the show's characters continue but that the series could not be called All in the Family anymore. As a result, Archie Bunker’s Place was created and the show's plots centered less on Archie's home life and more on Archie's bar as well as his colleagues and patrons who frequented his place of business. In order to help with this transition, Stapleton agreed to continue playing Edith Bunker on the newly titled series for five appearances during the 1979–80 season. At the start of the following (1980–81) season, her character would die (off screen) and be written out of the series. Characters Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker, a blue-collar worker whose ignorant stubbornness tends to cause his arguments to self-destruct. By the time of Archie Bunker's Place, however, the character has mellowed somewhat and is no longer as explicitly bigoted as he had been during the first seasons of All in the Family, even agreeing to go into business with Murray, who is Jewish, and becoming close friends with him. Jean Stapleton continued to play Archie's wife Edith Bunker when Archie Bunker's Place premiered. The show featured Edith five times during the first 14 episodes of the first season, but Stapleton decided to leave the series late in 1979; her character was referred to but unseen during most of the 1979–80 season. The writers and producers addressed Stapleton's departure in the Season 2 premiere, explaining that Edith had died of a stroke. Archie reflected on his wife's death and eventually began dating again. Martin Balsam as Murray Klein (1979–81). Murray was Archie's Jewish partner, who held liberal views similar to those of Archie's son-in-law Michael Stivic. Unlike Mike, Murray was much more tolerant and patient with Archie's views. Danielle Brisebois as Stephanie Mills, the Jewish daughter of Edith's step-cousin, Floyd Mills. Archie and Edith take Stephanie in after her father, a chronic, unemployed drunk, abandoned her during the final season of All in the Family. Stephanie, 10 years old at the start of the series, loved to sing and dance, and her talents were showcased in several episodes. Celeste Holm as Estelle Harris (1981–83), Stephanie's wealthy maternal grandmother, who would often be at odds with Archie over his rearing of Stephanie. Allan Melvin as Barney Hefner, Archie's best friend and a regular at the bar. Their friendship was first established in 1972 during an episode of All in the Family. Barney