Carroll O’Connor’s portrayal of Archie Bunker in All in the Family from 1971 to 1979 and its spinoff Archie Bunker’s Place until 1983, remains one of television’s most iconic performances. Despite Archie’s controversial nature—a stubborn, bigoted man navigating life in Queens, New York—O’Connor’s nuanced performance brought depth and unexpected warmth to the character. But how did O’Connor truly feel about embodying such a polarizing figure?
Archie Bunker was not a mere caricature but a character rooted in reality, partly inspired by the family of the show’s creator, Norman Lear, and a character from the British sitcom Till Death Us Do Part. Archie’s bluster and outdated views clashed with the progressive ideals of his daughter Gloria and her husband Mike, creating a dynamic that reflected the cultural tensions of the time.
Contrary to what some might assume, O’Connor embraced his association with Archie. He cherished the role and the recognition that came with it. In an interview with Bob Costas, O’Connor revealed that the widespread belief he wanted to distance himself from Archie was unfounded. “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,” O’Connor said. He appreciated the public’s affection for Archie, enjoying the familiarity when people greeted him as Archie on the street.
Despite the character’s flaws, O’Connor found playing Archie Bunker to be the most fulfilling experience of his career. But was O’Connor anything like Archie in real life? According to the actor, the answer was a resounding no. In a 1994 interview with the Los Angeles Times, O’Connor stated that Archie’s character was “not even close” to who he was off-screen. Yet, his portrayal was so compelling that even when Archie’s prejudices were on full display, viewers couldn’t help but find a certain endearing quality in him.
This likability was no accident. Earle Marsh, co-author of The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, noted that while Archie was often abrasive, O’Connor’s performance made it difficult to hate him. “You couldn’t hate him. He was a fool, but he had a good heart. O’Connor made Archie likable,” Marsh remarked.
Jean Stapleton, who played Archie’s patient and loving wife, Edith, also praised O’Connor’s ability to bring out the humanity in Archie. She described their on-screen relationship as one of deep, albeit unconventional, love, saying, “On the surface, [Archie] was that incredible, ignorant bigot. But of course, [Edith] saw more than that. They were in love.”
This deep connection between the actors and their characters resonated with audiences, making All in the Family not just a sitcom but a mirror reflecting the complexities of American life. Even decades later, the characters remain relatable and their struggles with prejudice, love, and understanding continue to strike a chord. Kerry Washington, who participated in a live re-enactment of the show, emphasized that these families, despite their flaws, are “recognizable and relatable,” tackling conversations that are still relevant today.
Carroll O’Connor’s legacy as Archie Bunker is a testament to his ability to take a character that could easily have been despised and instead turn him into someone audiences could understand and, in a strange way, love. His portrayal of Archie Bunker is more than just a performance; it’s a reflection of the human condition in all its flawed and complex glory.
