Actor Carroll O’Connor who gained fame in his role as Archie Bunker in “All In The Family” was born on this day in 1924. Carroll was a much used character actor until 1970 when producer Norman Lear called upon him to play Archie Bunker in his new sitcom ‘All In The Family’
Previously Carroll O’Connor had been considered for the role of
slicethelife 
that show along with the movie blazing saddles could in NO WAY be remade today in their original form.
can you even imagine someone pitching the idea for all in the family today? how many heart attacks would that cause in the board room?
so many people would be offended.. you are right.. both AITH and Blazing Saddles wouldn’t even get pitched today…someones feelings would be hurt! We can’t have that…everyone is a winner today. I am surprised everyone doesn’t get a medal at the Olympics…some loser might have their feelings hurt..
i think the crazy thing is that richard pryor has a writing credit on blazing saddles.
yes.. richie pryor..there will never be another like him..these guys around today couldn’t carry his jockstrap.. one of the funniest people of all times..
from what i remember pryor was supposed to have the cleavon little role as the sheriff, but this was right as the freebase fire incident so the studio balked.
that would have been nearly 10 years before the freebasing incident..i think it took place in 1980..saddles was made early 70’s…
maybe i am thinking heroin bust – crap now i have to go look…
ah you are right it was not drugs – it was his stand up act that was controversial that the studio would not sign off. mel brooks then let him help write it.