Working with Carroll O’Connor on All in the Family was both a blessing and a curse, according to the show’s creator and producer, Norman Lear. When Lear first saw O’Connor read for the role of Archie Bunker, he knew immediately that he had found the perfect actor for the part. O’Connor’s portrayal of Archie was nothing short of brilliant, seamlessly blending the character’s rough edges with a surprising depth. However, this same passion made the weekly script review process a nightmare for Lear. O’Connor was known for his fierce dedication to the character, which often led to heated disagreements over the scripts.
One particular episode nearly ended the show entirely. In his 2014 memoir, Even This I Get to Experience, Lear recounted the turmoil surrounding the script for “The Elevator Story,” an episode from the show’s second season. The plot involved Archie being trapped in an elevator with a diverse group of people, including a pregnant Latina woman who goes into labor. When O’Connor first read the script, he was horrified. He felt that the scenario was absurd and unplayable, declaring that there was no way he would participate in such an episode.
The actor was so adamant in his refusal that he called an emergency meeting with CBS executives and brought along his attorney. O’Connor argued that the logistics of filming the episode were impossible, and he found the story itself to be repulsive. The situation escalated to the point where CBS threatened to cancel All in the Family if O’Connor didn’t comply. The standoff reached a boiling point when O’Connor, overwhelmed with frustration, broke down in tears, expressing his deep-seated hatred for the script and the direction the show was taking.
Despite the intense drama behind the scenes, Lear stood his ground and scheduled the episode for filming. O’Connor, still resistant, failed to show up for the shoot. As tensions mounted, CBS formally advised O’Connor and his team that the show would be canceled if he did not return. After further negotiations, the episode was finally filmed, and the result was nothing short of spectacular.
In the end, the scene that had caused so much controversy became one of the most powerful moments in the series. As the baby is born on the elevator, Archie, initially gruff and uncomfortable, softens as he witnesses the miracle of life. His expressions capture the wonder, mystery, and beauty of the moment, creating a performance that was both unexpected and deeply moving. It was a turning point not just for the character of Archie Bunker but also for the show itself, proving that even in the face of adversity, something beautiful can emerge.
