“All in the Family” made a significant impact on television and popular culture. Airing from 1971 to 1979, the groundbreaking sitcom was created by Norman Lear. It tackled sensitive social issues with humor and candor, challenging traditional norms and pushing the boundaries of what could be discussed on television. The show addressed controversial topics such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, making it a trailblazer in its time.
The series centered around the Bunkers, a lower-middle-class white family living in Queens, New York. The protagonist, Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O’Connor), was a vocal and prejudiced blue-collar worker, and his character was the source of much of the show’s humor and social commentary.
“All in the Family” was not only a critical success but also a ratings powerhouse, consistently ranking as the number one show during its early seasons. Despite its initial rejection by ABC due to its content, CBS picked it up, and it became a television staple.
Surprising Fact: The show’s creators, Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, were inspired by the British series “Till Death Us Do Part” and adapted it for American audiences.
All in the Family Cast: An Ensemble of Talented Actors
Let’s revisit the amazing ensemble of characters and talented actors who brought “All in the Family” to life.
Carroll O’Connor as Archie Bunker Carroll O’Connor portrayed the lovable yet bigoted Archie Bunker, becoming the heart and soul of the show. O’Connor won four Emmy awards for his role. Before playing Archie, he appeared in several films in the 1960s, including the World War II epics “In Harm’s Way” and “The Devil’s Brigade.” After “All in the Family,” he continued his success with the spin-off series “Archie Bunker’s Place” (1979-1983) and received critical acclaim for his role in the crime drama series “In the Heat of the Night” (1988-1995). O’Connor and his wife Nancy were married for 50 years, and he passed away in 2001 at the age of 76. His portrayal of Archie Bunker remains one of TV history’s most iconic characters.
Did you know? Carroll O’Connor had a significant influence on the show’s direction, often improvising lines and providing input into the script.
Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker Jean Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith Bunker, Archie’s sweet and naive wife, was equally memorable. She won three Emmy awards for her role. Before playing Edith, Stapleton had a successful Broadway career, with one of her biggest hits being “Damn Yankees.” She also appeared in the movie “Cold Turkey” (1971), directed by Norman Lear. After “All in the Family,” Stapleton chose roles different from Edith and even turned down the role of Jessica Fletcher in “Murder She Wrote.” She had guest roles in several TV series, including “Murphy Brown” and “Caroline in the City,” and appeared in movies like “You’ve Got Mail” and the TV movie “Eleanor Roosevelt,” where she played the lead. Stapleton was married to William Putch, had two children, Pamela and John, and passed away in 2013 at the age of 90.
Did you know? Jean Stapleton almost turned down the role of Edith Bunker, but her chemistry with O’Connor convinced her otherwise.
Rob Reiner as Michael Stivic Rob Reiner played the liberal and progressive Michael “Meathead” Stivic, winning two Emmy awards for his role. Before joining “All in the Family,” Reiner had guest appearances in several shows, including “Batman,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” After the show, Reiner became a highly successful director, with critically acclaimed films such as “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984), “Stand by Me” (1986), “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989), “Misery” (1990), and “A Few Good Men” (1994). His directorial work earned him two Academy Award nominations.
Did you know? Despite his character’s clashes with Archie Bunker, Rob Reiner developed a close friendship with Carroll O’Connor off-screen.
Sally Struthers as Gloria Bunker Stivic Sally Struthers played Gloria Bunker Stivic, the daughter caught between her conservative father and liberal husband, winning two Emmy awards for her role. Before playing Gloria, Struthers appeared in “Five Easy Pieces” (1970) opposite Jack Nicholson and “The Getaway” (1972) opposite Steve McQueen. After “All in the Family,” Struthers had roles in several TV shows, including a recurring role in “Gilmore Girls.” She was also a spokesperson for the Christian Children’s Fund, advocating for impoverished children worldwide. Struthers married psychiatrist William Rader in 1977, and they divorced in 1983. They had one child, a daughter named Samantha.
Did you know? Sally Struthers, along with Rob Reiner, was an outspoken advocate for social and political causes, reflecting the show’s emphasis on addressing real-world issues.
Danielle Brisebois as Stephanie Mills Danielle Brisebois joined “All in the Family” in season 9 as Stephanie Mills, a relative of Edith whom the Bunkers adopted. After the show, Brisebois transitioned to a career in music, releasing solo albums, working with the band New Radicals, and writing songs for various artists and films.
Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson Sherman Hemsley played George Jefferson, the patriarch of the Jefferson family, who often clashed with Archie. After “All in the Family,” Hemsley starred in the spin-off series “The Jeffersons” until 1985. He also played Deacon Ernest Frye in NBC’s “Amen” (1986-1991) and Judge Carl Robertson on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Hemsley passed away in 2012 at the age of 74.
Did you know? Hemsley reunited with co-star Sally Struthers on the ABC series “Dinosaurs.”
Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson Isabel Sanford portrayed Louise Jefferson, George’s wife, before moving to “The Jeffersons.” Sanford made history in 1981 as the second Black actress to win an Emmy. After her sitcom success, she appeared in TV guest roles and had her short-lived show, “Isabel’s Honeymoon Hotel.” She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004 and passed away that same year at 86.
Mike Evans as Lionel Jefferson Mike Evans played Lionel Jefferson, the son of George and Louise, frequently engaging with Archie. Evans created and wrote the popular series “Good Times” (1974-1979). His last acting role was in the TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger” in 2000. Evans died in 2006 at 57 from throat cancer.