Jean Stapleton, the iconic American actress best known for her role as Edith Bunker on the 1970s TV sitcom “All In The Family,” was a woman of immense talent and depth. Her portrayal of Edith, the lovable and naive wife of Archie Bunker, earned her three Emmys and two Golden Globe Awards. Yet, behind the accolades and the character that endeared her to millions, Stapleton’s life was marked by profound love, deep commitment, and enduring grief.
A Reluctant Star
Despite her success, Stapleton had a complicated relationship with her most famous character. In an interview with The New York Times, she described Edith as a housewife “in bondage to the male figure, very submissive and restricted to the home.” Stapleton viewed Edith as a naive person who thought through a mist and lacked the education to expand her world. She hoped real homemakers were not like Edith, despite the character’s charm and warmth that captivated audiences.
A Love Story for the Ages
Stapleton’s personal life was as compelling as her professional one. She met her husband, William H. Putch, when she was touring with a play in Maryland. Putch, who was so taken with Stapleton’s performance, went backstage to meet her. They became pen pals, courting for eight years before marrying in 1957. Their union was one of mutual respect and shared passion for the arts. Putch directed the Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer stock theatre, for 30 years, while Stapleton juggled her Hollywood commitments with stage performances at Totem Pole.
Balancing Careers and Family
The couple had two children, Pamela, a television producer, and John, an actor, writer, and director. Despite their busy careers, Stapleton and Putch made sacrifices for each other, balancing their professional and personal lives. Tragically, their idyllic life was disrupted when Putch was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph system. Ever the optimist, Putch entered an experimental treatment program at the National Institutes of Health, buoyed by Stapleton’s unwavering support and faith.
A Sudden Loss
In 1983, tragedy struck when Putch suffered a heart attack while walking near the Syracuse Stage Theatre, where Stapleton was performing in a play he had directed. He died suddenly at the age of 60. Stapleton was devastated, finding it hard to cope with the grief of losing her beloved husband. She continued to live one day at a time, cherishing the memories they had shared.
A Legacy of Love and Dedication
Stapleton never remarried after Putch’s death, remaining a widow for 29 years until her own passing on May 31, 2013, at the age of 90. Her commitment to her husband’s memory and their shared love for the theatre was evident as she continued to support the Totem Pole Playhouse and carried on performing.
Stapleton’s life was a testament to the power of love and dedication. Despite her success in Hollywood, her heart remained with the theatre and the family she had built with Putch. She once described marrying Putch as marrying a “summer theatre,” reflecting her deep connection to the stage and the man who shared that passion.
A Beloved Star
Jean Stapleton was not just a beloved actress; she was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. Her life story is one of love, loss, and an enduring legacy in the world of theatre and television. Surrounded by friends and family until her last days, Stapleton left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate. Her journey reminds us of the profound impact of dedication, both in one’s professional career and personal life.