Who Knew? The Late Betty Garrett Was NOT The 1st Actor Cast As "Irene Lorenzo" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 04-17-2011, 10:57 AM

On "All in the Family", the great Betty Garrett was not the first choice to play Irene Lorenzo, the Bunker's neighbor. The part was originally given to Sada Thompson (later of the TV show "Family" with Kristy McNicholl). After a week on the "All in the Family" set, Thompson packed up and left after getting the silent treatment and cold shoulder from star Carroll O'Connor. Betty Garrett was a friend of O'Connor's and he suggested she come in and play the part, which she did splendidly. This was particularly surprising, since O'Connor was usually very kind to everyone he worked with. Many years later, O'Connor reported that he never really felt like one of his co-stars was worthy of their place on the series, even though this particular actor too held O'Connor in high regard.

Mr. Television · 04-17-2011, 11:19 AM

Yea I read about that before. I also remember reading that Vincent Gardenia asked Norman Lear to get him off the show which is why he wasn't on very long. I'm not sure if he had problems with O'Connor or not but it sounded like it.

Brian Damage · 04-17-2011, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

Yea I read about that before. I also remember reading that Vincent Gardenia asked Norman Lear to get him off the show which is why he wasn't on very long. I'm not sure if he had problems with O'Connor or not but it sounded like it.

It really befuddles me how O'Connor really put a strangle hold on that show. As great as the show was, who knows exactly how much better it could have been?!?

treky · 04-19-2011, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

Yea I read about that before. I also remember reading that Vincent Gardenia asked Norman Lear to get him off the show which is why he wasn't on very long. I'm not sure if he had problems with O'Connor or not but it sounded like it.

I read that he left because he couldn't get used to the pace of doing a TV show, since he mostly did theater.

lucyandethel · 04-19-2011, 11:12 PM

Gardenia left no because of problems with anyone on the set but because he found his character pointless. He supposedly said just that to Norman Lear at some sort of cast party and soon thereafter was gone from AITF.

catlover79 · 04-20-2011, 12:17 AM

I just have a hard time picturing anyone but Betty Garrett as Irene Lorenzo. Then again, I can only see Sada Thompson as Family's Kate Lawrence.

Guy Incognito · 05-03-2011, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Many years later, O'Connor reported that he never really felt like one of his co-stars was worthy of their place on the series, even though this particular actor too held O'Connor in high regard.

OUCH. Anyone got any idea whom he was referring to here (although I have my own suspicions)?

steevo · 05-03-2011, 09:10 AM

However it may have happened, it ended up working out. Betty Garrett was fantastic as Irene. I couldn't picture anyone else in the role.

04-17-2011, 10:57 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Who Knew? The Late Betty Garrett Was NOT The 1st Actor Cast As "Irene Lorenzo" On "All in the Family", the great Betty Garrett was not the first choice to play Irene Lorenzo, the Bunker's neighbor. The part was originally given to Sada Thompson (later of the TV show "Family" with Kristy McNicholl). After a week on the "All in the Family" set, Thompson packed up and left after getting the silent treatment and cold shoulder from star Carroll O'Connor. Betty Garrett was a friend of O'Connor's and he suggested she come in and play the part, which she did splendidly. This was particularly surprising, since O'Connor was usually very kind to everyone he worked with. Many years later, O'Connor reported that he never really felt like one of his co-stars was worthy of their place on the series, even though this particular actor too held O'Connor in high regard.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

04-17-2011, 11:19 AM	#2
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Yea I read about that before. I also remember reading that Vincent Gardenia asked Norman Lear to get him off the show which is why he wasn't on very long. I'm not sure if he had problems with O'Connor or not but it sounded like it.
	__________________ Sonny

04-20-2011, 12:17 AM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I just have a hard time picturing anyone but Betty Garrett as Irene Lorenzo. Then again, I can only see Sada Thompson as Family's Kate Lawrence.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

05-03-2011, 09:10 AM	#8
steevo It is Green Senior Member Join Date: Dec 28, 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,475	However it may have happened, it ended up working out. Betty Garrett was fantastic as Irene. I couldn't picture anyone else in the role.
	__________________ "God be gracious to us and bless us..." Psalm 67:1

04-19-2011, 11:12 PM	#5
lucyandethel Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 18, 2009 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 435	Gardenia left no because of problems with anyone on the set but because he found his character pointless. He supposedly said just that to Norman Lear at some sort of cast party and soon thereafter was gone from AITF.