Archie Bunker, the close-minded, Queens-dwelling working man, was worlds apart from the actor who portrayed him. Carroll O’Connor, a “lifelong liberal,” had a more sophisticated outlook on life. This difference extended to his choice of residence in New York City, as O’Connor set his sights on the exclusive Dakota building.
The Dakota Dream
The late All in the Family star faced significant obstacles in securing an apartment in the famed co-op. The board reportedly had “serious reservations” about selling a unit to the man behind Archie Bunker. Despite their concerns, O’Connor and his wife, Nancy Fields O’Connor, eventually gained approval and moved into a second-floor unit. Their new neighbors included luminaries like John Lennon, Lauren Bacall, and Judy Garland.
A Piece of History
Carroll O’Connor passed away in 2001, but Nancy maintained ownership of their home until her death in 2014. The unit, listed for $3.6 million in June 2014, struggled to find a buyer despite its historic charm and luxurious features. These included 14-foot ceilings, patterned hardwood floors, and expansive arched windows.
A New Chapter
The Dakota apartment finally garnered interest at a reduced price of $2.93 million. Thomas and Kristen Roberts purchased the two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence for $2.84 million. The home boasted an “expansive formal room” for living and entertaining, two hand-carved wood-burning fireplaces with marble mantles, and solid wood doors with original fixtures. It retained its prewar details, such as moldings, sunburst copper grills, and marble window sills, adding to its unique charm.
Real Estate Spotlight
While Carroll O’Connor’s Dakota residence turned heads, another famous Queens resident—Donald Trump—was also making real estate news. The current owner of Trump’s childhood home in Jamaica Estates announced plans to put the property on the auction block, further stirring interest in New York’s storied real estate market.
Carroll O’Connor’s journey from portraying a bigoted character to living in one of New York’s most prestigious buildings underscores the multifaceted nature of his life and legacy.