norman lear said, "no one gave more profound 'how to be a human being' lessons than jean stapleton." actress roseanne barr said that stapleton's range was "unbelievable, deep and majestic." co-star and bafta- and oscar-nominated director and producer rob reiner said, "working with her was one of the greatest experiences of my life." sally struthers said, "jean lived so in the present. she was a christian scientist who didn't say or think a negative thing ... she was just a walking, living angel."