At What Point Did Hean Stayton Leave The Family?

Jean Stapleton, best known for her role as Edith Bunker in the 1971 TV series “All in the Family”, decided to leave the show in 1979. She had been playing the character for eight and a half years and had no ill will towards the show. Stapleton was offered the role of Jessica Fletcher by CBS and Universal in 1983, but she turned it down.

Stapleton had just come off of eight and a half years in a series, including the first episode, “Justice For All”, which was taped three years before the original show’s run. The show featured a cast including Carol O’Connor and Jean Stapleton, who would later play married couple. When Stapleton decided to move on after season nine, CBS requested that O’Connor continue without her, and Lear agreed. The headline in the newspaper, “Edith Quits”, highlighted Stapleton’s decision to move on from the role after its 1979 season was completed.

Sally Struthers, who played Archie (Carroll O’Connor) and Edith’s (Jean Stapleton) daughter, left the show a year before.

All in the Family was originally set to end with season eight in 1978. However, pressure from Jean Stapleton led her to consider leaving the show to pursue musical comedy. She valued her contract but knew that musical comedy was something she had left behind.

In addition to her roles on “All in the Family”, Stapleton was also seen in the All in the Family sequel, “Archie Bunker’s Place”. In 1982, she portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt in a film. Despite pleas from Lear not to let Edith die, Stapleton left the show, re-titled “Archie’s Place”, in 1980, leaving Archie as a widower.

When Did Mike And Gloria Leave All In The Family?

In 1978, Mike Stivic takes a faculty position at the University of California, Santa Barbara, prompting him and Gloria to relocate to California after the 1977–78 season. This transition marks the end of regular appearances for Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers on "All in the Family." As they prepare to leave, Mike and Gloria express long-hidden emotions, resulting in tearful goodbyes with Archie and Edith Bunker, highlighting the trauma of their departure.

In Season 8, Episode 24, titled "The Stivics Go West," the Bunkers navigate the emotional weight of saying farewell. The separation of Mike and Gloria, detailed in the episode "Mike and Gloria Split," illustrates their struggles, including conflicts stemming from unresolved promises and aspirations. Following their split, Gloria's character evolves, leading to her own spin-off series that launched in 1982.

The original heart of "All In The Family" concludes by the end of the 1978-79 season, and a subsequent episode of "Archie Bunker’s Place" reveals Mike's departure to a commune with another girl. Their relationship transformation is bittersweet, with personal growth arising from their difficulties, showcasing the complexities of love and change within the show's narrative.

Why Was Edith Written Out Of All In The Family?

Jean Stapleton, who portrayed Edith Bunker in "All in the Family," sought to leave her regular role to avoid being typecast in "submissive" characters, although she was amenable to guest appearances. Stapleton believed the character had fulfilled its potential and decided to exit the show, particularly after the departure of Sally Struthers, who played her daughter, Gloria. Edith was written out of "All in the Family," succumbing off-screen to a stroke in Season 9.

Stapleton continued for a few episodes in the follow-up series, "Archie Bunker’s Place," to smooth the transition. Carroll O’Connor, who played Archie, advocated for a poignant closure by having Edith die, a decision met with some disagreement from producers about how to frame the narrative.

The show shifted focus to Archie and his bar, relinquishing its original theme. Although Stapleton’s exit was partly due to contract completion, it reflected her desire to maintain her identity beyond the character of Edith. Despite her strength and courage in facing personal and familial challenges, Stapleton felt it was time to move on, leading to Edith's death from a stroke portrayed in a sensitive manner. As a result, Archie was left to mourn her, providing new storytelling avenues for "Archie Bunker’s Place."

Why Did Jean Stapleton Leave 'All In The Family'?

During Season 9 of "All in the Family," Jean Stapleton announced her decision to leave the show, stating that she felt her character, Edith Bunker, had run its course. In a 1979 interview with the Detroit Free Press, she expressed no bitterness towards the show or her co-stars, indicating her desire for a smooth transition. To facilitate this, Stapleton made five additional appearances before Edith was written off, having died from a stroke off-screen.

Despite Stapleton's portrayal of the traditionally subservient Edith, she was a noted feminist and harbored hopes that housewives were not like her character. Jean Stapleton, born Jeanne Murray, opted not to continue with "All in the Family" into its spinoff and wanted to maintain her identity apart from her role. Her departure, confirmed in interviews, was voluntary and not due to conflicts with producers or cast members.

The series creator, Norman Lear, attempted to persuade her not to let Edith die, but with Stapleton's exit in 1980, Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O'Connor, continued as a widower in the re-titled "Archie's Place." Ultimately, Stapleton's decision was rooted in her wish to explore new opportunities.

Will Miss Stapleton Quit 'All In The Family'?

CBS reports that Jean Stapleton and Carroll O'Connor are under long-term contracts, yet Stapleton is keen to leave "All in the Family" to pursue stage and movie careers, similar to O'Connor's earlier thoughts of departure. Despite these contracts being for other projects, "All in the Family" has traditionally operated on a seasonal basis. Announcing her dissatisfaction, Stapleton expressed a desire to not be typecast in "submissive" roles, opting for guest-starring opportunities instead of being a series regular. This came during season 9 when it was revealed she wished to exit, leading to speculation about the future of the series without her.

After Norman Lear’s departure, uncertainty loomed over the show's longevity, but Stapleton maintained that the absence of Lear wouldn't diminish the show's essence. She conveyed no resentment toward the network or the creators, despite her decision. The character Edith Bunker, portrayed by Stapleton, became an iconic figure, demonstrating resilience against her husband Archie's bombastic nature.

As Stapleton's time on the show waned, her character was given a fitting off-screen send-off to create space for new directions. Ultimately, while "All in the Family" faced significant changes, Stapleton's legacy as Edith Bunker remains cherished in American television history.

What Season Did Edith Leave All In The Family?

Jean Stapleton's character, Edith Bunker, did not continue in Season 9 of "All in the Family." After Stapleton decided to leave the show, CBS requested Carroll O'Connor to continue, but Norman Lear insisted on changing the series' name. The finale aired on April 8, 1979, transitioning into a sequel titled "Archie Bunker’s Place," which debuted on September 23 of the same year. Stapleton made five appearances on the new show before Edith was written off, dying off-screen from a stroke.

"All in the Family," which first aired in 1971, depicted the Bunker family in Queens, New York, and ran until 1979. The decision for Edith to leave stemmed from the departure of Sally Struthers, who played her daughter, Gloria, which contributed to Stapleton's desire to exit. The poignant finale showcased Edith's struggles due to her health issues, leading to her character's death being addressed in the second season opener of "Archie Bunker’s Place." The series continued to focus on the character of Archie and his interactions, notably after Edith's passing, emphasizing the show's evolution post her departure.

Did Sally Struthers Attend Carroll O'Connor'S Funeral?

Actress Sally Struthers attended the funeral of actor Carroll O'Connor on June 26, 2001, at St. Paul The Apostle Church in Westwood, California, accompanied by her daughter Samantha. Struthers, who portrayed Gloria, Archie Bunker’s daughter on "All in the Family," expressed her deep affection for O'Connor, stating, "I shared such an incredible time and space with Carroll." She noted how their relationship filled an emotional void in her life following her own father's death. Struthers reminisced about how O'Connor and his wife Nancy treated her with parental warmth, providing guidance and laughter during their time together on set.

The funeral was attended by co-stars from the iconic television show, including Rob Reiner and Danielle Brisebois, along with producer Norman Lear. It was a solemn gathering reflecting on O'Connor’s legacy, marked by remembrances from those who worked alongside him. Although initially uncertain about her attendance due to her involvement in the play "Love Letters," Struthers made it to the service, highlighting the close-knit bond formed within the cast. Ultimately, the event celebrated O'Connor's life and contributions, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him personally and professionally.

Why Did Jean Stapleton Stop Playing Edith Bunker?

In a 1979 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Jean Stapleton expressed her desire to step away from her iconic role as Edith Bunker on "All in the Family," stating that she felt the character had run its course. Stapleton clarified she held no resentment towards the show or her co-stars, simply feeling it was time to move on. As the show concluded its ninth season, news emerged that Stapleton wouldn't continue, leading to her appearing in five episodes of the spinoff "Archie Bunker’s Place" to facilitate a smooth transition.

Ultimately, Edith was killed off-screen from a stroke, leaving Archie devastated. After 206 episodes, Stapleton felt fulfilled yet ready to pursue different projects, emphasizing her affection for Edith and the impact the role had on her life, while also expressing concerns about being typecast in similar roles. She wished for her departure to not be seen as an exit in anger, as she loved her character. With the character's demise, the writers aimed to explore new storylines for Archie as a widower.

Stapleton's journey from "All in the Family" showcased her commitment to evolving as an actress and her desire for creative opportunities beyond the role of Edith Bunker, which made her a household name.

Did Mike And Gloria Get Divorced?

Gloria Bunker-Stivic, the only child of Archie and Edith Bunker, navigates a turbulent marriage with Michael "Meathead" Stivic in the 1970s sitcom All in the Family. Their relationship, a significant focus of the show, experiences numerous challenges, ultimately leading to their divorce, which is explored in the spin-off series, Gloria. Various factors contribute to their separation, including Gloria's infidelity and the pressures from their families—especially from Gloria's father, Archie.

Following a tumultuous argument sparked by a Scrabble game, Gloria reveals to her mother that she and Mike are contemplating divorce. It is later disclosed that Mike sought personal growth by joining a commune in California, exacerbating their issues. The couple's differing desires for independence and compatibility create irreparable rifts in their marriage. While their divorce does not occur on All in the Family, it is established in later episodes that they ultimately do part ways. Their struggles reflect broader themes of personal growth and family dynamics, making their story resonate with audiences beyond comedy.

Why Was Edith Killed Off?

In a 1979 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Jean Stapleton shared her reasons for leaving the iconic role of Edith Bunker on "All in the Family," stating that she felt her character had run its course. Stapleton clarified that her departure was not due to anger but rather a desire to pursue different roles and avoid being typecast. Following her exit, Edith was killed off-screen from a stroke, which was addressed in the later spin-off series "Archie Bunker’s Place." Producer Norman Lear initially hesitated to have Edith killed off, but after Stapleton emphasized that she was a fictional character, he agreed.

Stapleton made five appearances post-departure to help ease this transition. The second season of "Archie Bunker’s Place" debuted weeks after Edith's funeral, detailing her passing as occurring in her sleep from a stroke. The character's death marked a significant moment in television history and profoundly affected audiences. Lear mandated changes to the show’s title and theme song to reflect the shift. Ultimately, Stapleton's portrayal of Edith Bunker remains a vital aspect of the series' legacy.