Jean Stapleton, born Jeanne Murray, entered the world in Manhattan, New York City, to Marie A. Stapleton, a renowned opera singer, and Joseph Edward Murray, a skilled billboard advertising salesman, whose paternal grandparents hailed from Ireland. As a cousin of the talented actress Betty Jane Watson, Stapleton was part of a family with a rich history in the entertainment industry. Her uncle, Joseph E. Deming, was a seasoned vaudevillian, and her brother, Jack Stapleton, was a stage actor of great promise. After completing her secondary education at Wadleigh High School in 1939, Stapleton went on to attend Hunter College, where she honed her skills and cultivated her passion for the performing arts. Following her academic pursuits, Stapleton chose to pursue a career in acting, initially working as a secretary to gain valuable experience and build a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
She embarked on her theatrical journey by making her stage debut at the Greenwood Playhouse in Peaks Island, Maine, during the summer of 1941, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in the performing arts. Later, she made her New York stage debut in the esteemed production of "The Corn Is Green" in 1948, showcasing her remarkable talent to a wider audience.
Throughout her impressive Broadway career, Stapleton accumulated an extensive range of credits, including the memorable musicals "Damn Yankees" in 1955 and "Bells Are Ringing" in 1956. Her exceptional performances in these productions would later be reprised in the movie adaptations, "Damn Yankees" (1958) and "Bells Are Ringing" (1960),further solidifying her status as a talented and versatile actress.
In addition to her work in these iconic productions, Stapleton was also a part of the original companies of the critically acclaimed plays "Rhinoceros" in 1961 and "Funny Girl" in 1964, demonstrating her ability to excel in a variety of roles and genres.
Maura Stapleton, a talented and versatile actress, has had the privilege of taking on a wide range of iconic roles on the Broadway stage, with one of her most notable performances being that of Abby Brewster in the 1986-87 revival of the beloved classic, "Arsenic and Old Lace".
