Jean Stapleton was born Jeanne Murray in Manhattan, New York City, to Marie A. . Stapleton also played Abby Brewster in the 1986-87 revival of "Arsenic and Old Lace".
Mother of actor John Putch and actress Pamela Putch.
She won the role of Edith Bunker on "All in the Family" when creator Norman Lear directed her in his 1971 film Cold Turkey .
Is a favorite of playwright Horton Foote , for whom she has acted in numerous plays, most recently "The Carpetbaggers Children" at Lincoln Center (Closed June 2002).
Ran Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer stock theater, in Caledonia State Park, outside Chambersburg, PA. Her husband was from the area. She and her children still visit frequently.
Was offered a role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory , but turned it down to work on the pilot of "All in the Family" .
Was offered the role of Jessica Fletcher on "Murder, She Wrote" , but declined. (Ultimately, the role went to Angela Lansbury.)
In the TV episode "The Defenders" {The Hidden Jungle (#2.11)} , which aired 1 December 1962, an unknown actress at this time, she played a woman who witnessed a murder. In the episode, while on the witness stand, she is asked to point out the murderer. The actor playing the murderer was another unknown named Carroll OConnor , who later starred with her in "All in the Family" .
Best remembered by the public for her role as "Edith Bunker" on the TV series "All in the Family" .
Received an honorary degree from Wilson College and has a scholarship named after her.
Portrayed "Sister Miller" in the stage version of Damn Yankees! and reprised her role in the movie Damn Yankees .
Cousin of Betty Jane Watson.
In 1977 she was one the commissioners who helped put together the National Womens Conference in Houston, a gathering of 2000 delegates from every U.S. state--part of International Womens Year--to assist in the formulation of national policy on womens issues.
Was a staunch liberal Democrat and womens rights activist.
Her first Broadway appearance following her departure from long-term TV series hits ("All in the Family" and "Archie Bunkers Place") was the comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace," alongside another actress (Polly Holliday) who was also trying to get some distance from her own long series of TV hits ("Alice" and "Flo"). Interestingly, Holliday was later replaced by Marion Ross in the "Arsenic" role. Ross also was aiming for her first Broadway appearance following a long TV run in "Happy Days.".
(November 2008) Lives in retirement in Manhattan.
Best friend of Carroll OConnor.
She was cremated.
