Sally Struthers’ Journey from Insult to Audition Success
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Sally Struthers, famous for her role as Gloria Stivic on the iconic series “All in the Family,” recently shared how an insult early in her career led her to the audition that changed her life. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 78-year-old actress reflected on her journey to stardom and her current role as Mrs. Peck in “An Old-Fashioned Family Murder” at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ.
Struthers revealed that she faced a setback when she was fired from an early job for supposedly making the show look “cheap.” Despite feeling like her career was in trouble, this experience paved the way for her audition for “All in the Family.” The actress explained, “Because I was let go, I was free to read for this show called All in the Family.”
The audition for the groundbreaking series, created by Norman Lear, turned out to be a turning point in Struthers’ career. Despite facing challenges like having laryngitis during the audition, she eventually landed the role of Gloria Stivic, winning over audiences with her portrayal and appearing in 182 episodes of the show from 1971 to 1979.
Following her success on “All in the Family,” Struthers continued to make her mark in the entertainment industry with appearances in spinoffs like “Archie Bunker’s Place” and her own show “Gloria.” She also ventured into other TV series like “Nine to Five” and “Still Standing,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Despite the ebbs and flows of fame, Struthers remained dedicated to her craft and found solace in theatre. Over the past 35 years, she has been captivating live audiences across the country, reaffirming her status as a beloved and talented performer. Reflecting on her journey, Struthers shared, “Different producers around the country figured out that my name put people’s butts in the theater seats.”
In her current role as Mrs. Peck in “An Old-Fashioned Family Murder,” Struthers delves into a character rooted in the 1940s, exploring societal changes and moral dilemmas reminiscent of the 70s. The actress highlighted the significance of the women’s movement in shaping her own experiences, noting how it influenced her portrayal of Gloria on “All in the Family.”
Describing Mrs. Peck as sweet, motherly, and proud of her son, Struthers teased the comedic elements of the play and praised the writing prowess of Joe DiPietro. With previews beginning on Oct. 14 and opening night on Oct. 17, audiences can catch Struthers in action, bringing her signature charm and talent to the stage once again.
As she continues to captivate audiences with her performances, Sally Struthers remains a testament to resilience, talent, and the belief that every setback can lead to new opportunities in the world of entertainment. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that success often arises from challenges faced with determination and grace.
In conclusion, Sally Struthers’ story is a compelling narrative of perseverance, passion, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams in the ever-evolving landscape of show business.