<Li> Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker : Frequently called a `` lovable bigot '' , Archie was an assertively prejudiced blue - collar worker . A World War II veteran , Archie longs for better times when people sharing his viewpoint were in charge , as evidenced by the nostalgic theme song `` Those Were the Days '' ( also the show 's original title ) . Despite his bigotry , he is portrayed as loving and decent , as well as a man who is simply struggling to adapt to the changes in the world , rather than someone motivated by hateful racism or prejudice . His ignorance and stubbornness seem to cause his malapropism - filled arguments to self - destruct . He often rejects uncomfortable truths by blowing a raspberry . 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 . Scott Brady , formerly of the Western series Shotgun Slade , also declined the role of Archie Bunker , but appeared four times on the series in 1976 in the role of Joe Foley . O'Connor appears in all but seven episodes of the series ' run . </Li>
<Li> Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker : Frequently called a `` lovable bigot '' , Archie was an assertively prejudiced blue - collar worker . A World War II veteran , Archie longs for better times when people sharing his viewpoint were in charge , as evidenced by the nostalgic theme song `` Those Were the Days '' ( also the show 's original title ) . Despite his bigotry , he is portrayed as loving and decent , as well as a man who is simply struggling to adapt to the changes in the world , rather than someone motivated by hateful racism or prejudice . His ignorance and stubbornness seem to cause his malapropism - filled arguments to self - destruct . He often rejects uncomfortable truths by blowing a raspberry . 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 . Scott Brady , formerly of the Western series Shotgun Slade , also declined the role of Archie Bunker , but appeared four times on the series in 1976 in the role of Joe Foley . O'Connor appears in all but seven episodes of the series ' run . </Li>
who played the father in all in the family
who played the father in all in the family
Carroll O'Connor
Carroll O'Connor