The Famous ’70s TV Star Lost Her Dad At Her 20s, Then Became a Single Mom: What Was Her Fate Later?
Sally Struthers rose to fame in the early 1970s with her iconic role as Gloria Bunker Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family. Her portrayal of Gloria, the spirited and outspoken daughter of Archie and Edith Bunker, earned her two Emmy Awards and several Golden Globe nominations. The show broke social taboos and changed how women were represented on TV, thanks in part to Sally’s powerful performance.
Behind the scenes, Sally experienced personal loss early in life—her father passed away when she was just 20. That tragedy left a lasting impact and made her on-screen bond with co-star Carroll O’Connor, who played her TV father, especially meaningful. Off-screen, Carroll became a mentor and father figure to Sally.
During her rise to fame, Sally married psychiatrist Dr. William Rader and had a daughter, Samantha, whom she calls…
