Ed O’Neill

Ed O’Neill is an American actor known for his work in acclaimed television sitcoms. O'Neill started his career in sports, attending Ohio University on a scholarship before moving to Youngstown State University. However, he found his true calling in acting, which led him to regional theater.

O'Neill's breakthrough in the entertainment industry was his role as Al Bundy on the Fox sitcom "Married... with Children," which aired from 1987 to 1997. His portrayal of a hapless shoe salesman with a distinctive sense of humor became a cultural touchstone and earned him two Golden Globe nominations. His performance on the show solidified his reputation as a leading comedic actor.

After "Married... with Children," O’Neill continued to work on television and film projects. His career witnessed a significant resurgence when he played Jay Pritchett on the ABC sitcom "Modern Family," which ran from 2009 to 2020. This role earned him multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards and several Emmy nominations, including three wins for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. "Modern Family" broadened O'Neill's fan base, introducing his talent to a new generation.

Beyond his success on television, O'Neill has shown versatility in various roles in various films, including "Dutch," "Wayne's World," "Little Giants," and more. He has also worked on animated projects, such as voicing Hank the Octopus in "Finding Dory." Other television roles include playing Governor Eric Baker on "The West Wing" and Donald Sterling in the FX on Hulu limited series "Clipped."

Off-screen, O'Neill has appeared in Broadway productions and has been a practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu for over two decades, receiving his black belt in 2007. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.