There wasn’t a more popular, influential, or controversial sitcom in the 1970s than “All in the Family.” Created by Norman Lear, who was about to embark on a Nielsen ratings streak with shows like “Sanford and Son,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times,” “Maude,” and “One Day at a Time,” this series offered a stingingly hilarious satire of American attitudes during the post-Civil Rights Movement era and amid the increasingly unpopular Vietnam War.
The genius of “All in the Family” lay in Lear’s ability to make each character behave absurdly without becoming mere caricatures. Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) was an unapologetic bigot; his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) was a well-meaning ditz; their daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) evolved from a naive idealist to a more grounded individual; and son-in-law Michael “Meathead” Stivic embodied everything Archie despised about liberals. These characters mirrored the audience’s own families, offering a form of catharsis as the world underwent significant changes.
The show’s popularity was immense, reigning as the top-rated show for five of its nine seasons. Each main character became iconic, a double-edged sword that boosted their careers in the short term but led to struggles with typecasting afterward. Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton worked steadily until their deaths in 2001 and 2013, respectively. But what about the surviving cast members? Let’s take a closer look.
Sally Struthers
For those who weren’t around during the heyday of “All in the Family” and its continuation “Archie Bunker’s Place,” Sally Struthers is probably best known for her activism with the Christian Children’s Fund (now ChildFund), raising money for children in impoverished countries. Her passionate, tearful sincerity in these commercials made her a target for parodists like “South Park’s” Matt Stone and Trey Parker, but she significantly raised the charity’s profile.
Professionally, Struthers found great success in the animation world with her distinctive voice. She voiced Pebbles Flintstone in “Fred Flintstone and Friends” and appeared in popular cartoons like “Tiny Toon Adventures,” “Droopy, Master Detective,” and “The Wild Thornberrys.” She also voiced Charlene Sinclair on ABC’s “Dinosaurs.”
In live-action, Struthers made occasional appearances on “Archie Bunker’s Place” before starring in her short-lived spinoff “Gloria” in 1982. Nearly 20 years later, she became a fan favorite on “Gilmore Girls” as the quirky neighbor Babette Dell. At 76, Struthers is still going strong and might have another iconic role in her future.
Rob Reiner
Rob Reiner made a few appearances on “Archie Bunker’s Place” before transitioning to directing with “This Is Spinal Tap,” a comedy classic that ushered in the mockumentary era. Reiner’s directorial career flourished, producing hits like the coming-of-age film “Stand By Me,” the fantasy “The Princess Bride,” the rom-com “When Harry Met Sally…,” the thriller “Misery,” the courtroom drama “A Few Good Men,” and the political romance “The American President.”
Though his later directorial efforts have been mixed, Reiner recently delivered an entertaining documentary about his friend Albert Brooks. He occasionally acts, notably portraying Leonardo DiCaprio’s father in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and has ventured into podcasting with the provocative “Who Killed JFK?” At 77, Reiner continues to be a dynamic force in the industry.
Danielle Brisebois
“All in the Family” was still a top-10 show when it introduced Danielle Brisebois as Stephanie Mills, Edith’s step-cousin’s daughter, in its ninth season. Stephanie, left in the Bunkers’ care by her alcoholic father, injected new energy into the series with her sassy attitude and love for performing. Brisebois continued her role on “Archie Bunker’s Place.”
While she might seem to have faded from the spotlight, Brisebois found success in music. She recorded her first album “Arrive All Over You” in 1994 with producer Gregg Alexander and joined his band New Radicals, contributing to their platinum album “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too.” She became a sought-after songwriter, penning tracks for artists like Kylie Minogue, Clay Aiken, and Paula Abdul. Brisebois co-wrote “Lost Stars” for Adam Levine, featured in the film “Begin Again,” earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 2013. Little Stephanie has indeed done well for herself.
“All in the Family” remains a landmark in television history, thanks to Lear’s bold vision and the unforgettable performances of its cast. The show not only entertained but also challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths, leaving a lasting legacy.
