I read somewhere that Tom Bosley and Scott Brady (who appeared in the waitress episode as Joe Foley), were both considered for the part of Archie.

BEFORE CARROLL O'CONNOR!!

How could this be? Both good actors but the show would not have lasted with either of them in the role of Archie. O'Connor was just bigger than life and a very overbearing presence. He was very well spoken in the role (even though Archie could not speak a word of English correctly). Just can't see how anyone else could have been considered.

I read somewhere that Mickey Rooney was offered the role but he turned it down.

I read somewhere that Mickey Rooney was offered the role but he turned it down.

According to Wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carroll_O%27Connor) both he and Jackie Gleason were offered the role.

IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066626/trivia) claims it was also offered to Jack Warden.

According to Wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carroll_O%27Connor) both he and Jackie Gleason were offered the role.

IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066626/trivia) claims it was also offered to Jack Warden.
this is one instance where Wiki is right. I never hear about Jack Warden being considered though but since IMDB is also not right most of the time, I wouldn't believe it.

I read somewhere that Mickey Rooney was offered the role but he turned it down.
yea, both Mickey and Jackie Gleason were considered for the role. Mickey turned it down when he realized how controversial it would be. I don't know about Jackie.

Now that's something I never knew about All in the Family. The fact that Jackie Gleason was considered for Archie Bunker. He would have made a good Archie but I don't think he would have been interested in moving to California after enjoying the good life in south Florida after he ended his variety show.

There are always stories about how a famous role came to be, who was considered, etc.

Harold Gould, who was the father on Rhoda was the original Howard Cunningham on Happy Days, but he was fired after the pilot and replaced by Tom Bosley.

As long as it wasn't TOM BRADY they considered to play Archie!!!! hahahahaha!!!!:lol:

Forgive me, I'm watching the Broncos/Patriots game right now and having a couple beers!!!! I'm a little bit giddy at the moment!!!! :) Tom Brady wasn't even born yet when they were casting for AITF!!! LOL!!!:D

I never understood Lear's desire to cast Mickey Rooney. But whatever... I would imagine that just about every actor in Hollywood at the time who was 40 to 50 was probably considered for the role.