Norman Lear based Archie Bunker off of his own father
The writer borrowed from his life. You know how they always say write what you know? Well, Norman Lear seemed to take that advice and […]
All in the Family
Here’s how Betty Garrett felt about her character being written out of ”All in the Family”
Betty Garrett didn’t mind one bit. Not every character is meant to last an entire series, but that doesn’t mean that they’re any less important. […]
Jean Stapleton reflects on what it was like when Norman Lear left All in the Family
No Norman Lear? No problem. Jean Stapleton knew how to be head of the household on All in the Family. Jean Stapleton was best known […]
Carroll O’Connor was far from Archie Bunker, despite what people thought
“People call out to me on the street, ‘Hey Archie.’ It turns out that if you’re a great enough actor, there’s always a chance that […]
Jean Stapleton was thankful she didn’t have to choose between family and career
One could argue that her career was family. Jean Stapleton’s whole job on All in the Family was keeping the family together. Yet, according to […]
Jean Stapleton knew that Edith Bunker wasn’t stupid
“Edith is the power.” In comedy, there’s a difference between laughing at and with someone. While both measures can be executed successfully, a comedy writer’s […]
Do you remember when Archie played Santa on Laugh-In?
Rowan and Martin and Archie and Carroll You’ve got the kids off to bed for a long winter’s nap. You’re sat in your kerchief, or […]
R.I.P. Norman Lear, TV legend who created All in the Family, Sanford and Son, and much more
There was no topic off limits for the legendary producer and writer. Lear was 101. Legendary writer and producer Norman Lear revolutionized American television with […]
Jackie Gleason and Carroll O’Connor wrote to each other about the similarities
The two TV heavyweights had a real-life crossover. Do you know the saying, “History doesn’t repeat itself, it rhymes”? It’s a great pair of glasses […]
Norman Lear made his ”All in the Family” writers read newspapers to keep up with current events for the show
“It didn’t take a lot of imagination. It just took looking around.” One of the best parts about television is that it holds a mirror […]