All in the Family (1971 – 1979): O’Connor vs. Show Producers
All in the Family defied social conventions of the time. It featured Archie Bunker, a cantankerous man set in his ways, his loyal (and forgiving) wife Edith, his daughter Gloria, and son-in-law Mike “Meathead” Stivic. Archie was pulled, kicking and screaming, into modern society, but that wasn’t the only kicking and screaming. Carroll O’Connor, whose portrayal of Archie made him a classic character, was certain the show would flop after its 1968 debut, but it became a staple sitcom for American viewers. O’Connor knew his worth to the show. He confronted producer Norma Lear about his contract in 1974. Salary negotiations broke down, and O’Connor was written out of the show for five episodes. Lear threatened to kill off the Archie character. O’Connor came back, but later sued for $60,000 of missing earnings. Even after these battles, O’Connor would agree to play Archie in a spinoff series, Archie Bunker’s Place.