Alas, poor Archie, we hardly knew ye. Mr. O’Connor had that rare ability to make a seemingly unlikable character likable. All in the Family was one of the best shows of the '70’s (or any other decade, for that matter).
(I feel so old. I clearly remember watching that show, way back when.)
(Didn’t watch “In the Heat of the Night.” Is it true that Carroll O’Connor’s son had a part on the show, and died during its run?)
God that’s horrible. I love “All in the Family”- it’s one of my favorite shows. I just can’t believe it. I was watching it last night…Poor guy. I agree, Mr. Blue, he did make an unlikable character likable.
He was one of the finest movie actors and TV personalities I have ever had the pleasure to watch.
Archie not only entertained us, in my opinion, he helped to shape the future of network television.
Archie and Norman Lear dealt with controversial subjects, which at that time, were not addressed by any other show of its kind.
You may not have agreed with Archie’s point of view, but the show shed light on racial issues, women’s issues, gay issues, addictions, politics, and other topics too “hot” for primetime. Making us laugh - while making us aware.
I loved the 5 shows I saw you play, especially the night you blew Van Morrison off the stage at Freeborn Hall in '84. Thanks for letting me interview you in '80 when I was a rookie blues DJ and for autographing “Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive.” You’re music made me glad to be alive or helped me survive some right nasty periods. We’ll miss ya.
Carrol O’Connor - Archie Bunker just scratched the surface of your talent and skills.
Well, now he’s relaxing in his “special chair” in the sky.
When I was younger and used to argue with my dad about things the same way Meathead argued with Archie Bunker, O’Connor’s three-dimensional portrayal of Archie always made me feel better. Archie and my dad always have the best of intentions; they just get tripped up over the specifics.
I bet I’m the only person who knows the words to the CLOSING theme from “All in the Family”—
All over now, it’s all over now, we’re through.
And tomorrow I’ll be cryin’, rememberin’ you—
Gotta feelin’ the sun will be gone,
The days will be long and blue,
And tomorrow I’ll be cryin’, rememberin’ you.
There’s a faraway look in your eye when you try to pretend to me
That everything is the same as it used to be—I see
It’s all over now, all over now, we’re through
And tomorrow I can start in, rememberin’,
Sad because we’re partin’, rememberin’,
Consolate my heart in rememberin’ you!
Carroll O’Connor sang it on a variety show in the '70s, and I am blessed with a phonographic memory. He said that, for obvious reasons, the lyrics weren’t right for the show, so they just used the tune.
Yes, he was a drug addict, although I don’t remember which drug! Carroll O’Connor was later sued by the man who sold him drugs, for slander, when he made it public about his dealings. The suit wasn’t successful.