Jean Stapleton - Actor Profile

Jean Stapleton

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
41Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 19, 1923
Birth Place: Manhattan, New York, US

About Jean Stapleton

Jean Stapleton was born Jeanne Murray in Manhattan, New York City, to Marie A. (Stapleton), an opera singer, and Joseph Edward Murray, a billboard advertising salesman. Her paternal grandparents were Irish. She was a cousin of actress Betty Jane Watson. Other relatives in show business were her uncle, Joseph E. Deming, a vaudevillian; and her brother Jack Stapleton, a stage actor. She graduated from Wadleigh High School, NYC, in 1939, and attended Hunter College. She worked as a secretary before becoming an actress. Stapleton made her stage debut at the Greenwood Playhouse, Peaks Island, Maine, in the summer of 1941, and her New York stage debut in "The Corn Is Green" (1948). She appeared on Broadway in the musicals "Damn Yankees" (1955) and "Bells Are Ringing" (1956), and later repeated her roles in the movie versions (Damn Yankees (1958) and Bells Are Ringing (1960)). Her other Broadway roles included the original companies of "Rhinoceros" (1961) and "Funny Girl" (1964). Stapleton also played Abby Brewster in the 1986-87 revival of "Arsenic and Old Lace".

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jean Stapleton reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 41 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: TV Movie

The majority of Jean Stapleton's filmography leans towards the TV Movie genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 29% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jean Stapleton remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in All in the Family: 20th Anniversary Special, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Jean Stapleton Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Jean Stapleton's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jean Stapleton.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2016 The Last Laugh Self Hit Similar →
2009 The Television Revolution Begins: "All in the Family" Is On the Air Self Flop Similar →
2009 Those Were the Days: The Birth of "All in the Family" Self Flop Similar →
2001 Like Mother Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes Irene Silverman Hit Similar →
2001 Pursuit of Happiness Lorraine Flop Similar →
2001 Pursuit of Happiness Lorrraine Flop Similar →
2000 Baby Byrd Hit Similar →
1998 You've Got Mail Birdie Conrad Hit Similar →
1998 Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World Mrs. Jenkins (voice) Average Similar →
1998 Chance of a Lifetime Mrs. Dunbar Super Hit Similar →
1996 Michael Pansy Milbank Average Similar →
1996 Lily Dale Mrs. Coons Flop Similar →
1993 Bury Me in Niagara Mildred Flop Similar →
1993 The Trial Landlady (uncredited) Average Similar →
1992 The Habitation of Dragons Lenora Tolliver Average Similar →
1991 Fire in the Dark Henry Dutton Flop Similar →
1991 Funny Ladies: A Portrait of Women Cartoonists Narrator Flop Similar →
1991 All in the Family: 20th Anniversary Special - Super Hit Similar →
1990 Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme Mother Goose Flop Similar →
1986 Dead Man's Folly Ariadne Oliver Average Similar →
1985 Cinderella Fairy Godmother Hit Similar →
1985 Faerie Tale Theatre: Cinderella Fairy Godmother Flop Similar →
1985 Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff Self Flop Similar →
1984 The Buddy System Mrs. Price Flop Similar →
1984 A Matter of Sex Irene Wallin Super Hit Similar →
1983 Jack and the Beanstalk The Giantess Flop Similar →
1982 Eleanor, First Lady of the World Eleanor Roosevelt Average Similar →
1981 Isabel's Choice Isabel Cooper Flop Similar →
1981 Good Evening Captain Self Flop Similar →
1981 Angel Dusted Betty Eaton Flop Similar →
1979 Aunt Mary Mary Dobkin Hit Similar →
1979 The Muppets Go Hollywood Self Average Similar →
1979 You Can't Take it With You Penny Sycamore Flop Similar →
1977 Tail Gunner Joe Mrs. DeCamp Average Similar →
1973 Acts of Love and Other Comedies Gina's Mother Hit Similar →
1971 Klute Goldfarb’s Secretary Hit Similar →
1971 Cold Turkey Mrs. Wappler Average Similar →
1967 Up the Down Staircase Sadie Finch Hit Similar →
1961 Something Wild Shirley Johnson Average Similar →
1960 Bells Are Ringing Sue Average Similar →
1958 Damn Yankees Sister Miller Average Similar →

Jean Stapleton - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Jean Stapleton?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jean Stapleton is "All in the Family: 20th Anniversary Special" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Jean Stapleton acted in?

Jean Stapleton has been featured in at least 41 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Jean Stapleton?

Other notable films include "Chance of a Lifetime", "A Matter of Sex", and "Up the Down Staircase".