The Love Boat's Gavin MacLeod was almost Archie Bunker

Your Captain, Archie Bunker?

CBS Television Distribution

A lesser man might waste his days thinking back to his "What if?" moments. Sure, people can make mistakes, but getting stuck in a cycle of regret isn't a productive use of time. It's better to live and learn, and to let your mistakes fuel you on the road to success.

Gavin MacLeod had plenty of "What if?" moments in his life, but he never lost any sleep over them. During an interview with The Minneapolis Star Tribune, the actor revealed that years ago, he auditioned for the role of Archie Bunker in All in the Family.

However, the role was so tyrannical that MacLeod had no interest in joining the series.

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"It was so defaming," said MacLeod. "You need a special guy to play that. I abhor bigotry in every shape and form. I come from a place of love and compassion. It wouldn't have been a good fit."

The role eventually went to Carroll O'Connor, who went on to win various awards for his portrayal of Archie Bunker. MacLeod went on to star in sitcoms like The Love Boat and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

The performer also said that originally, producers had him pegged for another role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Lou Grant.

"I never believed me as Mary's boss," said MacLeod. "It was a physical thing and an age thing. But I wasn't going to say no to the audition. So I read for Lou, got my laughs, and had my hand on the doorknob when I said, 'Look, guys. Lou is a sensational role, but I really like Murray.' So I read a few lines."

MacLeod was correct; he was eventually cast as Murray, and it became a role for which the actor was well remembered.