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Sally Struthers: "All in the Family" Was a Shock
22 Nov
Summary
- Sally Struthers grew up sheltered, unaware of TV's taboo topics.
- She often asked "What does that mean?" during show rehearsals.
- Carroll O'Connor became a father figure after her own passed.
Actress Sally Struthers, famous for her role as Gloria on the groundbreaking sitcom "All in the Family," shared that the show's provocative humor came as a significant culture shock. Her upbringing in Portland, Oregon, was notably sheltered, lacking the bigotry she encountered during the show's early rehearsals.
Struthers admitted to frequently asking castmates and crew "What does that mean?" as she was unfamiliar with the racial slurs and offensive epithets uttered, primarily by her on-screen father, Archie Bunker. This stark contrast to her upbringing presented a steep learning curve.
Beyond the professional challenges, Struthers found a personal connection with co-star Carroll O'Connor, who played Archie Bunker. Following the passing of her own father, O'Connor and his wife offered her immense support, with O'Connor becoming a fatherly presence in her life and even introducing her to her husband.
