The Totem Pole Playhouse family mourns the loss of a beloved and versatile actress, Jean Stapleton, whose passion for theater and Franklin County drew her back to Caledonia State Park each summer to grace the stage. Jean Stapleton passed away on Friday in New York City, surrounded by family and friends. She was 90 years old.
A Life Devoted to the Craft
Known for her iconic role as the endearing Edith Bunker on the 1970s sitcom “All in the Family,” Stapleton was remembered by those close to her as an actress dedicated to her craft. “In her own words, she was an ‘actress,’ not a celebrity. The play always came first,” her obituary reads, highlighting a philosophy that distinguished her from many performers.
Stapleton’s children, John and Pamela Putch, expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and respect following her passing. “Being the children of a beloved mother on television means sharing the spirit of who Jean Stapleton was with her friends and fans,” they wrote in an official statement.
A Personal and Professional Legacy
Stapleton’s son, John Putch, a Hollywood director, noted the global tributes in her honor. “We also had a dinner in her honor at the iconic Joe Allen Broadway restaurant. It was her request that there be no services. However, she was a lifelong member and supporter of the Actors Fund of America,” he said, encouraging donations to the fund in her name.
Local residents fondly remember Stapleton and her family. Many recall her frequent visits to the former Sherman’s on Waynesboro’s West Main Street and eagerly awaiting her autograph after shows. Her contributions to the community were recognized by Wilson College, which awarded her an honorary degree in 1997 and established a scholarship in her name.
A Joyful and Encouraging Spirit
Stapleton was celebrated as a “sweet, sweet” mother and person. “She had a great personality. She was always positive and never said anything bad about anyone,” John Putch shared. Pamela Putch added, “We laughed all the time. It was such a gift to be around somebody who had such spirit and joy.”
Born in Manhattan on January 19, 1923, to opera singer Marie Stapleton Murray and businessman Joseph Murray, Stapleton’s early years were spent on Long Island before moving to 141st Street and Broadway. Inspired by her older brother Jack, she pursued acting, taking her mother’s maiden name as her stage name.
A Storied Career
Stapleton’s career began with the Robert Shaw Chorale and a professional stage debut in 1941. Her Broadway debut came in 1953 with “In the Summer House,” followed by a television debut in 1954 on “Woman With a Past.” She met her husband, Bill Putch, in 1952 at the Olney Theater in Maryland. They married five years later and often shared the stage at Totem Pole.
The Role of a Lifetime
Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith Bunker on “All in the Family” brought her overnight fame. Despite the attention, she maintained a clear separation between her public persona and private life. “She always separated the public person from the private person,” Pam Putch explained.
Stapleton won three Emmys during her tenure on the show, which also starred Carroll O’Connor, Sally Struthers, and Rob Reiner. Struthers, who played Stapleton’s on-screen daughter, described her as the “resident angel” of the show, noting her kindness and infectious laughter.
Continuing On
Following Bill Putch’s sudden death in 1983, Stapleton honored his memory by continuing their tour with a play he was directing. “That’s what he would have wanted,” she told People magazine in 1984.
Stapleton’s love for the stage remained unwavering throughout her career. “Being an actor was her entire life,” Pam Putch said. Her passion was evident in her performances at Totem Pole, where she took on roles both hilarious and deeply moving.
A Lasting Impact
The Totem Pole Playhouse has dedicated the remainder of its 63rd season to Stapleton’s memory. Carl Schurr, former artistic director, praised her attention to detail and her ability to remain in the moment, qualities that made her a remarkable actor. Paul Holmes, the playhouse’s production stage manager, recalled her down-to-earth nature and work ethic.
Stapleton’s legacy lives on through her unforgettable performances and the countless lives she touched. As her children and the Totem Pole community remember her, they celebrate a life dedicated to the art of acting and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
Jean Stapleton will be remembered not just as Edith Bunker, but as a true actress whose heart and talent made an indelible mark on the world of theater and beyond.
