Back in Time Today
The groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family’ changed television forever with its honest look at American society in the 1970s. The show tackled tough topics like racism, politics, and women’s rights that other shows wouldn’t touch. While the characters continue to live on through reruns and streaming services, many of the talented actors who brought them to life have sadly passed away over the years.
1. Carroll O’Connor – The Heart of the Bunker Household
The unforgettable face of Archie Bunker, Carroll O’Connor masterfully portrayed television’s most famous bigot with surprising depth and humanity. Behind the character’s harsh exterior, O’Connor infused moments of vulnerability that made audiences understand Archie despite his flaws. After ‘All in the Family,’ O’Connor found success as Chief Bill Gillespie in ‘In the Heat of the Night.’ His later years were marked by personal tragedy when his son Hugh committed suicide in 1995, prompting O’Connor to become an anti-drug advocate. O’Connor passed away on June 21, 2001, at age 76 from complications related to diabetes. His portrayal of Archie Bunker remains one of television’s most iconic performances.
2. Jean Stapleton – The Lovable Dingbat
With her high-pitched voice and innocent demeanor, Jean Stapleton created one of television’s most beloved characters as Edith Bunker. Despite Archie’s constant ‘Stifle yourself!’ commands, Stapleton’s Edith showed remarkable wisdom beneath her seemingly simple nature. A classically trained actress with Broadway credentials, Stapleton brought tremendous nuance to Edith. Her performance earned three Emmy Awards and showed viewers the quiet strength of a woman navigating a changing world while holding her family together. Stapleton died peacefully in New York City on May 31, 2013, at age 90. Though she embraced many roles throughout her career, she never resented being associated with the kindhearted Edith.
3. Sherman Hemsley – The Ambitious Neighbor
Standing at just 5’6″, Sherman Hemsley loomed large as George Jefferson, delivering sharp one-liners with impeccable timing. His portrayal of the proud, successful businessman who moved on up to the East Side resonated so strongly with audiences that it spawned the successful spin-off ‘The Jeffersons.’ Before fame, Hemsley worked at the post office while pursuing acting at night. His distinctive walk and voice became his trademark, making George Jefferson instantly recognizable to generations of viewers. Hemsley passed away on July 24, 2012, at age 74 in his El Paso home. The military veteran who became a sitcom legend left behind no children but millions of fans who still quote his classic lines.
4. Isabel Sanford – The Voice of Reason
As Louise ‘Weezy’ Jefferson, Isabel Sanford perfected the eye-rolling, no-nonsense wife who kept George’s ego in check. Her chemistry with Sherman Hemsley created one of television’s most believable marriages, filled with both friction and genuine affection. Sanford made history as the first African American woman to win an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her path to stardom wasn’t easy – she was 57 when ‘The Jeffersons’ began, proving talent knows no age limit. She died on July 9, 2004, at age 86, leaving behind three children and a legacy of barrier-breaking performances. Fun fact: Sanford initially turned down the role of Louise Jefferson, concerned the character might be too stereotypical!
5. Mike Evans – The Original Lionel
As the original Lionel Jefferson, Mike Evans brought youthful energy and sly humor to the Bunker household. His character cleverly baited Archie’s prejudices, often leaving the older man confused by his calm responses to racist remarks. Evans wasn’t just an actor – he co-created the groundbreaking sitcom ‘Good Times’ with Norman Lear. He temporarily left ‘The Jeffersons’ to focus on writing, with Damon Evans (no relation) taking over the role before Mike returned in later seasons. Evans died from throat cancer on December 14, 2006, at just 57 years old. The talented performer who started his career with no formal acting training left an indelible mark on television both in front of and behind the camera.
6. Bea Arthur – The Outspoken Cousin
Towering at 5’9″ with her commanding voice, Bea Arthur’s Maude Findlay was the progressive counterpoint to Archie’s conservatism. Her guest appearances on ‘All in the Family’ were so popular that her character earned the spin-off ‘Maude,’ tackling controversial topics like abortion and women’s liberation. Arthur’s theatrical background gave her impeccable timing and presence. Before television fame, she served as a Marine during World War II – a little-known fact about the actress who later became synonymous with strong, outspoken women characters. She passed away from cancer on April 25, 2009, at age 86. Arthur’s later success as Dorothy Zbornak on ‘The Golden Girls’ cemented her status as a television icon with an extraordinary gift for comedy and deadpan delivery.
7. Allan Melvin – Archie’s Buddy Barney
The gruff-voiced Allan Melvin brought warmth and working-class authenticity to Barney Hefner, Archie’s loyal drinking buddy at Kelsey’s Bar. Their friendship provided some of the show’s most genuine moments, revealing Archie’s capacity for camaraderie beyond his prejudices. Melvin’s versatile career included voicing Magilla Gorilla and playing Sam the Butcher on ‘The Brady Bunch.’ His distinctive voice and everyman appearance made him a familiar presence across decades of television, though many viewers never knew his name. He died peacefully at his home on January 17, 2008, at age 84 after a long battle with cancer. Though primarily a supporting character actor, Melvin’s contributions to beloved shows ensured his performances would entertain generations.
8. Betty Garrett – The Progressive Neighbor
As Irene Lorenzo, Betty Garrett brilliantly portrayed the liberal-minded neighbor who moved next door and challenged Archie’s worldview. Her character’s independence and mechanical abilities defied gender stereotypes, much to Archie’s ongoing dismay. Garrett’s career spanned Broadway, film, and television, though it was temporarily derailed during the McCarthy era when her husband, actor Larry Parks, was blacklisted. Her resilience brought her back to prominence with roles in ‘Laverne & Shirley’ and continued stage work well into her 80s. She remained active in theater until shortly before her death on February 12, 2011, at age 91. Remarkably, Garrett taught musical theater at Los Angeles’s Theater West into her final years, sharing decades of showbusiness knowledge with new generations.
9. Bob Hastings – The Friendly Bartender
As Tommy Kelsey, owner of Archie’s favorite watering hole, Bob Hastings created a neighborhood fixture where the show’s working-class themes could play out over cold beers. His establishment provided the backdrop for many of Archie’s most candid conversations and memorable moments. Hastings began his entertainment career as a radio performer, voicing the title character in ‘Archie Andrews.’ His versatile talents extended to voice acting as Commissioner Gordon in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ and appearances on countless television shows spanning five decades. He died on June 30, 2014, at age 89 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Though not always in the spotlight, Hastings exemplified the reliable character actors whose consistent work formed the backbone of television’s golden age.
10. Jason Wingreen – The Man Behind the Bar
As Harry Snowden, the bartender at Kelsey’s Bar, Jason Wingreen served up both drinks and straight talk to Archie and his friends. His unassuming presence provided stability to scenes where the more outspoken characters could shine, making him essential to the show’s authentic neighborhood feel. Outside ‘All in the Family,’ Wingreen accumulated over 200 television credits and was the original voice of Boba Fett in ‘The Empire Strikes Back.’ The Brooklyn-born actor began his career in theater before becoming one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors. Wingreen died on December 25, 2015, at the remarkable age of 95. He once quipped that despite appearing in dozens of famous productions, he was recognized most often as the bartender from ‘All in the Family’ – a testament to the show’s cultural impact.