At the time “All in the Family” star Carroll O’Connor was auditioning for the role that would define his career, the actor was convinced the sitcom would never succeed. The show’s provocative content, tackling issues such as racism and sexism, seemed too controversial for American audiences in the early 1970s. With this in mind, O’Connor made it clear to creator and producer Norman Lear that he would only sign on to play the role of Archie Bunker if a specific demand was reflected in his contract.
The Unconventional Audition
In his 2014 memoir “Even This I Get to Experience,” Norman Lear described the moment he knew Carroll O’Connor was the perfect Archie Bunker. The audition was unlike any other Lear had experienced. “When Carroll came to audition, he entered as the cultured, New York- and Dublin-trained actor he was,” Lear wrote. “When he turned to the script to read, his voice, his eyes, and the attitude of his body shifted; he opened his mouth, and out poured Archie Bunker. Carroll hadn’t reached page 3 before I wanted to run into the street shouting for joy.”
Lear compared the experience to Justice Potter Stewart’s famous definition of pornography: “I know it when I see it.” The transformation O’Connor underwent during the audition was nothing short of miraculous, and Lear knew he had found his Archie.
The Contract Clause
Despite the successful audition, O’Connor was deeply skeptical about the show’s prospects. He and his family were living in Italy at the time, and he had little faith that a show like “All in the Family” would be embraced by American viewers. To protect himself, O’Connor insisted on a unique clause in his contract: Lear had to guarantee airfare to fly him back to Italy if the show failed.
“Carroll O’Connor bet me, and put it in writing, that CBS couldn’t keep the show on the air,” Lear recounted. “He had an apartment in Rome that he would not vacate because he was so sure he’d be back there in six weeks.”
When Lear eventually made a deal with CBS for the show, he phoned O’Connor in Rome. “He couldn’t believe we had been picked up,” Lear wrote. O’Connor’s skepticism was palpable, yet he agreed to take the risk and join the cast.
The Birth of an Iconic Character
Archie Bunker was a character unlike any other on television at the time. He was a loud, bigoted, and often ignorant man, yet he was also a deeply human character with vulnerabilities and fears. O’Connor’s portrayal was both nuanced and powerful, bringing depth to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional.
Speaking with the Television Academy Foundation in 1999, O’Connor recalled a lunchtime conversation with a CBS writer who expressed surprise that he, a known liberal, would play such a character. “‘I’m surprised that you would do a show like this. You’re a liberal man and you come on playing a guy like this. I’m really shocked at you,'” O’Connor remembered. His response was telling of the show’s intent: “The point was to make a fool out of Archie Bunker. And that’s how we’re going to repay his racism by making a fool out of him. We did make a fool out of him and everybody saw him being made a fool.”
A Rocky Road to Success
The journey of “All in the Family” was not without its challenges. The show’s provocative content led to fierce debates and controversy. Many viewers were uncomfortable with the show’s candid treatment of taboo subjects. However, it was this very boldness that also garnered the show a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
O’Connor’s initial skepticism seemed well-founded as the show faced potential censorship and backlash. But as the episodes aired, it became clear that “All in the Family” was striking a chord. The character of Archie Bunker, despite his flaws, became a mirror for society, reflecting both its prejudices and its potential for change.
The Elevator Story
One particular episode that almost led to the show’s cancellation was “The Elevator Story.” The plot involved Archie getting stuck in an elevator with a diverse group of people, including a pregnant Latina woman. The scenario led to heightened tensions and ultimately a dramatic birth scene in the elevator.
O’Connor was vehemently opposed to the episode. He found it logistically impractical and dramatically unconvincing. His objections led to heated confrontations with Lear, and at one point, O’Connor even brought in his attorney to argue his case.
Lear recalled the intensity of the situation in his memoir. “Carroll fell to pieces and began to cry,” Lear wrote. “He couldn’t go on, hated the show, couldn’t bear me, and cried to a point that made me realize that this behavior had to end here.”
Despite O’Connor’s protests, Lear scheduled the episode for filming. O’Connor initially refused to show up, leading CBS to formally advise him that “All in the Family” would be canceled if he did not return. The episode was eventually filmed and aired, becoming a pivotal moment in the show’s history. The birth scene, which O’Connor had found so distasteful, ended up being a powerful portrayal of human connection and vulnerability.
A Resounding Success
Contrary to O’Connor’s initial belief, “All in the Family” became one of the most successful and influential sitcoms in television history. The show won numerous awards and solidified O’Connor’s place in the pantheon of great TV actors. Archie Bunker’s living room chair was even donated to the Smithsonian Institution, a testament to the character’s cultural impact.
O’Connor’s performance earned him four Emmy Awards, and his portrayal of Archie Bunker remains a defining moment in his career. Despite the rocky start and the numerous conflicts, O’Connor’s commitment to the role and his ability to bring depth to Archie Bunker were key to the show’s success.
Life After Archie
After “All in the Family” ended in 1979, O’Connor continued to play Archie Bunker in the spin-off series “Archie Bunker’s Place,” which ran until 1983. Although the spin-off did not achieve the same level of acclaim, it allowed O’Connor to further explore the character.
O’Connor’s career continued to flourish with roles in other successful television series, including “In the Heat of the Night,” where he played Police Chief Bill Gillespie. This role earned him another Emmy Award and showcased his versatility as an actor.
Personal Triumphs and Tragedies
O’Connor’s personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. His marriage to Nancy Fields in 1951 and the birth of their son Hugh brought him great joy. However, the death of Hugh in 1995 from suicide after a long struggle with drug addiction was a devastating blow. O’Connor channeled his grief into advocacy, becoming a vocal proponent for drug awareness and treatment.
The Legacy of Carroll O’Connor and “All in the Family”
The legacy of Carroll O’Connor and “All in the Family” is a complex one, filled with creative highs and personal lows. O’Connor’s portrayal of Archie Bunker remains one of the most iconic performances in television history, a role that challenged audiences and provoked important conversations about race, class, and the American experience.
Norman Lear’s vision, combined with O’Connor’s talent, created a show that continues to resonate with audiences today. The story of their collaboration, marked by both conflict and mutual respect, is a testament to the power of art to reflect and influence society.
In the end, the clashes and controversies behind the scenes only added to the richness of “All in the Family,” making it a show that was not only entertaining but also profoundly impactful. Carroll O’Connor’s journey from skepticism to iconic status is a story of talent, perseverance, and the indelible mark one actor can leave on the world.