“On Set He Only Ever Called Me ‘The Girl’” | Sally Struthers on All in the Family | Remembering Rob Reiner

All in the Family, an iconic television show that redefined sitcoms and left a lasting impact on American pop culture, is still remembered fondly by millions of viewers. One of the key elements of its success was its talented ensemble cast, whose chemistry and brilliant performances made the show unforgettable. Among these actors was Sally Struthers, who portrayed Gloria Bunker-Stivic, the sweet and often naive daughter of Archie Bunker, played by the legendary Carroll O’Connor.

However, while Struthers’ role on All in the Family was groundbreaking and beloved, her experience on the show was not without its challenges. One of the most striking and poignant reflections she has shared about her time on the show is the comment: “On set, he only ever called me ‘The Girl.’” This remark is a glimpse into the dynamics of a television production in the 1970s, shedding light on the industry’s treatment of women and the sometimes complicated relationships between cast members. But it also reveals the inner workings of a sitcom set that would go on to influence TV history.

As we remember Sally Struthers’ contribution to All in the Family, it’s impossible to ignore the key figure that helped bring this groundbreaking show to life: Rob Reiner, who played her husband, Michael “Meathead” Stivic. Rob Reiner’s passing would mark the end of an era for the cast and for fans who had come to love him as one of the most memorable and beloved characters in the history of television. Struthers’ remarks about Reiner, combined with her reflections on their time together on set, make for a moving and heartfelt tribute to a friendship and partnership that defined much of her career.

The Legacy of All in the Family

When All in the Family premiered on January 12, 1971, it introduced television audiences to a groundbreaking approach to sitcoms. The show, created by Norman Lear, was unafraid to tackle issues like racism, sexism, politics, and class, topics that were largely absent from mainstream television at the time. It was a bold move, and the characters became the vehicle for these discussions, especially through the iconic character of Archie Bunker—a blue-collar, conservative man who often voiced offensive opinions.

While Archie’s views were controversial, they served as the catalyst for the show’s humor and social commentary. But one of the most important aspects of All in the Family was the way it portrayed family dynamics. As much as Archie was the central figure, the show was also defined by the roles of his wife, Edith, played by Jean Stapleton, and his daughter, Gloria, portrayed by Sally Struthers.

Gloria was no shrinking violet, despite being depicted as the “sweet and naive” daughter. She was also a feminist in her own right, often challenging her father’s views, though with an undeniable softness and compassion. Sally Struthers’ portrayal of Gloria was a breakout role, earning her two Emmy Awards for her work. But in interviews, Struthers has always reflected on the complexities of being part of such a groundbreaking show—both the joys and the challenges.

The Remark: ‘The Girl’

Sally Struthers’ quote about being called “The Girl” on set offers an intriguing look into the sometimes casual sexism of the 1970s television industry. While she was playing the daughter of the show’s main character, it’s not just the role that came with limitations—it was also the treatment behind the scenes. Struthers has spoken at length about her experiences on the set of All in the Family, and one recurring theme has been the dismissive way in which the women on the show were treated.

In a revealing interview, Struthers discussed how, on set, the cast and crew often referred to her simply as “The Girl,” rather than by her character’s name or her own. While the remark might seem innocent on the surface, it speaks to a larger issue in Hollywood during the era. Women were often seen less as individuals and more as accessories to male-driven narratives. This may have been particularly evident on a show like All in the Family, where strong male characters like Archie and Michael Stivic were central to the storyline.

Struthers has always maintained that she didn’t let the treatment affect her performance, but it’s clear that it was part of the larger challenge of navigating a male-dominated entertainment industry at the time. She had to prove herself constantly—not just as an actress but as a professional woman in an environment that sometimes limited her to a secondary role.

Despite this, Struthers thrived. Her portrayal of Gloria became a key component of the show’s success. She brought a warmth, intelligence, and vulnerability to the character, balancing her role as a loving wife and daughter with the growing feminist values of the time. In doing so, Struthers not only contributed to the success of All in the Family but also helped pave the way for women in television who followed.

Rob Reiner: Meathead and a Friend

Another key figure in Struthers’ career on All in the Family was Rob Reiner, who played her husband, Michael “Meathead” Stivic. Michael was the progressive foil to Archie’s reactionary views, representing a younger, more liberal generation. Their relationship was full of tension, with Michael often clashing with Archie over issues like politics and social values. Yet, beneath the conflict, there was deep affection, and their back-and-forth became one of the most beloved aspects of the show.

Off-screen, Reiner and Struthers shared a close friendship that lasted long after the show ended. Struthers has always praised Reiner’s sense of humor, work ethic, and the way he treated everyone on set with respect. She has described him as a “gentle giant,” noting that he was a great partner both in front of and behind the camera.

But with Reiner’s recent passing, the entertainment world lost a legend. Rob Reiner’s career spanned far beyond All in the Family. He went on to direct critically acclaimed films like When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, and The Princess Bride. His impact on Hollywood as a director, producer, and actor cannot be overstated.

Yet, it was his time on All in the Family that cemented his place in TV history. Reiner’s portrayal of Meathead was groundbreaking in its own right. He was a character who represented a break from traditional portrayals of men in sitcoms, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of the more progressive, youthful generation of the 1970s. Reiner’s witty and sometimes sarcastic portrayal of Meathead was a perfect counterpart to O’Connor’s Archie, and together, they created one of the most dynamic duos in television.

In interviews, Struthers often reflected on her friendship with Reiner, emphasizing how much she enjoyed working with him. She has mentioned that while working with Reiner was a joy, the time they spent together on set wasn’t without its challenges. In particular, the show’s famous tension between Gloria and Michael was mirrored by the challenges of dealing with a production that often ignored the voice of women. Despite this, Struthers was quick to note that Reiner was always respectful and supportive.

Remembering Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers’ Legacy

In many ways, Struthers’ experience on All in the Family was both a reflection of the societal changes happening at the time and a personal journey of growth. Her portrayal of Gloria was an important part of breaking down stereotypes about women, as she defied the traditional roles assigned to women in sitcoms. It wasn’t just about playing a daughter or a wife—it was about portraying a woman who had her own opinions, her own desires, and her own agency.

Today, Sally Struthers’ legacy is etched in the hearts of All in the Family fans, and she remains an important figure in television history. And while her reflections on being called “The Girl” may resonate as a reminder of the industry’s past treatment of women, they also reflect the strength and resilience it took to succeed in a world that often minimized women’s contributions.

As for Rob Reiner, his passing leaves a void in Hollywood, but his impact on television, film, and the hearts of fans will never be forgotten. His time on All in the Family alongside Struthers remains a testament to his ability to blend humor, heart, and social commentary in ways few others could.

In the end, both Sally Struthers and Rob Reiner’s work on All in the Family continues to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought. Their partnership on screen was more than just acting—it was a moment in television history that captured the spirit of a generation, one that changed the face of entertainment forever.

Conclusion

Sally Struthers’ reflection on her time on All in the Family and the treatment she faced as “The Girl” provides a valuable lens through which to examine the industry’s evolving treatment of women. Meanwhile, Rob Reiner’s portrayal of Meathead remains one of the most iconic in television history, and his passing serves as a reminder of his incredible contributions to both television and film. Together, their time on All in the Family was more than just a performance—it was a partnership that left a lasting legacy.