Surprising Stories from the Set of All in the Family

Before Carroll O’Connor stepped into Archie Bunker’s chair, Norman Lear originally wanted Mickey Rooney for the role. When Lear began explaining the character as an outspoken bigot who used slurs, Rooney quickly became alarmed by how provocative the idea sounded.

According to Lear, Rooney interrupted him mid-description and warned, “Norm, they’re going to kill you, shoot you dead in the streets.” Rooney declined the part, underscoring just how dangerous and controversial All in the Family felt before it ever aired.