Who was Norman Lear's first choice to play Mike Stivic on "All In The Family"?

ll in the Family is an American sitcom TV-series that was originally broadcast on the CBS television network for nine seasons, from January 12, 1971, to April 8, 1979. The following September, it was continued with the spin-off series Archie Bunker's Place, which picked up where All in the Family had ended and ran for four more seasons through 1983.

Norman Lear offered the role of Libertarian Mike Stivic to Harrison Ford. Ford turned the part down because he felt the show was too controversial. The role went to Rob Reiner who went on to win an Emmy for the role in 1974 and 1978 and was nominated for 5 Golden Globes.

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28 Comments

Jd White

Mike Stivic was NOT libertarian. He was a liberal.

Naked Kitty Slave

sarahhvf, 'Former child actor Mickey Rooney was Lear's first choice to play Archie, but Rooney declined the offer because of the strong potential for controversy, and in Rooney's opinion, a poor chance for success.' Harry was first choice for Mike 'Meathead' Stivic.

Scott MacWhinnie

Meathead was not a Libertarian

elizawheeler

I liked the show, and the spin offs, but Carol O'Connors best television role was in Heat of the Night. What a great show that was.

Jas Newman

Jd White, Absolutely right about Stivic not being a Libertarian. Cannot fully agree with his characterization as a liberal, except in the co-opted sense socialists have appropriated the term to disguise their true ideology.

dmarkc

Ford and Dreyfus were first choices. Two valid options. Not well researched.

Howard Groopman

Never knew this. Ford was a virtual unknown in 1971, working as a carpenter to support his family. He had small roles in American Graffiti and The Conversation in 1973-74.

earlepg

I like Harrison Ford in the roles he played, but I don't think he fit Mick Stivic. I do think that Lear ended up the right cast as it turned out. As the show progressed I found myself disrespecting both of the men simply because the actors were doing a bang-up good job.