Jean Stapleton performed on stage during initial years of her career. She made her screen-debut in the 1951 TV series ‘Starlit Theater,’ then appeared in several TV series, including ‘Robert Montgomery Presents’ (1952), ‘Lux Video Theater’ (1953), ‘Omnibus’ (1954-1956), ‘Woman with a Past’ (1954), and ‘Repertory Theater’ (1955).
Stapleton made her big screen debut in the film versions of the Broadway romantic comedy musicals, ‘Damn Yankees’ (1958) and ‘Bells are Ringing’ (1960), recreating her Broadway roles in both. She next appeared in the psychological drama film ‘Something Wild’ (1961), and several TV series, including ‘Naked City’ (1961-1963), ‘Dr. Kildare’ (1961), ‘Denis the Menace’ (1962), ‘The Defenders’ (1962), ‘The Eleventh Hour’ (1953), ‘My Three Sons’ (1964), and more.
Stapleton next starred in the drama film ‘Up the Down Staircase’ (1967), and the crime thriller ‘Klute’ (1971). After working in Norman Lear’s satirical comedy film ‘Cold Turkey’ (1971), Lear cast her in his new sitcom ‘All in the Family’ as ‘Edith Bunker,’ the role that made her famous. She appeared in all 9 seasons (1971-1979) and won 3 ‘Emmys’ and 2 ‘Golden Globes’ for her performance. She requested to write-off her character after appearing in 5 episodes of the follow-up series, ‘Archie Bunker’s Place.’
Stapleton starred in TV movies, including ‘Tail Gunner Joe’ (1977), ‘Aunt Mary’ (1979), ‘Angel Dusted’ (1981), ‘Isabel’s Choice’ (1981), ‘Something Afoot’ (1982), and in ‘Dead Man’s Folly’ (1986). Her performance as ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ in the TV movie ‘Eleanor: First Lady of the World’ (1982) earned her ‘Emmy’ and ‘Golden Globe’ nominations. She appeared in two episodes of ‘Faerie Tale Theater’ (1983-1985).
Stapleton starred in the romantic comedy film ‘The Buddy System’ (1984), the fantasy film ‘Michael’ (1996), the romantic comedy film ‘You’ve Got Mail’ (1998), and provided voice for the Disney film ‘Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World’ (1998).
Stapleton co-starred with Whoopi Goldberg in the 1990-1991 TV series adaption of the film ‘Bagdad Café.’ She received ‘Golden Globe’ nomination for the TV movie ‘Fire in the Dark’ (1991) and ‘Emmy’ nomination for a guest-appearance in the sitcom ‘Grace Under Fire’ (1994). She played the lead role in the children’s series ‘Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’ (1994).
Stapleton’s other TV series appearances include ‘Murphy Brown’ (1996), ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996), ‘Beakman’s World’ (1996), ‘Style & Substance’ (1998), ‘Touched by an Angel’ (2000). Before retiring, she acted in the film ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ (2001) and the TV movie ‘Like Mother Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes’ (2001).
Tom Gruneman, an executive working for a chemical company in Pennsylvania, goes missing. Although the police try to find him, they eventually fail and eventually detective John Klute is hired to investigate the disappearance. Klute has only one lead: a prostitute. However, he is unaware of the fact that her life is in danger as well.
Mary Ann, a college student, is brutally raped by an unknown attacker. She returns home and attempts to resume her usual life but she is traumatized. When she fails to find peace, she tries to end her life. Mike, a garage mechanic, saves her and gives her shelter in his own basement house. But is he really trustworthy?
Kathleen Kelly, who runs a popular local bookstore, is annoyed by arrogant Joe Fox, who opens a branch of the large Fox Books chain across the street, threatening her business. The two, despite having partners, also anonymously chat online and fall in love with each other, but after learning her true identity, Fox must assuage her hatred for him.
Single mother Emily Price is raising her son, Tim, but hides where they live so that Tim can attend a better school. When Officer Joe, who is also an aspiring novelist and inventor comes for a residency check, he develops a bond with Emily and Tim. Joe now has to choose between Emily and his self-absorbed girlfriend Carrie.
Frank Quinlan and Huey Driscoll are two tabloid reporters who have to investigate a report of the Archangel Michael living with an old woman. They eventually find that the claim is true. But, that is not the only surprise they are going to face.
Jean Stapleton Awards
| All in the Family | Best TV Actress - Comedy or Musical | 1974 |
| All in the Family | Best TV Actress - Comedy or Musical | 1973 |
| All in the Family | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | 1978 |
| All in the Family | Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series | 1972 |
| All in the Family | Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series | 1971 |
| Winner | Best Score From an Original Cast Show Album | 1965 |
