- Was offered a role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), but turned it down to work on the pilot of All in the Family (1971).
- In the TV episode The Hidden Jungle (1962), which aired 1 December 1962, an unknown actress at this time, she played a woman who witnessed a murder. In the episode, while on the witness stand, she is asked to point out the murderer. The actor playing the murderer was another unknown named Carroll O'Connor, who later starred with her in All in the Family (1971).
- Best friend of Carroll O'Connor.
- Was offered the role of Jessica Fletcher on Murder, She Wrote (1984), but declined. (Ultimately, the role went to Angela Lansbury.)
- She won the role of Edith Bunker on All in the Family (1971) when creator Norman Lear directed her in his 1971 film Cold Turkey (1971).
- In 1977 she was one the commissioners who helped put together the National Women's Conference in Houston, a gathering of 2000 delegates from every U.S. state--part of International Women's Year--to assist in the formulation of national policy on women's issues.
- Best remembered by the public for her role as "Edith Bunker" on the TV series All in the Family (1971).
- She owned and operated Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer stock theater, in Caledonia State Park outside Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Her husband was from the area. Her children still visit frequently.
- Her first Broadway appearance following her departure from long-term TV series hits ("All in the Family" and "Archie Bunker's Place") was the comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace," alongside another actress (Polly Holliday) who was also trying to get some distance from her own long series of TV hits ("Alice" and "Flo"). Interestingly, Holliday was later replaced by Marion Ross in the "Arsenic" role. Ross also was aiming for her first Broadway appearance following a long TV run in "Happy Days.".
- 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).
- In honor of what would have been her 100th birthday on January 19, 2023, her name was cited first and foremost in nationwide Born on This Day mention columns.
- Mother of actor John Putch and actress Pamela Putch.
- Received an honorary degree from Wilson College and has a scholarship named after her.
- Her remains were cremated at Ferncliff Cemetery and Mausoleum in Hartsdale, New York. However, her ashes were buried unmarked in William Putch's grave at Lincoln Cemetery in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
- Portrayed "Sister Miller" in the stage version of 'Damn Yankees!' and reprised her role in the movie Damn Yankees (1958).
- Cousin of Betty Jane Watson.
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