Jean Stapleton, an accomplished character actress, became a television icon in the 1970s with her portrayal of Edith Bunker on the groundbreaking series “All In The Family.” Alongside Mary Tyler Moore and Bea Arthur, Stapleton emerged as a symbol of feminism in American popular culture through her role as a slow-witted yet big-hearted housewife.
Before her breakthrough, Stapleton had built a solid career in theater, with credits in Broadway musicals like “Damn Yankees.” Her life changed when producer Norman Lear saw her on stage and invited her to audition for the character Edith Bunker in a new series. Initially called “Those Were the Days,” the show evolved into “All in the Family,” an American adaptation of the British series “Till Death Us Do Part.”
Despite a slow start and mixed reviews, “All in the Family” found its audience and became a cultural phenomenon, finishing first in the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons. Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith earned her three Emmy Awards and cemented her place in television history.
Set in Queens, the show centered on the Bunker family, led by Archie, a bigoted and irascible loading-dock worker played by Carroll O’Connor. Archie’s condescending and ignorant views clashed with his liberal son-in-law, Michael Stivic, played by Rob Reiner, while Edith, portrayed by Stapleton, was the submissive yet compassionate wife who often bore the brunt of Archie’s bullying.
Stapleton’s Edith was characterized by her high-pitched nasal voice, baffled expression, and hustling gait. Despite her seemingly simple-minded demeanor, Edith possessed deep wells of kindness and a sense of fairness that often put Archie to shame. She was a beloved character who resonated with audiences for her ordinariness and noble spirit.
Unlike her television contemporaries, Moore’s Mary Richards and Arthur’s Maude, Edith represented the housewife still in bondage to the male figure, restricted to the home. Stapleton’s nuanced performance allowed Edith to grow stronger and gain self-respect as the 1970s progressed and the women’s movement gained momentum.
Stapleton’s career extended beyond “All in the Family.” She had notable roles in Broadway productions like “Bells Are Ringing” and “Funny Girl,” and appeared in films such as “Klute” and “Something Wild.” On television, she guest-starred in numerous series and starred in the short-lived series “Bagdad Cafe” with Whoopi Goldberg. She also portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt in the TV movie “Eleanor: First Lady of the World,” which led to a one-woman show.
Off Broadway, Stapleton continued to challenge herself with roles in plays by Horton Foote, John Osborne, and Harold Pinter, earning sterling reviews for her performances. Despite her varied and successful career, she remained forever associated with Edith Bunker, a character who embodied the spirit of justice and compassion.
Jean Stapleton passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a lasting impact on television and theater. She is survived by her children Pamela and John and their families. Her husband, William Putch, died in 1983.
