeRoy had a long career in television, including roles on “Days of Our Lives” and “Shameless.” She died in 2018 at the age of 92.
Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. made a memorable guest appearance on “All in the Family” as himself. Davis was a megastar known for his work in entertainment. He died in 1990 from throat cancer at the age of 64.
Danny Dayton
Danny Dayton played Hank Pivnik, Archie’s friend who introduces him to pep pills. Dayton had a prolific television career, including appearances on “Get Smart” and “Columbo.” He died in 1999 from emphysema at the age of 75.
Norman Lear
Although not an actor on the show, Norman Lear was the creator and executive producer of “All in the Family” and other hit shows like “The Jeffersons” and “Maude.” Lear’s influence on television is immeasurable, and he continued to work in entertainment throughout his life. He passed away on December 5, 2023, at the age of 101.
