Sally Struthers opens up about being sidelined on All in the Family, facing fat-shaming from Betty White, and her tough relationship with Norman Lear.
Sally Struthers, best known as Gloria Stivic on All in the Family, has shared candid reflections on her early career—revealing she often felt sidelined, undervalued, and even fat-shamed during a time when the show was dominating television and making history.
Feeling Like “Fourth Banana”
Despite earning two Emmy Awards for her supporting role, Struthers described herself as the show’s “fourth banana.” She recalled that while iconic co-stars like Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, and Rob Reiner received richly fleshed-out storylines, her character was often reduced to a few perfunctory lines per episode. The limited screen time and lack of meaningful dialogue left her frustrated and wanting more depth.
Candid Criticism of Norman Lear
In a bold revelation on a recent podcast, Struthers disclosed that she never felt fully embraced by the show’s creator, Norman Lear. Unlike other cast members, she was never invited to after-show dinners at his home. She also revealed a shocking comment from Lear himself—admitted she wasn’t chosen for her talent, but rather because she bore physical resemblance to Carroll O’Connor. Struthers recounted being told she had “blue eyes and a fat face,” a moment she found deeply hurtful.
Fat-Shamed by a Comedy Icon
Adding to her discomfort, Struthers also faced body-shaming from Betty White during a pilot taping. White reportedly criticized Struthers’s weight with a passive-aggressive remark about eating a cookie in public. That incident—coming from one of comedy’s most beloved figures—stung deeply and underlined the harsh scrutiny women in entertainment can face.
Turning Points and Moving Forward
Despite her challenges on All in the Family, Struthers remained with the show for all eight seasons, even attempting to leave during season five—an effort that ended up costing her thousands in legal fees. But as the writers began to weave her personal life into the plot—like becoming a mother and moving into her own house—her role deepened, and she began to enjoy the job more.
The Legacy Beyond the Bunker Family
Sally’s career didn’t end with All in the Family. She later earned accolades playing Babette on Gilmore Girls, and continued acting in theater, film, and television. Her enduring presence in entertainment demonstrates resilience—and a message that behind the carefully painted sitcom world, real people deal with complex emotions and off-camera struggles.
