Jean Stapleton was not angry when she left All in the Family

[TMC]

https://www.metv.com/stories/jean-st...-in-the-family

Despite rumors that were going around in 1979, the actress didn't leave out of anger.

[Duster76]

Originally Posted by TMC

https://www.metv.com/stories/jean-st...-in-the-family

Despite rumors that were going around in 1979, the actress didn't leave out of anger.

I think there is strong circumstantial evidence to suggest that while Jean may not have been angry she had issues surrounding her ultimate departure. She was willing to continue in the role of Edith as it was reimagined in Archie Bunker's Place, but Ugo Productions (which belonged to Carroll O'Connor) was now solely responsible for the show and there was no meeting of the minds. Jean who appeared in only a limited number of episodes wanted her appearances filmed at one time over a 30 or so day period, Fred MacMurray style. Who knows what else was she wanted, but one thing is for sure she wanted a premium salary. O'Connor didn't feel the character was necessary and the cost made the decision to end Jean's involvement with the series an easy one. At the very least CBS knew the potential value of having Edith and Archie open season two playing a death scene, that would have been a ratings grand slam. The fact that Jean wouldn't participate gives us a clue as to her attitude at the time.

Years later she and Carroll O'Connor appeared on Donnie and Marie, I think Marie asked her to do the Edith voice, she replied (maybe a dig at Carroll) I get paid for doing that. I know she was busy the day of Carroll's funeral, but it seems to me if they had actually been close and there were no issues between them she would have found a way to get there.