Ed O'Neill

About

Ed O'Neill is a celebrated American actor, best known for his role as Al Bundy on the long-running television sitcom "Married... with Children," and more recently for portraying Jay Pritchett on the critically acclaimed series "Modern Family." Over the decades, O'Neill has cemented his place in television history through his impeccable comic timing, distinctive voice, and richly textured performances.

Before Fame

Born Edward Leonard O'Neill on April 12, 1946, in Youngstown, Ohio, O'Neill’s initial path did not readily point towards Hollywood stardom. He attended Ursuline High School where he played football, later continuing his athletic pursuits at Ohio University on a football scholarship. However, he transferred to Youngstown State University where he continued to play football and briefly considered a career in professional sports.

Following college, O'Neill tried out for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was cut in training camp. Undeterred, he found another outlet for his talents—acting. He eventually moved to New York City, where he honed his craft on the stage, studying under Uta Hagen at the Herbert Berghof Studio. His big break came when he landed the role of Al Bundy in 1987.

Trivia

• Ed O'Neill has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which he earned in 2007 after 15 years of training under the famed martial artist Rorion Gracie.
• Despite his fame from "Married... with Children," O'Neill had to audition multiple times for the role of Jay Pritchett on "Modern Family."
• He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2012, a testament to his enduring impact on the medium.
• O'Neill made his film debut in 1980 with a small part in "The Dogs of War."

Family Life

Ed O'Neill has been married to actress Catherine Rusoff since 1986. The couple has two daughters, and they've largely maintained a private family life despite O'Neill's public career. His family roots have played a crucial part in shaping his grounded personality, often cited as one of the key reasons behind his longstanding success in Hollywood.

Associated With

Over the years, Ed O'Neill has worked with numerous celebrated actors and creators. He starred alongside Christina Applegate, Katey Sagal, and David Faustino in "Married... with Children." In "Modern Family," his co-stars included household names such as Sofia Vergara, Ty Burrell, and Julie Bowen. Additionally, his collaborations with the Gracie family in the world of martial arts have also brought him into contact with a different circle of stars, blending his pursuits both on and off the screen.

Through his extensive career in television and his notable personal achievements, Ed O'Neill remains a versatile and beloved figure in entertainment, continually engaging audiences with his authentic and relatable performances.