The 1970s introduced Americans to an abundance of hilarious TV shows and sitcoms. Writers, producers, and actors worked together to create laugh-worthy entertainment. It was this decade that introduced live studio audiences—which allowed viewers to feel more involved with their favorite TV characters and series. Actors became immersed in live theater and quickly acclimated to perform in front of fans. All in the Family was the first sitcom to experiment with a live studio audience—and they were successful.
This hit TV series quickly became one of the most-watched sitcoms of the ’70s. Whether viewers were at home or in the studio audience, they were entertained. Writer and creator Norman Lear uses humor to exemplify real people dealing with real issues. This show was and still is beloved. For your entertainment, here are 30 things that went on behind the scenes on All in the Family.
“All in the Family” Went Through Two Title Changes
If you’ve ever listened to Those sitcom’s notorious theme song, then you might understand why the original title of this series was intended to be “Were the Days”. However, this title didn’t stick—and neither did Norman Lear’s initial title “And Justice For All”. Looks like third time’s a charm!
The show’s theme song “Those Were The Days” was written by Lee Adams (lyrics) and Charles Strouse (music). Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton played and sang the song at a piano at the start of every episode. The live audience applause was included in the episode.
Archie Bunker Was Inspired by Norman Lear’s Father
Norman Lear, the creator and writer of All in the Family, found inspiration in his past. Herman Lear, Norman’s father, became the muse for Archie Bunker. Through reflection on his own life and relationships, Lear crafts the overly boisterous and extremely humorous character.
Archie Bunker was ultimately a complicated character. The bigoted blue-collar is often depicted as an ultimately decent and loving man. As a WWII veteran, Archie Bunker struggles to adapt to the changes going on in the world. While the show wouldn’t fly today, the character would really change television history.
Archie Bunker and Carroll O’Connor Had Differing Views
When an actor is so genuine, it can be easy to mistake their character’s personality traits and characteristics for their own. In reality, Carroll O’Connor had very different political views than his character Archie Bunker. He was born in the Bronx, raised as a liberal, and certainly valued his education.
He was definitely not the conservative and prejudiced character that he embodied. It’s important to remember that the things that happen in a television show are fictional. The people are not real and the actors that play they are usually nothing like the character, no matter how convincing they may be.
Jean Stapleton Could Actually Sing
The theme song for All in the Family was cringe-worthy—and mostly because Jean Stapleton’s singing voice was everything but angelic. But, most people don’t know that her tone-deaf trills were part of her act. She was actually an accomplished singer who was trained in musical theater.
This is just another fact that goes to show how different the characters and actors can be. Of course, if Jean Stapelton had actually sung the song to the best of her ability, it wouldn’t quite have the same vibe.
Norman Lear Wanted to Cast Mickey Rooney as Archie Bunker
Before Carroll O’Connor was cast for the role of Archie Bunker, Norman Lear had another actor in mind. He wanted Mickey Rooney to portray the leading man—but when Lear called and described Archie Bunker to Rooney, he replied, “Norm, they’re gonna kill you. They’re gonna shoot you dead in the streets.”
Clearly, he was opposed to the controversial character. Mickey Rooney was an accomplished stage and screen actor, as well as a comedian and radio entertainer. He had a number of successful television roles and performed on Broadway. Mickey Rooney was married eight times with six of them ending in divorce.
Jean Stapleton Requested Her On-Screen Death
As strange as it may sound, Jean Stapleton asked Norman Lear if they could kill off her All in the Family character, Edith Bunker. She was growing tired of the repetitive nature of TV and wanted to return to the stage and silver screen. Although Lear believed it impossible to carry on without Edith’s character, her disappearance had little effect on the ratings!
If you don’t recall Edith Bunker’s demise, she was killed in the final episode, the 209th episode to be exact. In the episode, she becomes ill while cooking for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner. having been suffering from phlebitis, she decided not to tell Archie until it is too late. She is not killed on-camera, however, as it happens off-camera when the show continues in the sequel series Archie Bunker’s Place.
