The Departure of Jean Stapleton from Archie Bunkers Place
Jeff Stapleton, an acclaimed actress known for her role as Edith Bunker in All In The Family, made the decision to leave the long-running television series. Her reasons for exiting were multifaceted, stemming from both personal and professional motivations.
Professional Commitment and Personal Growth
According to interviews with Jeff Stapleton, her departure from All In The Family, which later became Archie Bunkers Place, was driven by her pursuit of new challenges. Stapleton mentioned in recent interviews that she felt it was the right time to move on, marking a significant transition in her career. This decision was not influenced by any personal conflicts or dissatisfaction with the show itself. It was purely a professional choice aimed at expanding her acting horizons.
The Revamp and Stay
The original concept of All In The Family had run its course by 1978-1979, when the Stificees, including son Joey, left for California. Despite the show's declining popularity, Jean Stapleton was initially persuaded to stay for what was dubbed the "revamp," a notion that transformed into a full sequel or reboot. The show's name was also changed. Stapleton remained in this first season of A. B. Place from 1979-1980, though she was not in every episode. Early in 1980, she approached the producer, Norman Lear, and conveyed that she was done with the character. She believed there was nothing left to do, as Edith had undergone significant personal trials between 1970 and 1979.
Killing of the Character and Theo Scripting
Stapleton herself came up with the idea to kill off her character in a way that resonated with her artistic integrity. She told Lear, "She's just fiction." Lear responded, "Not to me she isn't," reflecting the character's enduring impact on both the show and its audience. Carrol O' Connor, the original All In The Family producer, crafted the season 2 premiere script, which was delayed until November 1980 due to the Hollywood actors' strike.
The Tragic Departure
When the episode aired, viewers were stunned to learn that Edith Bunker had passed away in her sleep during the summer. However, it was a sad reality, as Edith Bunker was portrayed as being only 52 years old. This revelation came as a surprise to many fans, who had followed Edith's journey over the past decade.
After the premiere of season 2, Archie Bunkers Place continued for two more seasons, concluding in April 1983. Both series combined for a total of 13 seasons and over 300 episodes, marking a significant period in television history.
Stapleton's departure from All In The Family was a testament to her dedication to her craft and the show's ability to evolve and continue its legacy.