Jean Stapleton’s role as Edith Bunker on All in the Family was centered on the theme of family cohesion. In a 1978 interview with The Clarion-Ledger, she addressed a common question: what would she choose between family and career? “This is an inoperative question because I’ve never had to make a choice,” she asserted.
However, there was a pivotal moment when Stapleton faced the possibility of having to choose. When she married in 1957, she recognized that balancing a career in Hollywood with family life in Pennsylvania would require some sacrifices. “I regarded my career as an integral part of me,” she explained. “Since it was part of me, how can you give up your identity? You can’t cut yourself up into pieces and give yourself away.”
Stapleton found a way to harmonize both aspects of her life, often splitting time between the tranquil country roads of Pennsylvania and the bustling highways of Los Angeles. Her husband, William Putch, a talented director and producer, played a significant role in this balance. He directed plays at a local theater called Totem Pole Playhouse, where Stapleton and their two children often performed together, making it a true family affair.
Through her portrayal of Edith, Stapleton conveyed important messages to her audience, encouraging women to trust their instincts and challenge traditional roles. “To me, my career signified part of the good in my life,” she said, emphasizing her belief that a successful marriage would not require sacrificing personal identity.
Despite the initial challenges of being closely identified with Edith Bunker, Stapleton learned to embrace the character. “Some people have troubles separating me from Edith Bunker,” she noted in a 1979 interview with The Sacramento Bee, adding that she would politely correct those who called her “Edith,” insisting, “Please call me Jean.”
Over time, Stapleton grew to appreciate Edith’s complexity, crediting the show’s exceptional writers and producers for her character’s development. “Fame — what is it good for?” she mused. “Edith Bunker has helped me to communicate with the housewives of America, and I have to be grateful to her for that.”
Stapleton’s ability to navigate her dual roles as a beloved television icon and a dedicated family member exemplifies her remarkable strength and adaptability, allowing her to enjoy the best of both worlds.
