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The ‘All In The Family’ Cast Has Only Two Surviving Stars Left
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The ‘All In The Family’ Cast Has Only Two Surviving Stars Left

Those were the days! With its powerful cast and sharp writing, All in the Family was centered around a working-class opinionated man and his family, and to say it was groundbreaking is just the tip of the iceberg. In a nation barreling through the chaos of war, civil rights unrest, and the rise of feminism, how could it be possible that a sitcom could broach these sensitive topics, and not in a subtle way either? From the get-go we had Archie Bunker, an electrifying bigot spouting his wildly crude thoughts about other races, religions, and political movements — actually, pretty much any sensitive topic. But The Bunker household also sported Gloria and Meathead who had polar opposite viewpoints, so the living room arguments became essentially a microcosm of ’70s American society. And as the insults flew, and progressive comments were met with even more regressive counterpoints, we the audience actually learned a lot. And laughed our butts off along the way. The show became, quite possibly, the most influential series of all time, and was ranked #1 on the yearly Nielsen ratings from 1971 until 1976. Today we’re heading back to Queens, New York to revisit the Bunker cast. Alright, let’s go make sure Meathead isn’t sitting in Archie’s Chair. Is Carroll O’Connor still alive? Carroll O’Connor in the All in the Family cast and his final role Oh, Archie Bunker, the most lovable, vocally ignorant man on air. This assertively prejudiced patriot was a WWII veteran struggling to adapt to the ever-changing world. And this was universally important and relatable. But so much credit for the development of Archie goes to O’Connor himself, who pressed creator Norman Lear to not have Archie remain unphased by countless Meathead arguments, or back and forths with Lionel Jefferson. Carroll pushed for Archie to evolve with the audience in a real life manner as he feared that many people weren’t getting the nuance of Archie’s progression, as his personal views on political and social issues were actually very liberal, and so the polar opposite of Archie. It was a cognitive approach that catapulted the Archie character into the record books. CARROLL O’CONNOR at the RETURN TO ME premiere, LA, CA, 4/00″ / Everett Collection O’Connor’s career began in 1960, with two episodes of Sunday Showcase. He continued with guest spots throughout the 60s until his breakout role of Archie Bunker, for which he won four Emmys. But Carrol was also obtaining smaller roles in films, like 1963’s epic Cleopatra, the John Wayne-led Pearl Harbor aftermath film, In Harm’s Way; and a co-starring role in the Lee Marvin 1967 thriller Point Blank. After All in The Family, Archie’s tale continued through Archie Bunker’s Place on which aired that terribly sad episode where Edith died. He later led yet another widely popular series, starring in the police drama In The Heat of the Night, for which he was also executive producer and a writer. Sadly, O’Connor’s later life was plagued by tragedy, as his son Hugh O’Connor, who also appeared on In The Heat of the Night, committed suicide in 1995 after a battle with drug addiction. Carroll used this tragedy to spark change, devoting the remainder of his life to advocate for drug and addiction awareness in PSAs. He also went on to successfully lobby California to pass the Drug Dealer Liability Act in 1997. Carroll’s final acting appearance was in 2000’s romantic comedy Return to Me, as he sadly died the following year at the age of 76. One thing’s for sure, Carroll O’Connor is among the television greats in more ways than one. Is Jean Stapleton still alive? Jean Stapleton in the All in the Family cast and after / Everett Collection You can’t not smile when you hear Edith Bunker’s cheery, aloof, and happy-go-lucky demeanor. A bit ditzy, sure, but kindhearted, Edith proves to be somewhat of a force, too, as she sometimes takes a stand against Archie and his insults, but their unique marriage was strong and, above everything, they loved each other deeply. YOU’VE GOT MAIL, Jean Stapleton, 1998, (c)Warner Bros./courtesy Everett Collection Stapleton started on Broadway at 18 and rode stage gigs to the Silver Screen, recreating her musical part in Damn Yankees for the Tab Hunter film in 1958. In 1967, she co-starred in the film, Up the Down Staircase, and then she turned down Mrs. Teevee from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory to become Edith Bunker. Certainly a tough choice, but one that rewarded her with three Emmys, and two Golden Globes victories. Jean did well after Edith departed Archie Bunker’s Place. In fact, she and Whoopi Goldberg co-starred in the 1990 series Bagdad Cafe, based on the 1987 film. Then, in one of her final gigs, Stapleton played Birdie Conrad in the Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan rom-com You’ve Got Mail. Birdie encourages Meg Ryan to lead the life she wants, even if that’s wandering into the unknown. A lesson she seemed to live by herself. Jean sadly died in 2013 at the age of 90, but from creating that iconic Edith Bunker voice, to her bit parts in loads of TV shows and films, Jean Stapleton truly did it all. Is Rob Reiner still alive? Rob Reiner continued extensive industry work after leaving the cast of All in the Family / Everett Collection / ImageCollect Michael Stivic was his name, but, as far as Archie is concerned, Meathead is more applicable, dead from the neck up. The nickname spawned from Norman Lear’s father calling him that during arguments. Meathead was a kind-hearted hippie who often got into tiffs with Archie about everything from politics, to PDA of his daughter at the kitchen table… Meathead was a little pretentious and chauvinistic, basically Archie as the other side of the coin. LOS ANGELES – JAN 25: Rob Reiner at the 2020 Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, CA / ImageCollect Rob Reiner is the son of a true comedic genius, Carl Reiner, the creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show, as well as a comedic actor with the best of them.  He began landing TV guest spots in 1967 like three episodes of That Girl and three episodes of Gomer Pyle, USMC. At the same time he began his writing career with the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, where he and Steve Martin were the youngest two writers on the show, and became partners. Rob would go on to direct, meeting more success even than his charming acting and witty writing, beginning acting and directing in the outrageously funny This is Spinal Tap, then directing incredible films like the coming-of-age Stand by Me, and the military courtroom drama A Few Good Men. Forever known as Meathead, Reiner has even stated, “I could win the Nobel Prize and they’d write ‘Meathead wins the Nobel Prize’.” Archie wouldn’t have it any other way. Tragically, another member of the All in the Family cast was lost, when Reiner and his wife both died on December 14, 2025. They were stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home, and their own son Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The case is ongoing, and Reiner was 78 when he was killed. This was a particularly soul-shattering loss for friends, family, and the industry as a whole. Is Mike Evans still alive? The role of Lionel persisted from the All in the Family cast to The Jeffersons / Everett Collection Lionel was the first taste of the Jeffersons, and lucky that Norman Lear didn’t get his first choice of Blazing Saddle’s Cleavon Little for the role. Evans was just a college student majoring in drama, but with no acting experience when All in the Family producer and director John Rich hired him for Lionel. Mike left The Jeffersons spin-off after one season, but had a lot on his plate, being one of the creators and writers of the series Good Times. In later years, he was also a real estate investor and owned properties in California’s Inland Empire. Sadly, Mike died of cancer in 2006 at just 57 years old. Rest in peace. Is Sally Struthers still alive? Sally Struthers in the cast of All in the Family and today / Everett Collection / ImageCollect Among the cast of All in the Family, Gloria is the free-spirited daughter of Archie and Edith, who marries Meathead. She has the gentle mannerisms of her mother and the stubbornness of her father. Sally Struthers years after All in the Family cast work / ImageCollect Sally Struthers’ acting break was being cast opposite Jack Nicholson in 1970’s Five Easy Pieces. She also picked up a recurring gig on The Tim Conway Comedy Hour. In 1971, Sally went prehistoric, voicing Pebbles Flintstone in the animated spinoff The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show. Following her success in All in the Family, she got her own chance for a spinoff with Gloria, but it was canceled after one season. We later saw her in the show Nine to Five for 52 episodes, before she went back to voice work primarily, this time as a series lead in the Jungle Book spinoff, TaleSpin. And then voicing Charlene Sinclair in the great 90s Jim Henson-conceived show, Dinosaurs. Struthers is still acting today, but her last mainstay on television was over 50 episodes of Gilmore Girls from 2000 to 2007. Today, she’s turning 79 years old in July 2026, and she also is a spokesperson for the Christian Children’s Fund, which is now known as ChildFund, advocating on behalf of impoverished children in developing countries. Danielle Brisebois (Stephanie Mills) Danielle Brisebois kept the role of Stephanie after All in the Family among the cast of Archie’s Place / Everett Collection / ImageCollect Stephanie Mills is the adorable nine-year-old daughter of Edith’s cousin Floyd, who becomes a regular on the show for the ninth season when the Bunkers take her in. Danielle Brisebois is now also a music star / YouTube In 1976, at the age of seven, Danielle was cast in The Premonition. She was also the orphan Molly in the original Broadway production of Annie. Brisebois stayed with the role of Stephanie Mills into Archie Bunker’s Place, and was even nominated for a Golden Globe in 1982, before she began concentrating more on a music career. Danielle was a member of the short-lived rock band New Radicals, who scored their greatest hit with 1998’s “You Get What You Give.” She also recorded two solo albums in the 2000s. ALL IN THE FAMILY, from left: Rob Reiner, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, Carroll O’Connor, 1971-79. ©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection She and her songwriting partner Gregg Alexander were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2015 for the film Begin Again. Today Danielle is 57 years old and keeps fans updated through Instagram, so give her a follow. Who was your favorite member of the All in the Family cast? ALL IN THE FAMILY, from left: Rob Reiner, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, Carroll O’Connor, Mike Evans, (1975), 1971-79. ph: Gene Trindl/TV Guide/©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection Next up: Before Store Rewards Apps, Americans Filled Drawers With Little Green Stamps The post The ‘All In The Family’ Cast Has Only Two Surviving Stars Left appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Dana Daly

Before Store Rewards Apps, Americans Filled Drawers With Little Green Stamps
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Before Store Rewards Apps, Americans Filled Drawers With Little Green Stamps

Long before shoppers scanned barcodes on their phones or entered rewards numbers at checkout, earning customer perks required patience, scissors, and plenty of glue. Millions of Americans faithfully tucked away tiny paper stamps, carefully pasting them into booklets with dreams of someday trading them for something special. For families in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, collecting rewards wasn’t an occasional bonus—it was practically a way of life. Grocery trips, department store visits, and household errands all contributed to growing collections that could eventually turn into lamps, bicycles, dishes, and even furniture. How collecting stamps became a national obsession Flickr According to Smithsonian Magazine, the program began in the late 1890s when businessman Thomas Sperry saw an opportunity to expand a small store incentive into a nationwide business. Customers received stamps based on how much they spent, eventually collecting enough to fill booklets that could be redeemed for merchandise. S&H green stamps / Wikipedia The idea spread rapidly across America. By the 1960s, the system had reached its peak, with hundreds of redemption centers and more than 100,000 participating businesses across the country. Families eagerly flipped through thick catalogs, deciding which prizes were worth saving for, and filling a booklet became a small achievement in itself. Why people remember them so fondly today X Part of the appeal of green stamps was that they transformed everyday shopping into something exciting. Children often helped parents paste stamps into books at the kitchen table, turning routine errands into family projects with visible progress toward a shared goal. The rewards also felt more tangible than many modern loyalty programs. Instead of points disappearing quietly into an app, customers could physically hold the stamps in their hands and watch their collections grow week after week. That sense of anticipation helped make the experience memorable. X Eventually, economic changes and store-run rewards programs pushed the once-dominant system aside. The company attempted digital versions and rebranding efforts, but the era had changed. Ironically, the success of modern loyalty programs exists partly because green stamps showed businesses just how powerful customer rewards could be. Today, memories of carefully filling those little books remain a nostalgic reminder of a slower era of shopping—one where loyalty points came with glue sticks, kitchen tables, and the excitement of finally earning enough for that long-awaited prize. Discount stubs / Wikimedia Commons Next up: Happy Heavenly Birthday, Gina Lollobrigida: The Italian Bombshell Who Captivated Hollywood The post Before Store Rewards Apps, Americans Filled Drawers With Little Green Stamps appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A

Christopher Reeve’s Family: Meet His Three Remarkable Children Who All Chose Very Different Paths
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Christopher Reeve’s Family: Meet His Three Remarkable Children Who All Chose Very Different Paths

Millions of fans will always remember Christopher Reeve as Superman, but to his three children, he was something even greater—a father whose courage, compassion, and determination continued to shape their lives long after he was gone. According to People, more than twenty years after his death in 2004, his children continue finding new ways to honor the man behind the cape. Through documentaries, advocacy work, and personal tributes, they have ensured that his influence extends far beyond the movies that made him famous. The three children of Christopher Reeve each found their own way to continue his mission Christopher Reeve/Instagram The story of Christopher Reeve’s children begins with Matthew and Alexandra, whom he shared with former partner Gae Exton, before welcoming son Will with wife Dana Reeve in 1992. Although their careers eventually took them in very different directions, all three remained deeply committed to preserving their father’s legacy. NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 18, 2004 Dana and Will Reeve at the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation 14th Annual Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis. Matthew pursued work as a writer, producer, and director, while Alexandra built a successful career in law, technology policy, and advocacy. Both have remained actively involved with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, helping continue the organization’s work supporting spinal cord injury research and disability rights initiatives. Will Reeve has shared some of the family’s most personal memories Matthew Reeveat the 4th Annual Los Angeles Gala for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA. 12-02-08 Will was only three years old when his father’s riding accident changed their lives forever and just twelve when he lost him. Over the years, he has spoken openly about growing up with memories that feel both vivid and incomplete, describing the challenge of carrying such an extraordinary legacy while building a life of his own. NYC 11/10/08Matthew, Alexandra and Will Reeve at TheChristopher and Dana Reeve Foundation18th annual “A Magical Evening” Gala;Marriott MarquisDigital Photo by Adam Nemser-PHOTOlink.net In recent years, Will has become one of the most public faces of that legacy, working as a journalist while also creating projects exploring his father’s life and advocacy work. His documentary retracing Christopher’s final trip before the accident offered audiences a deeply personal look at the father he continues trying to know better. New York, NY 11-12-2008Alexandra Reeve (daughter of Christopher Reeve)book party for AWEARNESS: INSPIRING STORIES ABOUT HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE at Kenneth Cole New York.Digital photo by Lane Ericcson-PHOTOlink.net For Christopher Reeve’s children, preserving his memory has never simply been about looking backward. Instead, it has become a way of continuing the values he taught them—resilience, service, and the belief that obstacles should inspire action rather than surrender. SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, 1978. © Warner Bros./ Courtesy: Everett Collection. Next up: Bette Midler Shares Rare Behind-The-Scenes ‘First Wives Club’ Photo With Diane Keaton And Goldie Hawn The post Christopher Reeve’s Family: Meet His Three Remarkable Children Who All Chose Very Different Paths appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A

How to Watch the Original ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Before the Netflix Reboot?
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How to Watch the Original ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Before the Netflix Reboot?

Get reacquainted with the Ingalls before the reboot.

Kevin Bacon Is Changing His Name—And Fans Are Loving The Reason Why
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Kevin Bacon Is Changing His Name—And Fans Are Loving The Reason Why

For more than four decades, audiences have associated one particular last name with one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars. From Footloose to countless film and television roles, that name has become part of pop culture history. That is exactly why fans were so surprised to learn that the actor has decided to part with it — at least for a little while. Fortunately, the decision has nothing to do with rebranding or reinvention and everything to do with a cause close to his heart. Why Kevin Bacon is becoming “Kevin Bean” Kevin Bacon/Instagram According to TODAY, the longtime star is temporarily changing his last name from Bacon to Bean as part of a playful campaign promoting plant-based meals one day a week. The initiative encourages people to swap meat for beans on Wednesdays as a way to help animals, reduce environmental impact, and even save money.             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon)   The campaign, called “Beansday,” is being led alongside Humane World for Animals, the organization formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States. Leaning fully into the joke, the actor even appeared in promotional material wearing a suit made entirely out of beans to help spread the message. His love of animals made the decision easy YouTube Screenshot The humorous name change actually reflects something very personal. Kevin Bacon and wife Kyra Sedgwick live on a 40-acre farm surrounded by horses, goats, pigs, chickens and cows, giving the actor a daily connection with the animals he hopes to help protect. He has often shared videos of himself singing to the animals on social media, though he recently admitted those peaceful moments can take quite a few attempts to capture. Kevin Bacon/Youtube video screenshot Fans may see a short clip online, but behind the scenes there are often dozens of takes involving distracted goats and uncooperative pigs. For Kevin Bacon, the campaign was an opportunity to use humor to start conversations about food choices without making people feel judged or lectured. Judging by the reaction online, many fans seem more than happy to spend a few Wednesdays calling him Kevin Bean instead. Next up: Fans Visited Shelley Duvall’s Ranch And Found A Life Frozen In Time The post Kevin Bacon Is Changing His Name—And Fans Are Loving The Reason Why appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A