Sally Struthers, known for her unforgettable performances as the headstrong yet tender-hearted Gloria Stivic on All in the Family and the delightfully quirky Babette Dell on Gilmore Girls, has carved out a lasting legacy in television history. But while fans still cherish her iconic roles, Struthers hasn’t shied away from sharing her candid thoughts on the modern revival of All in the Family—a project she found deeply disappointing.
A Lifelong Bond Born on Set
Though her role as Babette in Gilmore Girls was more of a scene-stealing supporting act, Struthers brought an infectious energy to every moment she was on screen. Yet, it was during her time on All in the Family that she forged a friendship that would stand the test of time. Struthers and Liz Torres, who played the Bunker family’s boarder, Theresa, on the classic sitcom, became inseparable. Their connection was so strong that it carried over into their later work, with Torres playing Miss Patti on Gilmore Girls. Reflecting on their bond, Struthers once shared, “She’s one of my favorite human beings to ever walk the planet. We share things with each other that we wouldn’t with anyone else, knowing we’ll be forgiven.”
Cherishing the Memories of Jean Stapleton
For eight years, Struthers worked alongside Jean Stapleton, who played her on-screen mother, Edith Bunker. Their relationship blossomed both on and off-screen, with Stapleton becoming a beloved figure in Struthers’ life. Even after Stapleton’s passing in 2013, Struthers fondly remembered her friend’s warmth, humor, and, occasionally, her very own “Edith moments.” One such instance occurred during a coffee break when Stapleton misread a classified ad. “She gasped and said, ‘Sally darling, look at this! This carwash is advertising for Polish men!’” Struthers recalled with a laugh. “I had to gently correct her, explaining it was ‘polish’—not Polish.” That tender moment is etched in Struthers’ memory as a reminder of the gentle humor and genuine humanity that Stapleton brought to both her character and real life.
A Modern Reboot She Couldn’t Endorse
Struthers’ career has evolved, including voice acting and roles in Lifetime movies, but her connection to All in the Family remains unshakable. With a net worth reported at $8 million, she’s built a successful career, yet the recent live reboot of All in the Family on ABC left her less than thrilled. When asked about the revival, Struthers didn’t mince words. “Why? What is the point? It’s a classic,” she told Delaware Online in 2019, expressing her dismay. She emphasized that the original show was a product of its time, perfectly cast and written for a specific cultural moment. “Nobody is going to be Carroll O’Connor,” she stated. “Nobody but nobody is going to be another Jean Stapleton.” To Struthers, the reboot wasn’t just unnecessary—it was impossible to recreate the magic of a show that had already achieved perfection.
