Carroll O’Connor made television history with his unforgettable portrayal of Archie Bunker on “All in the Family,” a role that had audiences laughing for eight seasons. However, the path that led him to this iconic character was filled with twists, turns, and a series of fascinating experiences.
The Theatre Dreams of Carroll O’Connor
Before becoming a television legend, O’Connor harbored dreams of a flourishing theatre career. In his memoir, “I Think I’m Outta Here,” he shared his passion for the stage, which was as strong as his love for the screen. One pivotal moment in his theatre journey was the production of “A Certain Labor Day,” which, unfortunately, received a harsh review from The San Francisco Chronicle. The reviewer, misunderstanding the play’s narrative, lambasted it, leading to plummeting ticket sales and the eventual failure of the production.
This crushing blow dimmed O’Connor’s enthusiasm for theatre. He candidly admitted that his belief in making a mark as a stage actor died with the play’s failure. Yet, his early theatre performances, including roles in the 1958 production of “Ulysses in Nighttown” and the Broadway production of “God and Kate Murphy” the following year, demonstrated his considerable talent and passion for acting.
A Name from the Past: George Roberts
Interestingly, O’Connor didn’t always perform under his real name. During an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, he revealed that he once acted under the name George Roberts, in honor of a deceased friend. However, after joining a performing arts company where all the actors had Irish names, he reverted to his birth name to blend in with the group. This decision marked the beginning of the name that would soon become synonymous with one of television’s most memorable characters.
The Financial Side of Archie Bunker
While O’Connor’s performances brought immense joy to audiences, his financial compensation for “All in the Family” was a topic of significant discussion. According to The New York Times, O’Connor earned $30,000 per episode. However, he was vocal about the unfair nature of contract negotiations, pointing out that they favored producers over actors. Contracts were binding for actors but offered little protection against the whims of producers.
In a 1975 interview with The New York Times, O’Connor criticized this imbalance, highlighting that actors could easily calculate the show’s earnings and determine a fair share for themselves. “Any actor can do arithmetic as well as Bob Wood,” he said, referring to the CBS president at the time. He believed that just as a successful car salesman expects a significant profit, actors deserved a fair share of the profits their shows generated.
The Legacy of Carroll O’Connor
Carroll O’Connor’s legacy extends beyond his portrayal of Archie Bunker. His journey from theatre dreams to television stardom, combined with his candid discussions about the industry’s financial disparities, paints a picture of a dedicated, talented, and principled artist. His ability to navigate the complexities of show business while delivering performances that have stood the test of time is a testament to his enduring talent and resilience.
As we remember O’Connor, we celebrate not just the laughs he brought into our homes but also his unwavering commitment to his craft and his fight for fairness in an industry that often overlooks its brightest stars.
