All in the Family cast and characters: Here's who brought the CBS sitcom to life

All in the Family took no time to gather the audience's love and attention after its release in 1971. The sitcom ran for nine seasons and won many awards, like People's Choice Awards and Golden Globes, which added to its recognition.

Created by Norman Lear, the sitcom focuses on a family where the main lead, Archie, is loud and stubborn. However, his wife, Edith, is very different, as she is kind and gentle. They live with their daughter Gloria and her husband, Mike. Archie often clashes with the people around him, like his son-in-law, their neighbors, and even family members.

Continue reading to learn about the All in the Family cast and characters who brought the CBS sitcom to life.

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All in the Family cast: Meet the main characters

Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker

Archie is a proud World War II veteran who is often seen struggling with new ideas and says things that show his own beliefs. This also many times leads to clashes, especially with his son-in-law Mike. While his character is somewhat proud, he is also caring at heart and tries to do right, even if it means he has to leave his stubbornness out of the way.

He is the father of Gloria and husband to Edith, which makes him the head of the family. At times, the viewers also see his love for his family and his patience, which makes the character likable. Over time, he learns to be kinder and more accepting of others, even if they don't match his beliefs or views.

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Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker

Edith is a sweet and kind lady who is often there to handle Archie despite his weird mood. She is devoted to her husband and cares for him, just like Archie. She met Archie when she was possibly in high school. However, the show never gave the exact details on their first meeting.

Unlike Archie, she doesn't judge people and tries to understand everyone's side; that makes her one of the most loved characters. Though she started as a housewife, when needed, she also gets a job, which shows her supportive and ambitious nature. However, the character has a sad ending, as she dies of a stroke in the sitcom.

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Rob Reiner as Michael 'Meathead' Stivic

Mike is Gloria’s husband, played by Rob Reiner, and he is often seen in an argument with Archie, who eventually gives him the title of Meathead. Mike had a tough childhood while growing up in Chicago, as he lost his parents and was eventually raised by his uncle.

However, Mike is very smart and has his own opinion, which somehow makes him similar to Archie when it comes to traits. Their clashes were one of the highlights of the show and were loved by the audience.

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Sally Struthers as Gloria Bunker-Stivic

Gloria, like her mother, is also very kind and tries her best to resolve the argument between her husband, Mike, and her father, Archie. However, just like her father, she can also be very opinionated at times.

Her hard work and supportive nature towards her husband are also seen when she starts earning for the two in the initial period. At times, she can also be seen as sensitive and emotional. However, her marriage faces big challenges when Michael gets arrested during a protest. Gloria is seen working hard on her own, showing the independence they showed in their early days of marriage.

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Supporting characters in All in the Family

Danielle Brisebois as Stephanie Mills: Stephanie is Edith's young cousin's daughter, who, like Mike and Gloria, comes to live with the family. She's a smart person and often impresses Archie with her wittiness. Over time, she becomes very close to the family, more like their own daughter.

Mike Evans as Lionel Jefferson: Lionel is the son of Archie's neighbors, George and Louise Jefferson. Viewers also see his friendship with the main lead's daughter, Gloria, and her husband, Mike. He usually drops in at their home like an everyday routine.

Isabel Sanford as Mrs. Jefferson: Louise is George's wife and Archie and Edith's neighbor. Like Edith, she is also very kind yet clever, which helps her handle her husband, George. Her character is similar to Edith's when it comes to a few traits, which helps her take care of her family and solve their differences.

Allan Melvin as Barney Hefner: He is one of Archie's closest friends, and the two are seen sharing a great friendship bond in the sitcom.

Jason Wingreen as Harry Snowden: Harry is another friend of Archie who also works at Kelsey’s Bar. Later in the series, he also works with Archie on his business, showing their bond.

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All in the Family is streaming on Apple TV.

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