Classic TV Shows With Only One Surviving Cast Member

It’s a bit surreal when a show you grew up with, one you’ve seen countless times, is down to its last original actor.

Shows like All in the Family are products of their time, but they remain culturally significant and don’t feel dated. They continue to appear in reruns and are still discussed today, decades after they first aired.

Time Does Not Stand Still for Classic TV

Following the death of Rob Reiner in December 2025, only one of the original main cast members of the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family remains: Sally Struthers. The show is considered by many to be one of the most important and impactful television programs ever created.

The acclaimed actress shared her deep sadness with Deadline, saying she was “speechless” and “completely heartbroken” for the Reiner family.

Jean Stapleton Struthers played Gloria Bunker Stivic, the daughter of Archie and Edith Bunker and the wife of Michael “Meathead” Stivic. She is now the last surviving member of the four actors who originally played these main characters, as Stephanie, played by Danielle Brisebois, was added to the show later.

Few classic TV sitcoms have only one surviving main cast member, and All in the Family is one of them. Here, we highlight other beloved shows that share this poignant distinction.

LOOK: Iconic TV Shows With Only One Cast Member Surviving

‘Three’s Company’ (Joyce DeWitt)

With the passing of Suzanne Somers on October 16, 2023, only one of the original five main cast members from Three’s Company is still living: Joyce DeWitt, age 76. She’s pictured here at a gala benefiting the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, established in memory of her co-star, who died in 2003 at age 54.

‘Gilligan’s Island’ (Tina Louise)

Tina Louise, now 91, is best known for playing Ginger Grant on the classic sitcom Gilligan’s Island. The show led viewers to believe her character was a famous actress, a notion reinforced by the theme song and her frequent name-dropping of Hollywood stars. Louise recently shared on social media that she’s still living in Manhattan. This photo shows Louise (center) with her Gilligan’s Island co-stars Dawn Wells (who passed away in 2020), Bob Denver (d. 2005), Russell Johnson (d. 2014), and show creator Sherwood Schwartz (d. 2011).

‘Mork & Mindy’ – Pam Dawber

Pam Dawber, famous for playing Mindy McConnell on the show Mork & Mindy, is the last surviving member of the original cast. She was known for her grounded performance alongside the energetic Robin Williams. Now 74 years old, Dawber still acts and has been happily married to Mark Harmon since 1987.

‘Diff’rent Strokes’ (Todd Bridges)

Given Todd Bridges’ past battles with addiction and legal troubles – he was even tried for murder in 1988 but found not guilty – it’s remarkable that he’s still here today. This photo of him is from 2019.

‘Laverne & Shirley’ (Michael McKean)

Of the main actors from Laverne & Shirley, only Michael McKean, age 78, who played Lenny on “Lenny & Squiggy,” is still alive. McKean is a talented comedic actor known for his roles in films like This Is Spinal Tap, several Christopher Guest mockumentaries, and the popular movie Clue.

‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ (Max Baer)

Max Baer, the actor who played the lovable but naive Jethro Bodine on the classic TV show The Beverly Hillbillies, is now the last surviving member of the original cast. He’s pictured here in a 2003 photo with his co-star, Donna Douglas, who played his cousin, Elly May. Douglas passed away in 2015.

‘Leave It to Beaver’ (Jerry Mathers)

It’s hard to believe, but Jerry Mathers, who we all know as Beaver Cleaver, is now the last surviving member of the original Cleaver family. We lost Tony Dow, who played Wally, a couple of years ago, and it’s just so sad. Thankfully, it’s not completely gone – some of Beaver’s childhood friends are still with us, like Rusty Stevens, who was the hilarious Larry Mondello. He’s 77 now, just like Jerry! It’s wonderful to know some of those familiar faces are still around.

‘The Addams Family’ (John Astin)

John Astin, the 95-year-old actor best known for playing Gomez Addams, is now the last surviving member of the original Addams Family TV cast. Lisa Loring, who played Wednesday Addams, passed away in 2023 at age 64, and her on-screen brother, Ken Weatherwax (Pugsley), died in 2014 at 59. It’s remarkable that the father figure has outlived both of his ‘children’ from the show.

‘All in the Family’ (Sally Struthers)

After the passing of Rob Reiner in December 2025, only one of the original stars of the beloved sitcom All in the Family remains. Sally Struthers, 78, who played Gloria Stivic – the daughter of Archie and Edith Bunker and wife to Reiner’s character, “Meathead” – is now the last surviving member of the show’s main cast.

Do You Recognize These Photos of Celebrities From the 1970s?

Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher

This photo, taken on February 12, 1972, shows actress Debbie Reynolds with her daughter, Carrie Fisher, before Carrie became famous for her role in Star Wars. The photo was taken by Dove for the Evening Standard/Getty Images.

Donny Osmond

This photo, taken around 1972, shows Donny Osmond when he was 14 years old. He was a member of his family singing group, The Osmonds. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins, known for his role in Silence of the Lambs, looks stylish and relaxed in this photo, a far cry from his scary on-screen persona. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

Rick “Ricky” Schroder

Years before becoming known for the sitcom Silver Spoons, actor Ricky Schroder signed autographs for excited young fans at the premiere of his first movie, the emotional drama The Champ. (Photo by Alan Grisbrook/Getty Images)

Martin Scorsese

A photograph of Martin Scorsese, the acclaimed director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and film historian, was taken in the UK on October 28, 1977. The image is from the Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Goldie Hawn

On January 28, 1970, Goldie Hawn visited England with her husband at the time, Gus Trikonis. This photo was taken by Wesley/Keystone/Getty Images.

Eric Clapton

I recently came across a fantastic photo – it’s Eric Clapton, looking great, at a party celebrating his comeback to making music and performing live. The picture was taken at the China Garden in Soho, London, by Central Press/Getty Images. It’s a really cool glimpse of a special moment for a legend!

Peter Gabriel

On March 1st, 1977, Peter Gabriel, a singer and songwriter best known for his time with the band Genesis, was exploring New York City while on tour. This photo was taken by Graham Wood for the Evening Standard/Getty Images.

Linda Ronstadt

This photo, taken on January 26, 1971, shows singer Linda Ronstadt in London. It was taken by P. Floyd for the Daily Express/Getty Images.

John Lennon & Yoko Ono

In January 1970, John Lennon (1940-1980) and his wife, Yoko Ono, were photographed with Lennon sporting a new, shorter hairstyle – a departure from his long hair associated with the hippie era. The photo was taken by Anthony Cox for Keystone/Getty Images.

Christopher Walken

This 1967 photo shows American actor Christopher Walken backstage in a dressing room during a performance of Peter Ustinov’s play, ‘The Unknown Soldier and His Wife,’ in New York City. The image is from the Hulton Archive/Getty Images collection.

Stevie Nicks

A promotional photo of Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac, taken in the late 1970s. She’s wearing a lace shawl. (Photo credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Dustin Hoffman

A photo taken on January 21st, 1971, shows actors Dustin Hoffman and Susan George together in the UK. The photograph was taken by Jack Kay for the Daily Express/Getty Images.

Hugh Hefner

Okay, so I stumbled across this amazing photo – it’s Hugh Hefner, looking surprisingly casual without his robe, back in 1971 at Heathrow Airport in London. He’s with two of Playboy’s Playmates, Rosamund Teller and Marilyn Cole. It was taken by George Stroud for the Daily Express/Getty Images, and it just feels like a real snapshot of that era. Definitely a cool piece of pop culture history!

Phil Collins

I came across this amazing photo the other day – it’s Phil Collins, early in his career, back in 1976. He’s with his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, and her young daughter, Joely, at their home in Surrey. It’s a really sweet, candid shot – you don’t often see photos of him like this, before the massive fame! It’s a glimpse into his personal life, and it’s fascinating to see him in such a domestic setting.

Sir Ian McKellen

This photo shows British actor Ian McKellen in the UK on December 5, 1975. It was taken well before he became famous for playing Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings movies. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Cybill Shepherd

This 1978 photo shows actress Cybill Shepherd, known for her roles in films like The Last Picture Show and the television series Moonlighting, posing in a slip. The photo is from the Hulton Archive/Getty Images collection.

Elton John

This photo, taken in April 1978, shows Elton John (born Reginald Dwight in 1947) giving an acceptance speech at the NME Awards. The image is courtesy of Fox Photos/Getty Images.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn, a celebrated actress, director, and producer, was photographed arriving at Heathrow Airport in London on May 31, 1970. This image is from the Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Author Judy Blume

This photo, taken on May 16, 1979, shows Judy Blume, the popular author of books like “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?” and “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.” It was taken in the UK by the Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Stevie Wonder

This photo, taken on June 27, 1970, shows Stevie Wonder, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. It was originally published by the Evening Standard and is from the Hulton Archive/Getty Images collection.

Chicago

This photo, taken on November 4th, 1976, shows the members of the rock band Chicago. Featured are musician and producer Laudir de Oliveira, singer-songwriter and bassist Peter Cetera, guitarist and singer Terry Kath (1946-1978), and drummer Danny Seraphine. The photo is courtesy of Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Al Pacino

25th March 1974: Actor Al Pacino, in London. (Photo by Steve Wood/Express/Getty Images)

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger, known originally as a bodybuilding champion and Mr. Universe, was spotted on the beach in Cannes during the Film Festival with performers from the Folies Bergere. The photo was taken by Keystone/Getty Images.

Anjelica Huston

This photo, taken on April 26, 1971, shows Anjelica Huston, who is both a film actress and director. It was taken by the Evening Standard/Getty Images.

The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan

This photo shows Shane MacGowan, age 19, while he was the editor of the punk magazine ‘Bondage.’ The picture was taken in his London office at St Andrews Chambers on Wells Street. He later became the frontman for the band The Pogues. (Photo by Sydney O’Meara/Getty Images)

Joan Collins

On January 21st, 1974, actress Joan Collins was photographed with her husband, Ron Cass, at London’s Heathrow Airport. The photo was taken by Fox Photos/Getty Images.

Olivia Newton-John

This photo, taken around 1975, shows Olivia Newton-John, the Australian actress who starred in the movie ‘Grease’. It’s from the Hulton Archive/Getty Images collection.

Neil Diamond (and Lulu)

In 1972, Neil Diamond, a songwriter and rising pop star, met British singer Lulu in London and began supporting her career. Lulu had previously recorded Diamond’s song, ‘The Boat That I Row.’ (Photo by Express/Express/Getty Images)

Heather Locklear

This late 1970s photo shows actress Heather Locklear wearing jeans and a cropped sports jersey.

ABBA

Around 1974, the Swedish pop group ABBA arrived at London Airport. This photo was taken by the Evening Standard/Getty Images.

Billy Idol

A September 1979 photo shows ’80s music icon Billy Idol, recognizable by his signature blond hair, at the Lyceum in London, accompanied by a friend. The photo was taken by the Evening Standard/Getty Images.

Annie Lennox

This photo, taken in October 1979, shows Annie Lennox when she was the singer for the pop group The Tourists. She later teamed up with fellow bandmate Dave Stewart to form the hugely successful duo, The Eurythmics. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Bruce Springsteen

1975: A scruffy Boss in a beanie. (Photo by Monty Fresco/Evening Standard/Getty Images)

Steven Spielberg

This photo, taken on September 7, 1978, shows film director Steven Spielberg. He’s clean-shaven and was between making the hit movies Jaws (1975) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). The photo was taken by Angela Deane-Drummond for the Evening Standard/Getty Images.

Orson Welles

This is a portrait of Orson Welles, the famous actor and director, taken around 1970. He’s wearing a hat and a fur coat. (Photo credit: Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Marie Osmond

A photograph shows singer Marie Osmond leaving the Belgrave House Hotel in London on May 28, 1975. She is still wearing hair curlers. The photo was taken by Peter Cade for Central Press/Getty Images.

James Taylor and Carole King

This photo, taken on July 8, 1971, shows singer-songwriters James Taylor and Carole King in London. They were performing at the Royal Festival Hall at the time. The photo was taken by Jack Kay for the Daily Express/Getty Images.

Cilla “Surprise, Surprise!” Black

Woody Allen & Diane Keaton

This photo, taken on October 18, 1970, shows Woody Allen and Diane Keaton, who were dating at the time, at the Hilton Hotel in London. The photographer was Pierre Manevy of the Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Dustin Hoffman

A photo shows actor and director Dustin Hoffman, sporting a full beard, at a party in the UK on June 22, 1978. The image is from the Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro, the acclaimed actor, producer, and director, attended the UK premiere of the war film ‘The Deer Hunter’ on February 28, 1979. This photo was taken by John Minihan for the Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Linda Blair

A photo taken on March 25, 1974, shows Linda Blair, known for her role in The Exorcist, at Heathrow Airport in London.

Robert Wagner & Natalie Wood

This photo, taken on April 24, 1972, shows actors Robert Wagner and his then-wife, Natalie Wood (1938-1981). The image was captured by Steve Wood for the Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Jerry Lee Lewis

A photo shows musician Jerry Lee Lewis with a cigar and a glass, taken backstage at the Palladium in London on April 24, 1972. The photograph was taken by Steve Wood for the Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Liza Minnelli

Liza Minnelli, the acclaimed actress and singer, was photographed arriving at Heathrow Airport in London on May 22, 1972. The photo was taken by George Stroud for the Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Goldie Hawn

I stumbled across this amazing photo – it’s Goldie Hawn, taken back on February 3rd, 1970, somewhere in the UK. She’s such a talent – actress, producer, and a singer! It’s a classic shot from the Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images collection.

Jack Nicholson

This photo, taken on March 19, 1971, shows Jack Nicholson while he was filming the movie Carnal Knowledge. (Image courtesy of Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Helen Mirren

This photo, taken around 1975, shows actress Helen Mirren years before she famously played Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film, The Queen. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Dame Maggie Smith

This photo, taken on April 8, 1970, shows actress Maggie Smith at the Old Vic Theatre in London. She’s celebrating her Best Actress Oscar, long before becoming famous for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films. (Photo by McCarthy/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

This promotional photo, taken by Paramount Pictures and courtesy of Getty Images, shows country music icons Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, with their young son, John Carter Cash. The portrait was created to promote their 1971 film, A Gunfight, directed by Lamont Johnson.

Robert Redford

A photo taken on September 12, 1973, shows actor Robert Redford wearing a baker boy hat while sitting under Waterloo Bridge on the South Bank in London. The photo was taken by Blackman for the Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Cher & Gene Simmons

Okay, so this photo takes me back! It’s Cher, looking fabulous as always, with her then-boyfriend, the iconic Gene Simmons of Kiss. They’re joined by another friend, and the picture was taken way back on April 11th, 1978. It’s a cool glimpse of a rock ‘n’ roll power couple from the ’70s, courtesy of the Evening Standard and Getty Images.

Sean Connery

This photo, taken on April 11, 1971, shows Scottish actor Sean Connery at the Savoy Hotel in London. It was taken by photographer Terry Disney for the Express/Getty Images.

Judi Dench

On February 5, 1971, acclaimed English actress Judi Dench, who later became famous for playing M in the James Bond movies and Queen Victoria in multiple productions, married actor Michael Williams at St. Mary’s Church in Hampstead, London. The photo was taken by Len Trievnor for the Daily Express/Getty Images.

Sylvester Stallone

This photo, taken in London on January 12, 1979, shows Sylvester Stallone after his breakthrough with the Rocky movies and before he began filming First Blood. It was taken by the Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Salvador Dali

I came across this amazing photo from January 28th, 1971 – it’s Salvador Dali, the surrealist master, during a trip to London. He’s completely surrounded by a group of young women in his hotel suite. It was taken by Reg Lancaster for the Daily Express/Getty Images, and it really captures the flamboyant energy of the artist. It’s a fascinating glimpse into his world!

Aretha Franklin

Portrait of iconic soul singer Aretha Franklin, 1977. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Jessica Lange

On December 3rd, 1976, actress Jessica Lange, known for her role in the ‘King Kong’ remake, posed with a model of the iconic gorilla at a reception held at the Savoy Hotel in London. This photo was taken by Keystone/Getty Images.

Bill Cosby

A photo taken in July 1973 shows comedian Bill Cosby in Perth, Australia. The image is from the Hulton Archive/Getty Images collection.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda, the star of ‘Barbarella’ and ‘On Golden Pond’. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Kate Bush

This photo, taken on September 26, 1978, shows Kate Bush at her home in East Wickham, London. It was taken years before her song “Running Up That Hill” became popular again worldwide after being featured in the TV show Stranger Things.

Diana Ross

A photo shows pop star Diana Ross, who rose to fame with The Supremes, during her first solo concert tour in Britain. The image was taken by the Evening Standard/Getty Images.

Loretta Lynn

A photo taken on February 27, 1975, shows country music star Loretta Lynn with her guitar at the Country & Western Music Awards in Hollywood, California. The image is from the Hulton Archive/Getty Images collection.

Dionne Warwick

This photo, taken on June 16, 1975, features singer Dionne Warwick. It was taken by Douglas Doig for the Evening Standard and is part of the Hulton Archive/Getty Images collection.

Karen Carpenter and Richard Carpenter

I came across this amazing photo of Karen and Richard Carpenter from The Carpenters during their British tour. They’re both rocking matching denim outfits – it’s such a classic look and really captures the vibe of the era. It’s a simple image, but it feels incredibly iconic, seeing them together like that.

Richard Gere

Actor Richard Gere, known for his roles in films like Breathless, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Pretty Woman, is pictured here. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Dustin Hoffman & Susan George

Around 1970, actors Susan George and Dustin Hoffman, who would later appear together in the film ‘Straw Dogs’ directed by Sam Peckinpah, are pictured in a warm embrace. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Michael Douglas

Actor, producer, and director Michael Douglas as ‘Adam Gains’. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Penny Marshall

This is a 1970s promotional portrait of Penny Marshall, the American actress best known for playing Laverne on the TV show Laverne & Shirley. She later became a successful film director. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Freddy Mercury

Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the band Queen, was photographed attending a ballet class in London’s Covent Garden on October 3, 1979. The photo was taken by Colin Davey for the Evening Standard/Getty Images.

2025-12-22 23:40