Cousin of Betty Jane Watson. Other relatives in show business were her uncle Joseph E. Deming, a vaudevillian; and her brother Jack Stapleton, a stage actor. Her parents were Joseph E. Murray (a billboard advertising salesman) and Marie Stapleton Murray (a singer). Graduated from Wadleigh High School, NYC, 1939; attended Hunter College. Worked as a secretary before becoming an actress. Made her stage debut at the Greenwood Playhouse, Peaks Island, Maine, in the summer of 1941. Made her New York stage debut in "The Corn Is Green" (1948). Appeared on Broadway in the musicals "Damn Yankees" (1955) and "Bells Are Ringing" (1956), and later repeated her roles in the movie versions. Other Broadway roles include the original companies of "Rhinoceros" (1961) and "Funny Girl" (1964). She also played Abby Brewster in the 1986-87 revival of "Arsenic and Old Lace".



Mother of actor John Putch and actress Pamela Putch. Is a favorite of playwright Horton Foote, for whom she has acted in numerous plays, most recently "The Carpetbagger's Children" at Lincoln Center (Closed June 2002). Was offered the role of Mrs. TeeVee on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), but turned it down to work on the pilot of "All in the Family" (1971). Turned down the role of Charlie's mother in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) in order to take the part of Edith Bunker on "All in the Family" (1971). Best remembered by the public for her role as "Edith Bunker" on the TV series "All in the Family" (1971). Portrayed "Sister Miller" in the stage version of Damn Yankees! and reprised her role in the movie Damn Yankees! (1958).