Jean Stapleton's career is as long as it is successful. She has appeared in well over 100 motion pictures and television shows since the early 1950s, mostly in co-starring and supporting character parts, though she was certainly no stranger to the occasional leading lady role. We particularly remember her dynamic portrayal as Mrs. Lovett in a regional touring version of Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" in 1987, as well as her starring turn in the 1986 Broadway revival of "Arsenic and Old Lace."

Fans will also remember Jean from such memorable films as Vincente Minnelli's "Bells Are Ringing" (1960, opposite Judy Holliday, in a role she originated on Broadway), "Damn Yankees" (1958, opposite Gwen Verdon and Tab Hunter, a role she also originated on Broadway), "Klute" (1971 opposite Jane Fonda), and "Michael" (1996 opposite John Travolta). Jean was a regular on many of the more popular variety shows of the mid-70s ("Laugh-In," "The Carol Burnett Show" and "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour").