In the unforgettable All in the Family episode “Archie the Hero” (September 29, 1975), the bigoted Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) finds himself in an unexpected situation when he saves an unconscious woman’s life by giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Later, when the grateful woman, Beverly LaSalle (played by drag queen Lori Shannon), comes to thank him, Archie is shocked to discover she is actually a man in women’s clothing. This revelation forces Archie to confront his own prejudices, as he grapples with the realization that he performed a life-saving act on someone who defied his narrow view of the world.
Archie’s struggle to reconcile his bigotry with his good deed is central to the episode’s brilliance, capturing the essence of the show’s ability to challenge social norms through humor and confrontation. Edith (Jean Stapleton), ever the embodiment of kindness and acceptance, immediately befriends Beverly, contrasting sharply with Archie’s discomfort. Beverly’s character returned in subsequent episodes, including “Beverly Rides Again” (November 6, 1976), where her drag persona is used to prank Archie’s irritating friend, Pinky.
However, Beverly’s story took a dark turn in the emotionally charged episode “Edith’s Crisis of Faith” (December 18, 1977). Beverly is brutally attacked and killed by a gang of homophobic bigots while walking with Mike (Rob Reiner) during Christmas. This senseless act of violence devastates Edith, who loses her faith in God, questioning how a higher power could allow such hate to exist in the world. The portrayal of Edith’s crisis of faith was groundbreaking, as it was rare for a beloved character to be killed off, and even rarer to see a TV show tackle such a raw and harrowing subject.
Show creator Norman Lear revealed in a 2014 interview that the episode was one of the most significant stories he ever wanted to tell. He discussed how Edith’s loss of faith was profound and how the show’s writers struggled with how to restore it. Eventually, they realized that Edith’s regaining of faith was crucial to Archie’s survival, as he depended on her unwavering belief to keep him grounded. Despite network pressure to restore the status quo, Lear emphasized the emotional depth and impact of the episode, which showcased Jean Stapleton and Carroll O’Connor’s powerful performances as they navigated grief, love, and the harsh realities of prejudice.
Beverly LaSalle’s death was a stark reflection of the real-life violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community, making the episode not only a poignant piece of television history but also a reminder of the ongoing fight against bigotry. For many viewers, Beverly was one of the first openly queer characters who was portrayed with dignity and humanity on screen. Her tragic end underscored the importance of addressing the hatred that still lurks in society, making “All in the Family” as timely in 2024 as it was in the 1970s.
