Additional Coverage:
- Biographer Claims Norman Lear Had ‘Contemptuous Relationship’ With Actor Who Played Archie Bunker (newsbreak.com)
Behind the scenes of the iconic sitcom “All in the Family,” Norman Lear and star Carroll O’Connor had a tumultuous relationship. Tripp Whetsell, author of Lear’s biography, reveals that O’Connor, who played Archie Bunker, often clashed with Lear.
O’Connor reportedly altered his dialogue and clashed with Lear during production meetings. Despite their differences, Whetsell claims Lear respected O’Connor’s talent.
According to Whetsell, Lear also had conflicts with John Amos and Bill Macy. Amos objected to the excessive use of Jimmie Walker for comedic relief in “Good Times,” while Macy disputed his compensation for “Maude.”
Lear’s legacy includes a string of successful sitcoms in the 1970s. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Lear, O’Connor, and the other cast members of “All in the Family” attended O’Connor’s funeral after his passing in 2001. Lear himself passed away in 2022.