Stapleton was actually a very accomplished singer, performing musical theater throughout her career.

Did Jean Stapleton really play the piano?

“I played piano. I did not aspire to a concert career, but I accompanied my mother at home. ... Stapleton started her career as a singer in the Robert Shaw Collegiate Chorale and made her theatrical debut in stock during the early '40s.

Did Jean Stapleton really talk like that?

but though her character was often referred to as “a dingbat” by the grouchy Archie, Stapleton in real life was anything but. ... In person, she sounded nothing like her high-pitched character--her actual voice was much deeper.