Harrison Ford reportedly declined the role of Mike Stivic in the 1971 sitcom *All in the Family* because he objected to the racist language and attitudes of its central characters. The decision is presented as an early example of Ford prioritising his principles over a potentially career-changing television role.

Ford was still struggling to establish himself when he was offered the part, which ultimately went to Rob Reiner and became a major success. Friend Doug Rowe said Ford had a strong social conscience and did not want to be associated with bigoted dialogue, although the programme used Archie Bunker’s prejudice as part of its satire; Ford later found fame through films including *American Graffiti*, *Star Wars* and *Raiders of the Lost Ark*.