R.I.P. Jean Stapleton

Saddened by Jean's passing, and also by the fact that so many of the great older television actors are leaving us, and there's nobody of their caliber to take their places. Television has become more of a 'vast wasteland' than ever as these wonderful performers disappear.

Back when they were casting the show, there were probably any number of excellent actresses who could have played Edith. But once you've seen Ms Stapleton, you can't picture anybody else doing it. It was a perfect match of actress and role. Rest in peace, Ms Stapleton. Thank you for creating an iconic character that will be indelibly etched in most of our memories.

I have the complete series and think it's interesting how much the character of Edith changed from the pilot, where she was kind of a world-weary housewife who didn't mind 'talking back' to Archie, to the later incarnation of the total dingbat who seemed kind of afraid to say anything. That said, one of my favorite scenes is where Archie makes a bet on a horse after promising not to gamble--Archie says who was that on the phone, and she yells, "It was Glowworm in the fifth!" and slaps his face! Loved it