[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF MR. CARROLL O'CONNOR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Carroll 
O'Connor, a truly remarkable man, who has influenced the lives of many 
people throughout his acting career, most notably known for his 
character of Archie Bunker in ``All in the Family''.
  Mr. O'Connor was very enthusiastic about ``All in the Family'' which 
began in 1971 and lasted eight seasons. Mr. O'Connor portrayed a 
cranky, ignorant, and even caustic man whose wholesomeness and honesty 
won over the sympathy of audiences. He stated about the show, ``Right 
from the start I loved the idea of this show. It was frank and 
refreshing, a lot more true to life than anything on the air. Everybody 
was talking about creating shows that were relevant, but nobody wanted 
to touch the real thing.''
  As the television show grew, Mr. O'Connor's popularity soared to 
unbelievable heights. He was not just the character that he was known 
for, but he was a lovable man who truly cared for all. The show's other 
cast members spoke of the cast as a family. After the death of his son 
he spent a significant amount of his time working against drug abuse. 
Mr. O'Connor was dedicated to the cause and traveled the country 
promoting laws in the state legislatures that would allow victims of 
drug abuse to sue drug dealers for monetary damages.
  Let us honor the memory of Carroll O'Connor for his remarkable 
contributions to the people through his life of service, most notably 
playing the role of ``Archie Bunker.''

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