William Putch’s Family Background and Career Life
William Putch was an American actor, director, and producer. He is best known for his long-standing association with the Totem Pole Playhouse in Pennsylvania. William was the husband of actress Jean Stapleton. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he died on November 23, 1983, in New York due to a heart attack.
Details of William Putch’s Career Life
Putch’s professional journey was deeply connected with the Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer stock theater located in Caledonia State Park, Fayetteville, Pennsylvania. For three decades, he served as the director in the theater, contributing to its reputation and success. The playhouse hosted numerous performances, attracting audiences from various regions. The theater remained a vibrant cultural hub, offering a diverse range of productions each summer.
Putch appeared on Broadway and other national touring companies. He began his acting career in 1958 on the TV series True Story. In 1976, he was cast on the TV series Family as Fred Hogan for three episodes. His last television appearance was on Charlie’s Angels in 1977. He directed a Syracuse stage presentation of That Championship Season in 1978, and The Show Off at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. William and his wife Jean Stapleton operated a summer theater, the Totem Pole Playhouse, in Chambersburg, Pa.
William Putch’s Family Life
William Putch was born on April 22, 1924, in Bellevue PA. He was married to Jean Stapleton from 1957 until her death. The couple had two children, actor and director John Putch, and television producer Pamela Putch. Together, they nurtured a family that continued their legacy in the entertainment industry. Putch and Jean often worked together in productions one on stage and the other as director. He died of a heart attack after suffering chest pains while taking a walk near the Syracuse Stage theatre
Jean Stapleton’s Life and Career
William Putch’s wife, Jean Stapleton, is an actress popularly known for her role as Edith Bunker in the television sitcom All in the Family. She is celebrated for her successful work in theater, television, and film. Jean was the daughter of opera singer Marie A. Stapleton and Joseph E. Murray, a billboard advertising salesman. Stapleton’s theater career was marked by performances in several Broadway musicals, including Funny Girl, Juno, Damn Yankees, and Bells Are Ringing.
She had recurring roles in the film adaptations of Damn Yankees in 1958 and Bells Are Ringing. Even after her husband died, miles away from where he was performing, she still performed the All In The Family television series and scheduled further appearances. This was one of her most iconic roles that earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.
Stapleton’s television work included roles in The Muppet Show, Faerie Tale Theatre, and Bagdad Cafe. She also portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt in the TV movie Eleanor, First Lady of the World in 1982, and this earned her nominations for both an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
