Great fiction is always rooted, at least to some degree, in reality. Whether you’re writing something completely autobiographical or something wildly fantastical, you inevitably infuse a part of yourself into your work. By using your creations as a mirror, you allow others with similar experiences to see themselves reflected in your stories.
When Jean Stapleton auditioned for All in the Family, she instantly recognized that creator Norman Lear had crafted something extraordinary. In an interview with the Star-Phoenix, Stapleton shared that while she was initially surprised by the series’ content, she found a comforting familiarity in it.
“I was reminded of my own parents,” she said, adding that she was “terribly amused by its reality, honesty, and humor, and by the fact that such subjects would be treated on TV.”
Stapleton also appreciated the depth Lear gave to a character like Edith Bunker, even if audiences didn’t recognize it at first. “Edith is not well-educated, not bright, but intuitively right so many times. I like seeing this because it gives respect for that kind of person,” she explained.
“We don’t dismiss somebody because they’re dumb or ignorant. They may have other qualities that have nothing to do with intellect: honesty, integrity, instinct. And she has burst Archie’s hot air more than once by coming through with the truth in a marvelously comic way.”
True fans of All in the Family who watched Edith’s growth understand that she is not just a two-dimensional echo chamber for Archie to yell at. She has her own reservations and strengths and can be incredibly streetwise at times when her husband simply isn’t. Like a real person, she contained multitudes, and viewers delighted in every episode that explored a new shade of Edith.
Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith Bunker revealed a character who, despite her lack of formal education, demonstrated wisdom and integrity that often surpassed Archie’s bluster. This nuanced representation gave audiences a richer, more relatable character to connect with and admire. Edith wasn’t just a supporting character; she was a fully realized person with her own journey, and Stapleton’s performance brought that complexity to life, endearing Edith to viewers who saw reflections of their own lives and loved ones in her.