This blonde bombshell of the ’70s still knows how to pack a punch on screen

Sally Struthers gained widespread recognition through her portrayal of Gloria Stivic in the ’70s sitcom “All In The Family,” propelling her to stardom. The show garnered immense popularity, attracting millions of viewers with its poignant exploration of social issues and taboos, often blending heartbreak and humor seamlessly.

Struthers shared the screen with a talented ensemble cast, including Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, and Danielle Brisebois, all of whom went on to carve out successful careers thanks to their roles on the show.

The show garnered an impressive 42 awards and an astounding 73 nominations throughout its run. Even now, many of us find ourselves revisiting it, seeking solace in its nostalgic portrayal of the golden era of television.

Reflecting on the character she portrayed, Struthers shared with the Longview Daily News in 1973, “Initially, I behaved like an idiot on the set. I thought that was the way to get people to like me. I’ve been educated on the set. I’ve learned to be myself. And now, they respect me.”

The tale of how she became involved in the show is captivating. While dancing on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Struthers was discovered by producer Norman Lear, whom the actress fondly referred to as a “father figure to us all.”

The show’s immense success meant that the then 22-year-old Struthers found herself unable to step out of her home without being trailed by fans eager to meet her.

“As the series transitioned from one season to the next, Struthers expressed her desire for her character to undergo more dramatic developments.

“When we have our hiatus, I’d really like to explore something new,” she asserted. “There are countless facets to portraying a woman. I yearn to embody a murderess, an unwed mother, a nun, and even an old Jewish mother. By the twilight of my career, I aspire for audiences to regard me as uproarious as Judy Holliday and as esteemed as Ruth Gordon.”

After the conclusion of the show, Struthers encountered challenges with typecasting, which hindered her ability to secure desired roles. In the 1990s, she gained recognition as a semi-regular panelist on the game show Match Game, while others may remember her portrayal of Babette Dell in Gilmore Girls.

Since the 2000s, she has maintained a regular presence at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. Despite residing in Los Angeles and being readily available, she expresses bewilderment at never being approached for auditions or job offers in the area. However, opportunities consistently arise for her in Texas, Maine, Virginia, New York, and Connecticut, where she is enthusiastically welcomed back each year for various projects.

Struthers, a longtime spokesperson for Christian Children’s Fund, is the proud mother of one daughter. In earlier times, she adamantly believed that motherhood wasn’t for her, dismissing the idea of having a child. However, her perspective shifted upon meeting her now-ex-husband, the renowned psychiatrist William C. Rader.

“Before I met Bill, I never desired a child. I staunchly believed it wouldn’t bring me fulfillment, that I didn’t crave a replica of myself. But then, you fall in love with someone,” she shared with People in 1981. “Suddenly, you yearn to nurture a child who embodies the essence of that person, the tangible expression of your shared love.”

Her daughter, Samantha Struthers Rader, has followed in her footsteps, becoming a clinical psychologist with her own practice.

At 75, Struthers remains remarkably active in the theater scene. “Since I could walk and utter a few words, my sole purpose in life has been to elicit laughter from others,” she revealed to Spectrum News in 2022.

“And when I hear others laugh, knowing that a silly expression or a well-delivered line can bring them to tears of joy, it’s like being transported to heaven. That’s my passion. Laughter.”

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