Sally Struthers reflects on the cultural surprises from the bold ‘All in the Family’

Sally Struthers Reflects on ‘All in the Family’ and Its Impact

Starring in one of the most audacious comedies ever was quite the cultural shift for Sally Struthers.

From 1971 to 1979, “All in the Family” made waves by humorously addressing sensitive issues. Much of the show’s provocative dialogue came from Archie Bunker, a working-class character known for expressing a slew of stereotypes while comfortably slouched in his recliner. He had some controversial remarks about his Black neighbors, his feminist relatives, and his Jewish coworkers, and didn’t shy away from criticizing his wife, Edith.

Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton played Archie and Edith, while Struthers took on the role of their daughter, Gloria. O’Connor’s son-in-law was affectionately dubbed “Meathead.”

Struthers shared how taken aback she was during the early rehearsals for “All in the Family,” especially considering her sheltered upbringing. “Well, I was quite young when I started that show,” she recalled. “I grew up in Portland, Oregon, in a Lutheran Norwegian family, where there was never a hint of prejudice in our conversations.”

“On my first day in the CBS rehearsal hall, I would read the script aloud. There were writers, producers, and network executives paying attention—counting how many times Archie said ‘Jesus,’ and, well, it didn’t really represent Jesus at all. There was a lot of cursing,” she noted. The dialogue often led to negotiations with Norman Lear regarding language edits.

Struthers remembered asking her co-stars about the meaning behind some of Archie’s off-color remarks. “I’d turn to my seatmate and say, ‘What does that mean?’ I hadn’t heard racial slurs before or known that sort of ugliness existed. It was quite the learning experience for me.”

Despite Archie’s gruff onscreen persona, O’Connor felt more like a father figure to her. “My own dad passed in 1968,” Struthers explained. “So, walking into that show felt like being given a father again. Carroll and his wife, Nancy, were like parents to me. He offered advice and laughter, and even introduced me to my husband.”

Struthers pondered whether the humor from “All in the Family” would resonate with today’s audiences. “I honestly don’t know. It’s probably the cycle of life, how we evolve through time,” she mused. “I think trends often make a comeback, perhaps with a twist, but it’s rare that something re-emerges exactly as it was, except for tech innovations that surprise everyone. I just appreciated that our show got its moment.”

“Maybe it educated some people,” she added. “Many fans tell me their relatives were like Archie. I always respond, ‘My condolences.’”

Now, Struthers, well-known to younger viewers for her role as Babette on “Gilmore Girls,” is in a new Christmas film titled “All Is Merry and Bright,” produced by SCDG Edify Productions in collaboration with Greenhouse Arts. Directed by Cory Edwards, with whom she has teamed up previously, the film also stars John O’Hurley, Emily Rose, and Eric Close. The storyline centers around a mother learning to forgive her sister after an accident in their youth left the sister disabled.

When asked about her favorite part of the holiday season, Struthers revealed, “Giving gifts brings me the most joy. I truly enjoy watching people’s faces light up when they receive something meaningful. It’s wonderful to give gifts to family, friends, and even the usual folks in your life, like mail carriers or delivery people. It’s a fun excuse to spread a little cheer.”