Jean Stapleton

Those were the days when Archie Bunker called her “dingbat,” but I can assure you, Jean Stapleton, loved and admired in her role as Edith Bunker, is as sharp as a tack and as clear as a bell. I met her during a press luncheon in Palm Beach and listened with rapt attention as she disclosed more about herself than she would have preferred.

Most areas of her life are off limits.  She has no problem talking about her “roles” but her private life is another matter.  It was a challenge to respect her boundaries and simultaneously get a good story. The high pitched and shrill voice of Edith Bunker was absent but she sure did look like her.  And she was as kind and generous as you would imagine.  She glided through the restaurant greeting her admirers and extending a grateful arm to shake the many hands that were propelled in her direction.  She was elegant, confident and demure.  One by one members of the press were invited to sit down for a chat.  

Waiting my turn, I wrote down a few questions, as slew of thoughts swirled about my mind. After a short wait, I was called to the table. She welcomed me with open arms.  We discovered that we have the same Alma Mata.  “Hunter College is where I studied,” she said. “ Me too,” I replied.  She smiled and hesitantly, in response to my inquiry, delved into her private thoughts and beliefs.  “I am always learning and searching to discover more about myself,” she said,” and I believe we must seek to overcome our fears.  It’s also important,” she continued with some reserve, to be generous.  I follow the teachings of the bible and practice as a Christian Scientist.  Oops! I really don’t want to go there, “ she said, so I quickly moved onto another subject.  “Well, what inspires you?” I asked,  “Oh that’s not an easy question but many things are inspiring.  People who set a good example are an inspiration and so is a fine performance. “

“Miss Stapleton,” I leaned closer toward her, “you have been an inspiration to millions.  Do you know you are loved?” I whispered.  “No my dear, people love Edith Bunker.  The role I played.  They love the woman who Norman Lear created.  No one knows me, so it is important for me to debunk this myth.  I am separate from the characters I play.  Although I have things in common with the character of Eleanor Roosevelt, I am not her.  Each day, as I perform, I do the best job I can.  After the performance, I take off my makeup and go home. I am Jean Stapleton, not my character. I helped to develop the character of Edith Bunker, that I admit was a gift, but this is important for people to understand. Edith Bunker was a fictitious role.  Now, as I perform in the role of Eleanor Roosevelt, I can get into her skin.  She was a real woman, a humanitarian and an activist. I studied her life and brought it to the screen and the stage.  I present an objective portrayal so the audience can be subjective.  It’s up to them to decide.”

I decided right there and then that I really liked the woman who sat at the table and so generously gave of her heart and soul.  She is not accustomed to disclosing her inner views but she did and now that you know this, let’s just keep it all in the family!

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