Sally Struthers was born to Margaret Caroline nee Jernes and Robert Alden Struthers, a surgeon. She is of Norwegian and Scottish descent. Soon after finishing her high school studies from Grant High School in her native place, Sally Struthers began her training in acting at Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts and soon earned her scholarship as the 'most promising student'. Struthers later performed as a singer and a dancer while waiting for the break in acting career, which came her way in 1970s.
Sally Struthers had starring roles in the "The Phynx", "Five Easy Pieces" and appeared in several unknown episodes of "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour", "The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show", "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour"; all in the 1970s. The following year Struthers got her the biggest breakthrough role on "All in the Family", a popular American sitcom. She played the character Gloria Bunker-Stivic which made her a household name in US. Her amazing performance has won her two Emmy Awards in 1972 and 1979. Struthers has also received seven nominations: three from Emmy in 1973, 1974 & 1978 and four from Golden Globe from 1972-1974 and 1977.
Sally Struthers has also had recurring roles on "Gloria" {21 episodes: 1982-1983}, "Gilmore Girls" {52 episodes: 2000-2007} and several others. Besides television sitcoms, Struthers has also acted in direct-to-video films like "Alice in Wonderland" {1985}, "A Deadly Silence" {1989}, and so on. Her big-screen movies include "The Others" {1997}, "Out of the Black" {2001}, and "Reeseville" {2003}.
Off the camera, Sally Struthers rendered her voice to several animated series such as "TaleSpin" {7 episodes: 1990-1991}, "Dinosaurs" {64 episodes: 1991-1994} and others. Sally Struthers also took a break from television and films to appear in Broadway plays touring with Grease and Annie the hit Broadway musicals.
Sally Struthers was married to Dr. William Rader, a psychiatrist from December 18th, 1977 to until her divorce in January 18th, 1983. They together have a daughter named Samantha Struthers Rader, who is leading her life as a practicing clinical psychologist.