X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Jean Stapleton Biography

Birth Name:Jeanne Murray

Birth Place:Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Her role as Edith Bunker on "All in the Family" garnered her numerous awards, including three Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards
  • Awarded an honorary degree from Wilson College, where there is also a scholarship named after her
  • While a student at Hunter College, she began her acting career at 18 in several off-Broadway productions
  • Quote: "There's nothing like humor to burst what seems to be an enormous problem․"
  • Following appearances on numerous sitcoms throughout, she would land her most well-known role in 1971 on CBS's "All in the Family" alongside co-star Carroll O'Connor
  • While appearing on the Broadway stage, she starred in the original companies of "Rhinoceros" and "Funny Girl․"
  • Also known for her stage work including numerous works with director and playwright Horton Foote
  • Declined to accept the lead role in "Murder, She Wrote", a role that would later be portrayed by Angela Lansbury for more than a decade
  • The marquee lights were dimmed on Broadway in her honor on June 5, 2013, one week after her death
  • Was offered a role in the 1971 "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," but due to working on the pilot for "All in the Family," she had to turn it down

Awards

  • 1971Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1972Golden Globe-Best TV Actress - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1972Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1973Golden Globe-Best TV Actress - Comedy or Musical: winner
  • 1973Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1974Golden Globe-Best TV Actress - Comedy or Musical: winner
  • 1974Primetime Emmy-Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1975Golden Globe-Best TV Actress - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1975Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1977Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1978Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1978Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1979Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1979Gold Medal-Favorite TV Program: nominated
  • 1979Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1980Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1982Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special: nominated
  • 1983Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 1984ACE-Actress in a Dramatic or Theatrical Program: nominated
  • 1985ACE-Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1987ACE-Actress in a Theatrical or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 1992Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 1995CableACE-Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1995Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1997Lone Star Film & Television Award-Best TV Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2021OFTA TV Hall of Fame-Character: winner