When Isabel Sanford joined the cast of All in the Family in 1971, she not only became part of a groundbreaking show but also developed a deep friendship with her co-star, Jean Stapleton, who portrayed Edith Bunker. Their bond was so strong that filming their goodbye scene felt more like real-life emotion than acting.
The Transition to The Jeffersons
By 1975, the network decided to give Sanford her own spin-off, The Jeffersons, which meant leaving the show that had become a huge success. While Sanford understood the career opportunity, she was reluctant to leave the comfort and camaraderie of All in the Family. The casting director was straightforward, telling her that if she didn’t accept the spin-off, her character would be written out of the show. Faced with no choice, Sanford accepted her new role, though she still felt a sense of loss.
Genuine Friendship
Their on-screen relationship mirrored their real-life friendship, making their farewell scene particularly poignant. Sanford recalled that during the scene, both she and Stapleton were genuinely emotional. “It was sad to say goodbye,” she said. “Edith and Louise have a little scene, a goodbye scene. She was crying, her eyes were red, and I was crying.” Sanford expressed that she “really hated to leave,” and it was clear that Stapleton felt the same way.
Stapleton’s Perspective on Edith
In reflecting on her character, Stapleton described Edith as “a very compassionate individual” with a unique way of understanding the world, despite her lack of formal education. She emphasized Edith’s unselfish love and warmth, traits that undoubtedly contributed to the depth of emotion felt during their farewell.
Their heartfelt goodbye not only underscored their personal connection but also highlighted the legacy of All in the Family as a show that brought together diverse voices and stories, fostering genuine relationships both on and off the screen.
