Stephanie Mills (All in the Family)

Stephanie Mills was a character on the classic 1970s American television situation comedy "All in the Family" and the follow-up series, "Archie Bunker's Place".

She was portrayed by child actress Danielle Brisebois, who joined "All in the Family" in 1978. Danielle continued in the role until "Archie Bunker's Place" ended its run in 1983.

Character background

Stephanie was introduced in the All in the Family's ninth season premiere as the 9-year old niece of Archie and Edith Bunker. According to the storyline, Stephanie was abandoned at the doorstep of the Bunkers' home by her father, Edith's brother and chronic alcoholic Floyd Mills. Her mother and Floyd's wife, Marilyn, had died some time earlier in a car accident.

Edith is more than delighted to take in Stephanie, but Archie is decidedly less so, especially since he was finally looking forward to some peace and quiet after his daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Mike "Meathead" Stivic moved to California. Eventually, Stephanie wins over Archie and he grows to love her as his own daughter.

Shortly after moving in with the Bunkers, Stephanie reveals herself to be Jewish, something that at first upset Archie. While he learns to live with Stephanie's religious beliefs, Archie was not stopped from making his usual bigoted remarks against Judaism from time to time. She eventually becomes a member of the Temple Beth Shalom.

Stephanie proved to be very talented as a singer and dancer, showcasing her talents on several episodes of "All in the Family" and "Archie Bunker's Place". She once applied to a fine arts school (despite Archie's decidedly reluctant support), but was turned down because of her less-than-stellar grades.

On several occasions, Stephanie's relatives tried to take Stephanie away from the Bunkers. Not long after Edith died, Stephanie's wealthy grandmother Estelle Harris (portrayed by Celeste Holm), sued Archie for custody, citing his bigoted attitudes and blue-collar background. A judge sided with Archie but granted Estelle liberal visitation rights. Floyd (Ben Slack) also showed up on occasion, asking to take his daughter back. However, the Bunkers managed to foil him each time.

Stephanie first attended an unnamed elementary school, and later Ditmars Junior High School. Her best friend – and sometimes rival – was classmate Amy Bloom (played by Seven Anne MacDonald).

In the latter years of "Archie Bunker's Place", Stephanie would be one of two teen-aged girls living under Archie's roof – the other being Archie's attractive 18-year-old niece Barbara Lee "Billie" Bunker (portrayed by Denise Miller).

References

* Brooks, Tim and Earl Marsh, "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 9th Ed." Ballantine Books, Random House, New York City, New York, 2007. (ISBN 0-34549-773-2).
* Terrace, Vincent, "Television Character and Story Facts: Over 110,000 Details From 1,008 Shows, 1945-1992," McFarland & Co. Inc., Jefferson, North Carolina, 1993. (ISBN 0-89950-891-X).