Before captivating millions in the 1970s, she faced the devastating loss of her father, which would profoundly impact her life and career. Soon after, she emerged as a star of one of television’s most iconic series, solidifying her place in entertainment history.

In the early 1970s, she rose to prominence with a role that would define her career and become a cornerstone of television history. While audiences embraced her talent and charm, her rise to fame was the result of her steady dedication to her craft.

As her star power grew, so did the complexities of balancing a public career with her personal life. Her professional path and personal trials defined the woman and performer she became. Her story begins with her early steps into Hollywood.

A Spark of Stardom: The Early Days

Her rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. She started her career with small but memorable roles that hinted at her immense talent. In 1970, she caught audiences’ attention with recurring appearances on variety shows like “The Smothers Brothers Summer Show” and “The Tim Conway Comedy Hour.”

These early opportunities highlighted her comedic timing and on-screen charm, laying the foundation for bigger roles to come. Hollywood soon took notice. She landed supporting roles in major films, including “Five Easy Pieces” alongside Jack Nicholson.

In the film, she played a quirky, ditsy waitress, and soon landed a role in “The Getaway,” a thriller featuring Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw. Though not leading parts, these roles solidified her as a promising talent with a bright future.

Her career-changing moment came in 1971 when she was cast as Gloria Bunker Stivic in the groundbreaking sitcom “All in the Family.” The show revolutionized television with its unapologetic exploration of social and political issues.

Her portrayal of Gloria—an independent, spirited daughter navigating life in a turbulent family—also resonated with viewers. Sharing the screen with heavyweights like Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, and Rob Reiner, she held her own and became a fan favorite.

Her performance earned her two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress and four Golden Globe nominations, cementing her place as one of the most celebrated actresses of the 1970s.

The Loss That Shaped Her Early Years

Her meteoric rise to fame was accompanied by a devastating personal challenge. In 1968, when she was just 20 years old, her father passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void in her life. The loss came at a pivotal time as she was working to establish herself in Hollywood.

The tragedy, however, brought unexpected connections. When she joined the cast of “All in the Family,” O’Connor, her on-screen father, stepped into a paternal role off-screen as well. “Carroll just inherited me as a daughter,” she shared years later.

Alongside his wife, Nancy, O’Connor offered the guidance and encouragement she needed, helping her navigate the challenges of her rising fame. This relationship became a cornerstone of her early success, providing stability and a sense of family during a transformative time in her life.

With the support of her newfound on-set family, she began building a life that included not only professional success but also a relationship that would later lead to marriage and motherhood.

Marriage, Motherhood, and the Challenges of Family Life

Amid the success of her role on “All in the Family,” she met Dr. William Rader, a respected psychiatrist and television medical correspondent. Introduced by her mentor, O’Connor, the two quickly formed a connection.

The pair married and soon welcomed their only child, Samantha, which marked a profound shift in her priorities. Before meeting Rader, she had been adamant about not having children, but their connection changed her perspective.

“You fall in love with someone and you want to be the mother of a child that is part of that man,” she shared. As a stepmother to Rader’s children from his previous marriage, she took deliberate steps to ensure they felt secure and included, waiting until her pregnancy was undeniable before sharing the news.

“I don’t think they were overjoyed, but they only needed proof that the new baby wouldn’t affect their relationship with Bill. Now they’re crazy about Samantha,” she reflected. She worked hard to maintain harmony within their blended family.

Despite their efforts, her marriage to Rader faced challenges, and the couple eventually divorced. Reflecting on their relationship three years into their marriage, she had admitted that their differing upbringings presented conflicts and learning experiences.

Yet, even after their separation, she remained committed to raising her daughter, who would later become a clinical psychologist. Her experience as a mother was deeply intertwined with her career, as she continued to take on roles that allowed her to juggle both worlds.

A Career Beyond Gloria

After the success of “All in the Family,” she found herself facing the challenges of being typecast as Gloria Bunker Stivic. Despite the limitations that often accompany such a high-profile role, she continued to expand her career into new areas.

One of her first ventures was Broadway, where she starred in the 1981 comedy “Wally’s Cafe” alongside James Coco and Rita Moreno. The stage offered her the chance to connect with live audiences and showcase her range beyond the small screen.

She also ventured into voice acting, contributing to popular animated series like “Dinosaurs” and “TaleSpin.” These projects allowed her to explore new creative avenues while reaching a younger audience who might not have been familiar with her earlier work.

As time went on, she also took on guest appearances on various television shows. In the early 2000s, she became widely recognized by a new generation for her role as Babette Dell on “Gilmore Girls.”

The quirky and endearing character made her a fan favorite among both long-time viewers and younger audiences. Reflecting on her career, she often spoke of the joy she felt when families recognized her from different roles.

It was delightful to see mothers and daughters debate over whether she is Gloria or Babette. Her ability to navigate the challenges of a changing industry while staying true to her craft ensured Sally Struthers’ lasting presence in Hollywood.

Staying Relevant While Giving Back

Even as her career evolved, she stayed deeply connected to the legacy of her most iconic role, but Struthers never let herself become stagnant. Beyond her on-screen work, she dedicated herself to meaningful causes, including her advocacy for Save the Children.

Using her celebrity platform, she’s worked to raise awareness about global poverty and children’s education. Her commitment to staying active has been a defining feature of her later years.

She has remained a fixture in theater, touring extensively and starring in productions that consistently earn critical praise. In recent years, Struthers has taken on new roles, including appearances in Netflix projects, ensuring her work continues to resonate with both long-time fans and newer audiences.

Her philosophy of “You rest, you rust” has driven her to embrace opportunities with unwavering energy. Fan appreciation for her work remains strong. When an interview featuring her aired on YouTube in 2023, viewers flooded the comments with praise.

“She’s still gorgeous!” one fan exclaimed, while another noted, “Sally is a trouper. She’s looking really good, too.” Others showed their admiration, saying, “Amazing lady wow!” and “She looks so youthful and gorgeous!”

While her career has spanned decades, the mark she left on television with “All in the Family” remains one of her proudest accomplishments.

From her portrayal of Gloria Bunker Stivic to her enduring advocacy and adaptability, Struthers has built a legacy that combines talent, determination, and an undeniable passion for her craft.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s eldest daughter has undergone a stunning transformation over the years. Once a rarely-seen child, she now confidently shows off dozens of piercings and a unique style.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt captivated fans when their whirlwind romance began in the early 2000s. The Hollywood duo, who met while filming “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” quickly became one of the most iconic couples in showbiz.

Their family grew over the years through both biological children and adoptions, each time making headlines. In 2005, they welcomed Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt into their growing brood, adopting her from an orphanage in Ethiopia.

The couple later spoke about their love for the African country and how they hoped to instill a deep appreciation for Zahara’s roots. Fast-forward nearly two decades and Zahara is now a young woman finding her own path.

In December 2024, Zahara accompanied her mother in Paris, where the actress filmed one of her latest projects, “Stitches.” The pair was photographed leaving the set alongside Zahara’s brother, Pax.

While the actress looked chic in a long black coat and stylish handbag, it was Zahara who stole the show. Dressed in casual jeans, a v-neck sweatshirt, and a brown coat, she sported a bold array of piercings that immediately caught attention.

According to reports, her facial jewelry included a nose stud, a septum ring, and multiple hoops and studs in her ears, making it clear that she’s embracing a bold and edgy style. Zahara’s love for jewelry, particularly earrings, and self-expression has been evident for years.

In 2011, reports emerged that Angelina had taken Zahara, then six, and her other daughter Shiloh, then five, to a London salon to get their ears pierced. Zahara, who went first, reportedly screamed in pain during the process.

Witnessing her sister’s reaction, Shiloh ultimately decided to back out of getting her own ears pierced. At the time, the actress’s decision sparked a debate over the appropriate age for children to get piercings.

Despite the controversy, Zahara’s passion for jewelry and self-expression only grew over the years.

In 2019, she launched her own jewelry line, Zahara Collection, which debuted during the Los Angeles premiere of “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.” The then-14-year-old accessorized her black gown with pieces from her line, including earrings, bracelets, and rings.

The collection, a collaboration with jeweler Robert Procop, was sold at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores in the United States and Australia. A press release confirmed that all proceeds from the collection would benefit a Los Angeles-based organization that provides transitional housing for battered women and children.

Her jewelry brand reflected not just her creativity but also her commitment to making a difference in the world — values she likely inherited from her mother.

Angelina has been involved in numerous charitable efforts over the years and has spoken openly about the importance of humanitarian work, particularly in Africa. Zahara appears to be following in her footsteps by using her platform to support meaningful causes.

At the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, it was revealed that Zahara now has at least 12 piercings in one ear and 14 in the other. Her multiple ear piercings stood out, featuring delicate hoops and studs, while a septum piercing added a trendy, edgy touch.

Combined with her nose and septum piercings, she is thought to have a total of 28 visible piercings. She wore her hair pulled back in a chic, curly updo, with sleek baby hairs artistically styled along her hairline.

Zahara opted for minimal makeup, which highlighted her natural beauty, and her jewelry choices were tasteful yet eye-catching, perfectly complementing her refined outfit. Her dress, a white gown embroidered with black floral detailing, was both timeless and modern, enhancing her sophisticated and effortless look.

Interestingly, Angelina was also seen flaunting several piercings, suggesting that the mother-daughter duo might share a love for edgy accessories. While Zahara’s appearances are rare, they often make waves when they happen.

Since 2022, she’s been attending Spelman College, a prestigious historically Black college in Atlanta, Georgia. The decision to enroll at Spelman was a significant one, as it allowed Zahara to connect more deeply with her African heritage.

Angelina celebrated the milestone by sharing a heartfelt Instagram post featuring Zahara surrounded by her Spelman sisters. “Congratulations to all new students starting this year,” she wrote in part. “A very special place and an honor to have a family member as a new Spelman girl.”

Zahara’s choice of college and involvement in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a historically Black sorority, further demonstrated her commitment to embracing her identity. Her father expressed his pride during a “Bullet Train” premiere, saying, “Yeah, that’s beautiful. Really beautiful.”

Despite her famous last name, Zahara appears to be carving out her own identity and stepping out of her parents’ shadows. In fact, she made headlines when she dropped Pitt from her last name after being initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

As for her connection to her roots, it has been something Zahara has nurtured over the years, thanks in part to Angelina’s efforts to ensure her daughter remains connected to Ethiopia. In 2019, the family visited the country to celebrate the New Year and meet with Ethiopia’s first female president, Sahle-Work Zewde.

It was a particularly meaningful trip for Zahara, as Angelina has long supported initiatives in Ethiopia through the Zahara Program, which focuses on education and healthcare in the region.

The “Maria” star once spoke about how much she has learned from Zahara, saying, “My daughter is from Ethiopia, and I have learned so much from her. She is my family, but she is an extraordinary African woman, and her connection to her country — her continent — is her own, and it’s something I only stand back in awe of.”

Her bond with her mother has remained strong over the years, especially in 2020 after Zahara’s health scare that Angelina revealed in a message marking International Women’s Day that year.

The actress shared that her daughters had undergone surgery, stating, “I have spent the last two months in and out of surgeries with my eldest daughter, and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery.”

Angelina praised Zahara and Shiloh’s resilience and bravery during that challenging time, sharing that they had agreed to make the experience public to inspire others facing similar struggles.

“They know that I am writing this because I respect their privacy, and we discussed it together. They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of,” she shared.

Angelina Jolie further paid tribute to her daughters, writing, “I find myself focusing on my daughters for a moment and all that I have learned from them and other young girls I have met around the world.”

She concluded with a powerful statement, urging girls to “fight on” and “never let anyone tell you that you are not precious and special and, above all, equal.”

From her days as a little girl walking red carpets with her family to a confident young woman proudly displaying her unique style, Zahara continues to impress. Her journey has been shaped by her experiences, her heritage, and the support of her family.

A wave of deadly wildfires has swept through Los Angeles, forcing many Hollywood stars to confront heartbreaking losses. Read on to find out more!

The recent LA wildfires have left a path of destruction, affecting countless lives, including some well-known celebrities. Among those impacted are Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, Anthony Hopkins, and many others, all of whom have shared heartbreaking updates about their losses.

Actor Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice Crystal, lost their Pacific Palisades home to the raging wildfires on January 8. The couple had lived in the house for 46 years, raising their children and grandchildren there.

In a statement to People, the 76-year-old comedian expressed the profound loss his family feels. “Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy.”

Crystal reflected on the memories they created in the house and voiced his hope for the community’s recovery. “Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away,” he said. Despite the devastation, the “Here Today” star remains hopeful, praising the resilience of the Pacific Palisades community.

Renowned songwriter Diane Warren shared a somber update on Instagram, revealing that her beach house, which she had owned for nearly three decades, was destroyed in the fire.

“This is the last pic I took of Leah’s rock from my beach house,” she wrote alongside a photo. “I’ve had this house for almost 30 years… There’s a rainbow shining on it which I’m taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.”

Warren reassured her followers that the animals and a nearby rescue ranch were safe, expressing gratitude for that amid the devastation.

Actress and singer Mandy Moore took to Instagram to share her grief over the destruction in Altadena, where her family home was located. Moore expressed gratitude that her family and pets managed to escape safely but described the emotional toll of the disaster.

“Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family. My children’s school is gone… So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control,” she wrote.

In an emotional Instagram story, Moore spoke of the difficulty in shielding her children from the emotional toll of the tragedy. “Grateful for the kindness of friends that we had a place to land last night,” she shared in her story. “Trying to shield the kids from the immense sadness and worry I feel. Praying for everyone in our beautiful city.”

The “Chasing Liberty” star later posted a haunting image of the wreckage in Altadena, saying, “This is Altadena. Leveled. My sweet home. I am devastated and gutted for those of us who’ve lost so much.”

TV host and actress Ricki Lake revealed on Instagram that her Malibu home was also lost to the flames. The house held deep sentimental value for Lake and her husband, Ross Burningham, as it was where they married three years ago and planned to grow old together.

“It’s all gone. 💔I can’t believe I am typing these words,” Lake wrote. “After a valiant and brave effort by our friend and hero @kirbykotler_ Ross and I lost our dream home.”

Lake described the house as more than just a structure, calling it their “heaven on earth” and a place of daily joy. “I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you,” she added. Despite her grief, Lake shared gratitude for escaping safely with their dog, Dolly, and sent prayers to her neighbors and first responders working to contain the disaster.

As the deadly Los Angeles wildfires continue to wreak havoc, more celebrities have come forward to share their heartbreaking stories. Actress Jennifer Grey’s home was also lost to the wildfires, as confirmed by her daughter, Stella Gregg, through an Instagram story.

Gregg shared a heartfelt message. “Last night my mama’s house was burnt to the ground… Give your loved ones an extra squeeze today.” Despite the tragic loss, Grey and her dog, Winnie, are unharmed.

Meanwhile, Paris Hilton shared a deeply emotional Instagram post recounting the heart-wrenching moment she saw her Malibu home burn down on live television.

“Heartbroken beyond words,” Hilton wrote. “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.”

Hilton reflected on the precious memories created at the house, including the first steps of her son, Phoenix. Despite the devastation, she expressed gratitude that her family and pets are safe and pledged to support those affected.

“My 11:11 Media Impact Team is already reaching out to nonprofit organizations today to figure out how we can best support the communities impacted by these fires,” Hilton stated, adding a heartfelt thank you to the firefighters and first responders risking their lives.

Actress Denise Crosby, best known for her role in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” shared her heartbreak over losing her cherished Spanish cottage in the Pacific Palisades fire.

“Yesterday morning I had a beautiful Spanish cottage that gave me endless joy, where I met my husband and raised my son, the only house I’ve ever owned,” Crosby wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Now, ashes. I am heartbroken.” The actress had spent years nurturing the home’s fruit trees and native garden, which are now gone.

Anna Faris also lost her Los Angeles home in the wildfires. The “Scary Movie” star’s representative confirmed to People that Faris and her family “are safe and very grateful.”

Two-time Academy Award-winning star Anthony Hopkins’ Pacific Palisades home was also destroyed in the fires. A photo obtained by Page Six showed the house reduced to a pile of debris. The Welsh actor’s property happened to be one of the many luxury homes in the area that fell victim to the flames.

Actor John Goodman’s Los Angeles house was also completely destroyed by the wildfires. Not a single room of the “Roseanne” alum’s home was left standing, according to a photo obtained by Page Six.

Eugene Levy, who serves as the honorary mayor of a celebrity-filled Los Angeles neighborhood, found himself in a dangerous situation as the fire intensified. “The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal Canyon,” Levy told the LA Times. “I couldn’t see any flames but the smoke was very dark.”

Unfortunately, Levy’s home did not survive the blaze. According to Page Six, only a few wooden posts remained standing on his property.

TV host and cookbook author Sandra Lee confirmed that her Malibu home was destroyed by the wildfires. In a soul-stirring Instagram reel, she thanked her followers for their well wishes but shared the overwhelming sadness of losing her home.

“I don’t have a home anymore. My house is gone. It’s literally gone,” she said tearfully. “I’ve been crying all night. Thank God everybody is safe.”

Lee, who stayed at a hotel after the destruction, admitted she was struggling to process the loss. “I don’t know what to say, I don’t know how to compartmentalize this, I don’t know what to do. All my stuff, all the last five years of my life. The only thing I can do is go to work, and I’m going to go to work today,” she expressed, choking up.

In a caption accompanying the video, Lee shared her gratitude for the firefighters and first responders. “My house is gone – I cried all night and thought about every room, nook, and cranny. It was perfection and now it’s just Ash [sic].”

Before the fire reached her home, Lee posted an emotional message reflecting on what her Malibu house meant to her. “My home in Malibu has got me through some of the darkest moments in my life. I have loved creating it, embellishing it, building it, caring for it, and protecting it,” she wrote.

As the fire approached, she called on her community to stay connected, “I am sad but I am sending all my love to all the first responders and firefighters who are literally giving it all they’ve got to keep us safe!!!”

From destroyed homes to emotional evacuations, the toll of the fires has been devastating for many well-known figures. Melissa Rivers, daughter of the late Joan Rivers, shared a poignant account of what she managed to save before her house was destroyed by the fires.

According to a post by journalist Kaitlan Collins on X, Rivers said she grabbed the necessities and “my mom’s Emmy, a photo of my dad and a drawing my mother had done of me and my son…I went for a drawing of my mother’s rather than a photo, because I know I can find the photos.”

Canadian actor and TV host Cameron Mathison revealed on Instagram that his family home was fully destroyed by the wildfires. “We are safe,” Mathison wrote. “But this is what’s left of our beautiful home. Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday.”

The star expressed gratitude to those who reached out to check on his family, sending prayers to others affected by the tragedy.

English actress Kate Beckinsale also took to Instagram to share her heartbreak after evacuating her home in the Pacific Palisades. Beckinsale, who lived there for much of her daughter’s childhood, expressed grief over the destruction of the community she cherished.

“Hearing the winds last night, I prayed. I knew it would be bad,” she noted. “We had to evacuate many times during our life there – but the shock at the whole of the Palisades being destroyed is unthinkably horrific.”

Beckinsale described the loss of her daughter’s primary school, favorite shops, and many friends’ homes. “I’m weeping for all of the people and pets involved,” she expressed, adding that she is heartbroken for the families who have lost everything. Beckinsale also offered shelter to anyone in need, asking them to contact her via Instagram.

Veteran actor James Woods shared a message on X, letting concerned fans know that he and his family are unharmed. “To all the wonderful people who’ve reached out to us, thank you for being so concerned,” Woods penned. “Just letting you know that we were able to evacuate successfully.”

Woods explained that he did not yet know if his house had survived the fire, but he expressed sadness for his neighbors who had lost their homes.

The deadly wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles have left entire communities in ruins and taken a tragic toll. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, at least five people have died, with numerous significant injuries reported.

The LA County Fire Department confirmed that over 26,000 acres have burned across the region from 55 wildfires, destroying more than 1,000 structures.

The Palisades Fire, the largest and most destructive of the four active wildfires, is expected to become the costliest wildfire in history, according to climate scientist Daniel Swain from the University of California, Los Angeles.

“It is plausible that the Palisades Fire, in particular, will become the costliest on record period, not just in California, but in general,” Swain noted, emphasizing the unprecedented destruction. This fire alone has already claimed a record number of homes and businesses, further exacerbating the devastation.

With thousands of emergency responses underway and the fires still blazing, Los Angeles faces a long road to recovery. However, the messages from those impacted reflect a shared determination to rebuild and support one another in this time of unprecedented crisis.