Every ’70s sitcom has a similar domestic set up: the curmudgeonly father, sweet-natured wife and troublesome tots or teens. But Jean Stapleton brought a little extra sparkle to the screen, often acting as her husband’s moral guide and winning over audience’s hearts in the process. Off-screen she was just as beloved, welcoming two children who have followed her into showbiz.
Read on to find out more about her Hollywood marriage, early career roles and the two talented children she raised.
© Getty ImagesJean found sitcom fame ‘All in the Family’
Star career
Every sitcom needs its matriarch and Jean Stapleton stole the show as Edith Bunker in ’70s hit All in the Family. Her grumpy husband might not have been as delighted as audiences were by her guidance, but off screen Jean was well rewarded with three Emmys.
Other defining roles included Pansy Milbank in Michael, 1971’s Klute and Up the Down Staircase as Sadie Finch.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyJean said ‘I do’ to William Putch in 1957
Marriage to William
Jean met William Putch in 1953 and tied the knot with the actor, producer and director four years later.. They were one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples, remaining happily paired until his death in 1983.
The couple welcomed two children during their marriage, and had a third creative child in the Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer theatre in Pennsylvania.
© Getty ImagesJohn Putch is an actor turned director
Meet star son John
John Putch started his career on home turf at The Totem Pole Playhouse. Then just five years old, he went on to appear in the ’80s run of the sitcom One Day at a Time and guest on Family Ties and Seinfeld.
Now, John’s working successfully as a director, credited with American Pie Presents: The Book of Love, The Father and the Bear and Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyPamela Putch has several acting and production credits to her name
Daughter Pamela’s showbiz fame
Born in 1959, Pamela Putch first appeared on screen in 1984’s A Matter of Sex. Following her debut, she had two more roles: Molly Kauffman in short film Waiting to Act and Ethel in Alone in the Woods.
She’s found success as a producer, credited on 23 episodes of Caroline in the City, Head Over Heels and five episodes of Conrad Bloom.
© ImageDirect via Getty ImagesJean continued to act until the early 2000s
The loss of a TV legend
Following her sitcom stardom, Jean worked on Nancy Myers rom-com You’ve Got Mail, Everybody Loves Raymond and voice acted in the sequel to Disney’s Pocahontas.
She last appeared on screen in 2001, with a double bill featuring The Pursuit of Happiness and Like Mother, Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes. Jean sadly passed in 2013 at the age of 90.
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