Missed connections in television are a funny thing. Sure, plenty of actors audition for one role, but we never spend a lot of time thinking about what might have been, or the actors that were just a hair away from starring in our favorite shows.

Strangely enough, the role of Archie Bunker was not one that was terribly sought after. With its blunt and sometimes risque material, some people felt that a role like Archie would doom their career. Moreover, while everyone is well aware of what a success All in the Family was today, back when it was just beginning, the series didn't look too promising.

Famously, one actor who openly turned down the role of Archie Bunker was Mickey Rooney. Rooney was pressed by Lear to play the role, but Rooney refused due to the show's unconventional subject matter.

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According to an interview with the Los Angeles Times, another actor who was in the running for Archie Bunker was none other than Tom Bosley. Today, Bosley is best remembered as Mr. Cunningham in Happy Days, a role he most likely wouldn't have even been considered for had he been cast as Archie Bunker. But all those years ago, Bosley auditioned for the part. "Like most actors, it took me a few years to get started," Bosley said.

"I was terrorized by the series; I wasn't sure where it would go and thought I might end up the most hated actor in America. I just wasn't comfortable with it. I thought it would make a good play." 

Ultimately, the role went to Carroll O'Connor, and Bosley went on to star in Happy Days. It's an outcome we're quite pleased with, to be honest, though we'd be interested to see Bosley's audition tape for All in the Family.