Broadway’s marquee lights will dim for one minute at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, in tribute to the incomparable Jean Stapleton.
The iconic work of “All in the Family” has been on my mind since Stapleton’s passing at 90 last Friday. I vividly recall a conversation with Rob Reiner over 20 years ago, where he explained the show’s consistent quality, attributing it to the high standards set by its stars.
While one might assume he was referring to the pioneering executive producer Norman Lear, Reiner was actually praising the exceptional professionalism of his co-stars, Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton. “They demanded the best of themselves, and everyone around them had to rise to that,” Reiner, who portrayed Mike Stivic, remarked. “We shot every episode like a play, and you had to be ready. Unlike today’s sitcoms, where shooting 22 minutes can take hours, we rarely stopped unless it was for a technical reason. Every week felt like opening night.”
This disciplined approach was also characteristic of another ’70s sitcom, “The Odd Couple,” starring Broadway veterans Tony Randall and Jack Klugman, who similarly believed in filming episodes as stage plays.
“All in the Family” recently ranked high in a Writers Guild of America poll, finishing just behind “The Sopranos,” “Seinfeld,” and “The Twilight Zone” as one of the best-written TV shows of all time. Known for its boundary-pushing comedy and challenging social issues, the show’s early episodes can seem a bit preachy and dated, a product of their time. However, the performances, particularly O’Connor’s Archie and Stapleton’s Edith, remain timeless.
The brilliance of “All in the Family” lies in these performances. O’Connor and Stapleton infused their characters with such heart and soul that Archie and Edith became iconic. Stapleton, in particular, had the challenging task of ensuring Edith wasn’t merely a one-dimensional “dingbat.” With 30 years of stage, film, and TV experience, including Broadway hits like “Damn Yankees,” “Bells Are Ringing,” “Juno,” and “Funny Girl,” she brought depth, wisdom, and strength to Edith’s character.
Edith, under Stapleton’s deft touch, was endearing and strong, often holding her family together with remarkable wisdom. Her portrayal was deceptively brilliant, turning what could have been an annoying stereotype into a beloved character. While Archie roared, Edith’s trilling voice often spoke more profoundly than his bellows.
Stapleton’s versatility as an actress was further showcased when she won three Emmys for her role as Edith and then played Eleanor Roosevelt in the TV movie “Eleanor: First Lady of the World.” She even toured the country in a one-woman show about Roosevelt. Despite her wide range, no TV role equaled Edith. Interestingly, she was initially considered for the role of Jessica Fletcher in “Murder, She Wrote,” but declined, allowing Angela Lansbury to step into the iconic role.
Jean Stapleton had already secured her honored place in TV history. As Broadway’s lights dim in her memory, the comedic genius of her work on “All in the Family” remains undiminished. Her dazzling performances continue to shine brightly, a testament to her remarkable talent.