Jean Stapleton

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Jean Stapleton
Stapleton in 1977
Born
Jeanne Murray

(1923-01-19)January 19, 1923
DiedMay 31, 2013(2013-05-31) (aged 90)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Cause of deathNatural causes
OccupationActress
Years active1941–2001
Spouse(s)William H. Putch
(m. 1956–83; his death)
ChildrenJohn Putch
Pamela Putch

Jean Stapleton (born Jeanne Murray; January 19, 1923 – May 31, 2013)[1][2] was an American actress. She was known for her role as Edith Bunker in the 1970 comedy show All in the Family.

Early life[change | change source]

Stapleton was born on January 19, 1923 in New York City, New York. She studied at Hunter College.

Marriage[change | change source]

Stapleton was married to William H. Putch from 1956 until his death in 1983. They had two children.

Personal life[change | change source]

Stapleton's brother, Jack Stapleton, was a stage actor. Her cousin is actress Betty Jane Watson.[3] Stapleton was active in the Christian Science church.[4][5]

Jean was not, as commonly believed, related to actress Maureen Stapleton.[6]

Death and reaction[change | change source]

Stapleton died on May 31, 2013 in her home in New York City, New York of natural causes, aged 90.[7][8] She was survived by her two children, John, a TV director, and Pamela, a TV producer.[9]

Norman Lear said, "No one gave more profound 'how to be a human being' lessons than Jean Stapleton."[10] Actress Roseanne Barr said that Stapleton's range was "unbelievable, deep and majestic."[10] Co-star and BAFTA- and Oscar-nominated director and producer Rob Reiner said, "Working with her was one of the greatest experiences of my life."[10] Sally Struthers said, "Jean lived so in the present. She was a Christian Scientist who didn't say or think a negative thing ... She was just a walking, living angel."[11]

Her interment was at Lincoln Cemetery in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

The marquee lights on Broadway were dimmed for one minute on June 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. EDT to honor the memory of Stapleton.[12]

At the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, Rob Reiner honored the career and life of Stapleton.[13]

References[change | change source]

  1. "Biography for Jean Stapleton". Retrieved 2010-03-07.
  2. Michael Karol. Funny Ladies. p. 46.
  3. "Jean Stapleton – Forever Grateful, and Back on Stage". totaltheater.com. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  4. Unger, Arthur (December 11, 1981). "Jean Stapleton: a life after Edith Bunker". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  5. Anderson, Nancy, "Jean Stapleton talks of religion", Daily News, Kingsport, Tennessee (Copley News Service) (September 10, 1974)
  6. Weber, Bruce (June 1, 2013). "Jean Stapleton, Who Played Archie Bunker's Better Angel, Dies at 90". The New York Times. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  7. "Jean Stapleton, best known for playing Edith Bunker in 'All in the Family,' dies at 90". Fox News. Associated Press. June 1, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  8. "'All in the Family' star Jean Stapleton dies at 90". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  9. Luther, Claudia (June 1, 2013). "'All in the Family' star Jean Stapleton dies at 90". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Botelho, Greg (June 1, 2013). "Actress Jean Stapleton, from 'All in the Family,' dies". CNN. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  11. "Sally Struthers remembers onscreen mum". Star Pulse.com. June 1, 2013. Archived from the original on July 7, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  12. "Broadway To Dim Its Lights In Honor Of Jean Stapleton". NY1. Archived from the original on 11 June 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  13. "Emmys to honor Gandolfini, Monteith, 3 others". Taintongazette.com. Retrieved September 22, 2013.[permanent dead link]

Other websites[change | change source]