Edward James Begley Jr established his solid reputation through films, stage performances, and television shows for six decades. The American actor and environmentalist was born in Los Angeles in 1949. Exceptional acting runs in his blood because his father, Edward James Begley Sr, was an Oscar-winning film actor.
Begley thought his biological mother was Amanda Huff, whom his father was married to. However, Allene Jeanne Sanders, an actress of Irish descent, turned out to be the one. Meanwhile, Amanda Huff died of cancer when Begley Jr was seven.
The St. Elsewhere star Begley Jr married Ingrid Taylor in 1976 and had a son, Nicholas, and a daughter, Amanda. They divorced in 1989. He is married to actress Rachelle Carson and has a daughter, Hayden.
Begley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2016. However, he informed the Wall Street Journal that he got a better neurologist after an immense amount of research done by his wife. Thus, he once again turned out lucky after getting stabbed multiple times by a gang of 25 youths in 1972.
Ed Begley Jr’s Career
Ed Begley Jr. was raised in Buffalo, New York, but returned to Los Angeles for a bachelor’s degree. He is well known for playing Dr. Victor Ehrlich in an American medical drama television series, St. Elsewhere (1982-1988).
Begley recalled how he could have taken different paths before joining St. Elsewhere in his memoir. He planned to work as a weatherman in Atlanta and make a talk show there. In short, he wanted to be in the show business.
Begley appeared as Viper pilot Greenbean in the original Battlestar Galactica. He played Whitney Harber in Goin’ South (1978) when he suffered from alcohol addiction. His fellow actor and comedian, John Belushi, helped him fight addiction. Thus, he addresses John as his savior in his memoir.
Begley would regularly put himself and others in danger during those years. Thus, he considers himself lucky to be alive. He has many star friends, but his father does not because he did not grow up in that environment, though he was an award-winning actor.
Begley appeared in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary films. Further, he starred in an American reality television show, Living with Ed, from 2007 to 2010. It showed how Begley lived sustainably with his wife, Rachelle Carson, leaving a small carbon footprint.
However, it comes with compromises. Begley prefers traveling by land to flying. Thus, he could not guarantee completing two shows simultaneously, even after signing for two. He prefers attending events driving his electric car, though he might miss some.
Begley could not afford a sustainable lifestyle in the beginning. So, he began with the cheapest material. Starting from 1970, Begley bought solar hot water after fifteen years and solar electric panels after twenty years. It is how he saved money and bought things for the environment rather than his personal happiness.
Begley shared his environmentalist beliefs in a few episodes of The Simpsons, Dharma & Greg, and Futurama. He competes with his friend, Bill Nye, to see who leaves the lowest carbon footprint. Moreover, Begley is the author of three books.
However, Begley requested his books to be printed on hundred percent recycled paper for the sake of environmentalism. As of now, he promotes books that focus on his life, near-death experiences, and stories of addiction, yet they are fun to read.
Begley credits his father for entry into the film industry. He wanted to be an actor like his father since childhood. Thus, his father assisted him, sent him to some acting classes, and used his contacts.
Ed Begley Jr Net Worth
Ed Begley Jr’s Net Worth is $5 million. Active since 1967, Begley appeared in hundreds of stage performances, television shows, and films. Reportedly, his annual income increased every year.
For instance, Begley’s salary was $428,232 in 2018, $455,566 in 2019, $474,548 in 2020, $504,839 in 2021, and $537,062 in 2022. His appearances in television shows, films, mockumentaries, series, and books contribute to his net worth.
Begley confessed that he used to pay over $300 a year for electricity bills. However, now Begley prefers sustainable living. For instance, his house in LA is entirely powered by solar energy. Moreover, he owns eco-friendly cars, including Toyota RAV4 EV and Toyota Prius.
Apart from that, Begley rides bicycles and travels through public transportation. It started when he was a struggling actor and did not have enough money to purchase solar panels. Begley is a vegan and supports recycling. He kept his word and reached the Academy Awards in 2023 through public transport.
