“I hate to leave her even for a moment.”
Fame can significantly alter a person’s life, either positively or negatively. For Sally Struthers, who gained widespread recognition from her role in All in the Family, fame was a mixed blessing. In an interview with The Columbian, Struthers reflected on the financial success that accompanied her acting career.
“Right now, I am doing what I’ve always dreamed of doing,” she shared. “I’m traveling to places I’ve always wanted to visit. I might as well enjoy my money — it had just been sitting in the bank. I’ve worked hard enough, and what’s money for if not to have fun?”
However, she also spoke about the intrusive nature of some fan interactions. “They pull at you, drag you over to meet people, and even take your shopping cart in the grocery store,” she explained.
“I love engaging with people, but I don’t like being grabbed at. Because you’re a familiar face in their homes every week, some fans feel a sense of ownership. They forget you’re not just a character on a cereal box.”
Struthers expressed particular concern about how her fame impacted her young daughter. “I hate to leave her even for a moment,” she told The Plain Dealer. “I don’t want her to think that every time I step out the door, I’m gone for a long time. This can be a significant issue for those of us in the entertainment industry, and it can be even more challenging for our children. Some kids of entertainers struggle to cope with it and end up facing difficulties.”
