Remembering Jean Stapleton

We're sad to hear of the passing of actress Jean Stapleton, who died yesterday, Friday May 31, 2013, at the age of 90. Stapleton died of natural causes in her home in New York City. She's best know for portraying the lovable "Edith Bunker" on All in the Family, but also enjoyed success on the Broadway stage with "Damn Yankees" and "The Bells Are Ringing," and with several television movies.

Below are some selections from her 2000 Archive interview:

Her thoughts on how All in the Family dealt with bigotry:

Her description of "Edith Bunker":

She was a very compassionate individual, had a peculiar way of arriving at things and thoughts. Not very bright, not well educated, but a great sense of wisdom and heart.  I guess I would describe it that way.  And also fun, a sense of joy about her and great, just great love for everyone, and a perception about people that was instinctive, intuitive, but certainly not intellectual.

And how she'd like to be remembered:

To be remembered?  I don’t think about that very much, frankly.  I don’t think anybody’s remembered too well, after awhile... I really don’t think it’s one of my goals or projects to decide that.  I hope that my work stands up, if it’s ever seen in the future.

Watch her full Archive interview and read her obituary in the Chicago Tribune.