Sally Struthers admitted she was itching to leave All in the Family—limited material, creative frustration, and a desire to grow beyond Gloria’s role pushed her toward new horizons.
Sally Struthers, best known for her role as Gloria Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, openly revealed that by the late 1970s she was “itching to leave” the show. The actress, brimming with youthful energy and ambition, felt boxed in and ready to expand her career beyond television’s expectations.
Feeling Stuck in a Boxed Role
For years, Gloria was relegated to playing sidekick in the Bunker household, often delivering only three recurring lines per episode—such as “I’ll help you set the table, Ma,” “Michael, where are you going?” and “Oh, Daddy, stop it.” The repetition frustrated Struthers, as did the writers’ limited imagination in bringing depth or humor to her character.
Creative Yearning and the Need to Grow
By 1978, Struthers told interviewers she was eager to venture into new creative territory: “I was young, energetic. I figured I could go off and do anything.” She wanted to stretch herself—not just as a comedic relief, but as a fully realized performer. Many of her contemporaries encouraged her to pursue broader opportunities beyond sitcom acting.
A Costly Exit Attempt
After five seasons, the frustration peaked when she hired a lawyer and spent $40,000 in an attempt to break her contract and exit the show—but she ultimately lost the arbitration. Despite this setback, the final three seasons of the series turned out to be more fulfilling for her. The show began developing Gloria’s storyline—adding a pregnancy and relocating her next door to the Jeffersons—giving the character renewed meat and depth.
Looking Back with Perspective
While Struthers struggled with creative limitations, she also recognized how All in the Family shaped her career and opened doors. Winning two Emmys and gaining lasting visibility, she later embraced newer roles on shows like Gilmore Girls and Netflix’s A Man on the Inside. Though her time on the sitcom had its challenges, those challenges sparked the growth that followed.
