Sally Struthers Reflects on Norman Lear Relationship

Sally Struthers, known for her role as Gloria in 'All in the Family,' recently discussed her difficult relationship with the show's creator, Norman Lear, during a podcast interview. Struthers revealed she felt excluded from social events hosted by Lear and his wife and spent $40,000 on legal fees in an unsuccessful attempt to leave the show after season five. She expressed dissatisfaction with Lear's treatment of her, including a comment about casting her for her 'blue eyes and a fat face.' Despite these challenges, Struthers won two Emmy Awards for her performance but felt sidelined as the 'fourth banana' on the show. Lear, who died in 2023, was also known to have had contentious relationships with other cast members, like Carroll O'Connor. Struthers' revelations highlight longstanding tensions behind the scenes of the iconic sitcom.