What Happened to This ’70s TV Icon, Who Lost Her Father at Just 20 and Became a Divorced Mom to Her Only Daughter?

In the early 1970s, she rose to prominence with a role that would define her career and become a cornerstone of television history. While audiences embraced her talent and charm, her rise to fame was the result of her steady dedication to her craft.

As her star power grew, so did the complexities of balancing a public career with her personal life. Her professional path and personal trials defined the woman and performer she became. Her story begins with her early steps into Hollywood.

A Spark of Stardom: The Early Days

Her rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. She started her career with small but memorable roles that hinted at her immense talent. In 1970, she caught audiences’ attention with recurring appearances on variety shows like “The Smothers Brothers Summer Show” and “The Tim Conway Comedy Hour.”

These early opportunities highlighted her comedic timing and on-screen charm, laying the foundation for bigger roles to come. Hollywood soon took notice. She landed supporting roles in major films, including “Five Easy Pieces” alongside Jack Nicholson.

In the film, she played a quirky, ditsy waitress, and soon landed a role in “The Getaway,” a thriller featuring Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw. Though not leading parts, these roles solidified her as a promising talent with a bright future.

Her career-changing moment came in 1971 when she was cast as Gloria Bunker Stivic in the groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family.” The show revolutionized television with its unapologetic exploration of social and political issues.

Her portrayal of Gloria—an independent, spirited daughter navigating life in a turbulent family—also resonated with viewers. Sharing the screen with heavyweights like Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, and Rob Reiner, she held her own and became a fan favorite.

Her performance earned her two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress and four Golden Globe nominations, cementing her place as one of the most celebrated actresses of the 1970s.

The Loss That Shaped Her Early Years

Her meteoric rise to fame was accompanied by a devastating personal challenge. In 1968, when she was just 20 years old, her father passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void in her life. The loss came at a pivotal time as she was working to establish herself in Hollywood.

The tragedy, however, brought unexpected connections. When she joined the cast of “All in the Family,” O’Connor, her on-screen father, stepped into a paternal role off-screen as well. “Carroll just inherited me as a daughter,” she shared years later.

Alongside his wife, Nancy, O’Connor offered the guidance and encouragement she needed, helping her navigate the challenges of her rising fame. This relationship became a cornerstone of her early success, providing stability and a sense of family during a transformative time in her life.

With the support of her newfound on-set family, she began building a life that included not only professional success but also a relationship that would later lead to marriage and motherhood.

Marriage, Motherhood, and the Challenges of Family Life

Amid the success of her role on “All in the Family,” she met Dr. William Rader, a respected psychiatrist and television medical correspondent. Introduced by her mentor, O’Connor, the two quickly formed a connection.

The pair married and soon welcomed their only child, Samantha, which marked a profound shift in her priorities. Before meeting Rader, she had been adamant about not having children, but their connection changed her perspective.

“You fall in love with someone and you want to be the mother of a child that is part of that man,” she shared. As a stepmother to Rader’s children from his previous marriage, she took deliberate steps to ensure they felt secure and included, waiting until her pregnancy was undeniable before sharing the news.

“I don’t think they were overjoyed, but they only needed proof that the new baby wouldn’t affect their relationship with Bill. Now they’re crazy about Samantha,” she reflected. She worked hard to maintain harmony within their blended family.

Despite their efforts, her marriage to Rader faced challenges, and the couple eventually divorced. Reflecting on their relationship three years into their marriage, she had admitted that their differing upbringings presented conflicts and learning experiences.

Yet, even after their separation, she remained committed to raising her daughter, who would later become a clinical psychologist. Her experience as a mother was deeply intertwined with her career, as she continued to take on roles that allowed her to juggle both worlds.

A Career Beyond Gloria

After the success of “All in the Family,” she found herself facing the challenges of being typecast as Gloria Bunker Stivic. Despite the limitations that often accompany such a high-profile role, she continued to expand her career into new areas.

One of her first ventures was Broadway, where she starred in the 1981 comedy “Wally’s Cafe” alongside James Coco and Rita Moreno. The stage offered her the chance to connect with live audiences and showcase her range beyond the small screen.

She also ventured into voice acting, contributing to popular animated series like “Dinosaurs” and “TaleSpin.” These projects allowed her to explore new creative avenues while reaching a younger audience who might not have been familiar with her earlier work.

As time went on, she also took on guest appearances on various television shows. In the early 2000s, she became widely recognized by a new generation for her role as Babette Dell on “Gilmore Girls.”

The quirky and endearing character made her a fan favorite among both long-time viewers and younger audiences. Reflecting on her career, she often spoke of the joy she felt when families recognized her from different roles.

It was delightful to see mothers and daughters debate over whether she is Gloria or Babette. Her ability to navigate the challenges of a changing industry while staying true to her craft ensured Sally Struthers’ lasting presence in Hollywood.

Staying Relevant While Giving Back

Even as her career evolved, she stayed deeply connected to the legacy of her most iconic role, but Struthers never let herself become stagnant. Beyond her on-screen work, she dedicated herself to meaningful causes, including her advocacy for Save the Children.

Using her celebrity platform, she’s worked to raise awareness about global poverty and children’s education. Her commitment to staying active has been a defining feature of her later years.

She has remained a fixture in theater, touring extensively and starring in productions that consistently earn critical praise. In recent years, Struthers has taken on new roles, including appearances in Netflix projects, ensuring her work continues to resonate with both long-time fans and newer audiences.

Her philosophy of “You rest, you rust” has driven her to embrace opportunities with unwavering energy. Fan appreciation for her work remains strong. When an interview featuring her aired on YouTube in 2023, viewers flooded the comments with praise.

“She’s still gorgeous!” one fan exclaimed, while another noted, “Sally is a trouper. She’s looking really good, too.” Others showed their admiration, saying, “Amazing lady wow!” and “She looks so youthful and gorgeous!”

While her career has spanned decades, the mark she left on television with “All in the Family” remains one of her proudest accomplishments.

From her portrayal of Gloria Bunker Stivic to her enduring advocacy and adaptability, Struthers has built a legacy that combines talent, determination, and an undeniable passion for her craft.