At Groucho Marx’s 85th birthday bash, Sally Struthers and Carroll O’Connor posed for a legendary photo used in his 1976 book reprint. Here’s the quirky story behind it.
As Groucho’s 85th Birthday Party Wound Down, Archie and Gloria Shared One Unforgettable Photo
On October 5, 1975, Hollywood legends gathered to celebrate the 85th birthday of comedy icon Groucho Marx. It was a night full of laughter, nostalgia, and star-studded cameos. But as the party began to quiet and Groucho slipped into his pajamas—yes, his actual jammies—something completely unexpected happened: two of television’s biggest stars posed for a photo that would go down in pop culture history.
Sally Struthers and Carroll O’Connor — Better Known as Gloria and Archie Bunker
At the time, All in the Family was one of the most-watched and most-talked-about shows on television. Carroll O’Connor’s portrayal of the outspoken, grumpy Archie Bunker had become iconic, while Sally Struthers shone as his outspoken daughter, Gloria. The idea of this fictional father-daughter duo crossing paths with Groucho Marx—one of the original kings of comedy—was surreal, and magical.
And yet, it happened. Not on a soundstage, not in a scripted episode, but in the real, warm, goofy atmosphere of Groucho’s own birthday party.
The Photo That Made It Into Groucho’s Book
As Groucho, dressed in his bedtime best, got ready to end the night, someone captured the moment: Groucho in pajamas, flanked by Sally Struthers and Carroll O’Connor—both out of character but still radiating their unmistakable charm.
That candid, playful photo was later used in the 1976 reprint of Groucho’s book Beds, a fitting tribute to the man who made generations laugh from the comfort of late-night television. The image is part absurd, part adorable, and all Hollywood.
What Made the Moment So Special
The shot isn’t just a snapshot of three celebrities. It’s a time capsule of three comedy titans from two different eras, coming together in a moment of silliness and sweetness. Groucho, the wisecracking genius of the early 20th century. O’Connor and Struthers, the voices of a new era of TV that wasn’t afraid to challenge taboos.
It was the perfect collision of vaudeville and social sitcom, staged not for cameras—but for joy.
Legacy: A Reminder That Laughter Transcends Generations
Decades later, fans of both The Marx Brothers and All in the Family still share the photo with glee. It’s funny, it’s weird, and it’s heartwarming all at once. It also reminds us of a truth Groucho himself would’ve appreciated: comedy connects people, no matter their age, background, or bedtime attire.
Final Thoughts
The night Groucho Marx turned 85 didn’t just mark a milestone—it gave the world one of the most unexpected crossovers in TV history. Sally Struthers, Carroll O’Connor, and Groucho in pajamas: three legends, one photo, endless charm. And yes, it really did make it into a book called Beds—because, of course it did.
