Carroll O’Connor’s portrayal of the iconic character Archie Bunker on “All in the Family” (1971-1979) and its spinoff “Archie Bunker’s Place” (1979-1983) remains one of the most memorable performances in television history. While Archie Bunker’s bigoted, conservative views sparked controversy, O’Connor’s nuanced performance brought a depth and relatability to the character that resonated with audiences.
The Inspiration Behind Archie Bunker
Archie Bunker, a prejudiced man from Queens, New York, lived with his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), son-in-law Mike (Rob Reiner), and daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers). The character, created by Norman Lear and Alan “Bud” Yorkin, was partly based on Lear’s own father and a character from the British sitcom “Till Death Us Do Part.” Despite Archie’s abrasive nature, O’Connor managed to inject humanity into the role, making Archie both infuriating and endearing.
O’Connor’s Affection for Archie Bunker
Contrary to what some might believe, O’Connor never tried to distance himself from the Archie Bunker image. In fact, he cherished it. In an interview with Bob Costas, O’Connor expressed his appreciation for the character and the connection it gave him with fans. “I never did mind the identification with Archie Bunker,” O’Connor said. “The press thought that I was trying to get away from that image and nothing could be further from the truth. It’s an image that I treasure. People say, ‘Hello, Archie’ to me on the street. That’s wonderful. That never bothered me.”
The Real Carroll O’Connor vs. Archie Bunker
Many wondered if O’Connor shared any similarities with his outspoken character. In a 1994 interview with the Los Angeles Times, O’Connor clarified that Archie Bunker was vastly different from who he was in real life. He described Archie as “not even close” to his own personality. However, he also acknowledged that playing Archie was the most fulfilling role of his career.
Earle Marsh, co-author of “The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows,” noted that O’Connor’s performance made Archie Bunker likable despite his prejudices. “One of the unusual things about ‘All in the Family’ was that people saw the absurdity of his prejudice and all his bizarre attitudes,” Marsh told the Los Angeles Times. “[But] you couldn’t hate him. He was a fool, but he had a good heart. O’Connor made Archie likable.”
A Dynamic On-Screen Partnership
Jean Stapleton, who played Edith Bunker, praised O’Connor’s talent and their working relationship during an interview with the Archive of American Television. “On the surface [Archie] was that incredible, ignorant bigot,” Stapleton said. “But of course, [Edith] saw more than that. They were in love; she was in love with this man.” She added that they worked very well together, which translated into the authentic chemistry between their characters.
The Legacy of Norman Lear’s Characters
The enduring appeal of characters like Archie Bunker and George Jefferson lies in their relatability and the way they addressed social issues. Kerry Washington, who starred in “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons,” highlighted this during an ABC special. “Part of what’s so revolutionary is that they’re just families,” Washington said. “They’re families that are very recognizable and relatable. They’re sort of dipping their toe into difficult areas and having conversations that we are still having.”
Carroll O’Connor’s Archie Bunker remains a testament to the power of television to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and reflect the complexities of society. Through his remarkable portrayal, O’Connor left an indelible mark on the landscape of American television, forever remembered as the man who brought Archie Bunker to life.
