Rest In Peace, Jean Stapleton

Yesterday, June 1st, 2013, actress Jean Stapleton passed away. She was best known for her role as Edith Bunker in the classic '70s sitcom All In The Family. I used to watch the show in reruns when I was a little kid, and I'm sure that much of the humor, and significance, of the show was lost on me at such a young age. But I always liked the character of Edith Bunker, particularly her almost always cheerful demeanor and positive outlook. I was amazed the first time I heard Ms. Stapleton speak outside of the show, never realizing that her real voice was so much different than Edith's. To hear her speak out of character was to realize, and appreciate, how good and effective an actress she was.

Edith Bunker is a television classic, and Jean Stapleton a television icon. She will be missed. And speaking as someone who didn't have a good relationship with his mother, I would've loved to have had a mom like Edith.