Ed Begley Jr.
American actor and longtime environmental activist known for St. Elsewhere, Living with Ed, film and voice work, and advocacy for sustainable living.
Overview
Ed Begley Jr. (born September 16, 1949) is an American actor and environmental advocate whose career spans film, television, stage and voice work. He first gained wide recognition for his long-running role on the medical drama St. Elsewhere and later reached new audiences with the reality series Living with Ed, which documented his household's efforts to live more sustainably. Begley has continued to pursue acting while speaking and writing about energy conservation, green technology and everyday practices that reduce environmental impact.
Image gallery
4 ImagesCareer and notable roles
Begley has appeared in a wide variety of projects, from mainstream feature films to television dramas and comedies, as well as voice roles for animation. His film credits include appearances in She-Devil, What's Your Number?, and Woody Allen's Whatever Works. On television he is particularly identified with St. Elsewhere, which established him as a steady presence in dramatic ensemble work. He has also been a guest star on many series and has performed on stage in regional and Broadway productions.
Environmental work and public profile
Beyond acting, Begley is well known for his long-standing commitment to environmental causes. He brought attention to sustainable living through the television series Living with Ed, which followed his efforts to reduce energy use, install renewable energy systems, and adopt low-impact household practices. Over decades he has promoted energy efficiency, recycling, organic gardening, and the use of low-emission or electric vehicles as practical options for consumers. His public advocacy blends practical how-to advice with broader calls for policy and cultural change to address climate and pollution issues.
Personal life and background
Born in Los Angeles to actor Ed Begley Sr. and Allene Jeanne Sanders, Begley grew up immersed in the entertainment world and later attended local schools including Notre Dame High School and Los Angeles Valley College. He has been married twice and is a father of three. His household life and partnerships have often featured in his environmental outreach, illustrating daily routines and investments that support a low-carbon lifestyle.
Selected filmography and appearances
- St. Elsewhere (television drama) — recurring cast
- She-Devil (feature film)
- Whatever Works (feature film)
- What's Your Number? (feature film)
- Living with Ed (reality/educational series)
Legacy and public reception
Begley has earned both critical recognition for his acting and a reputation as one of the more prominent celebrity environmentalists in the United States. Critics and audiences have noted the consistency of his career across genres and his willingness to use his public profile to model sustainable choices. He has been honored and cited by environmental organizations, has participated in public speaking and educational campaigns, and continues to combine creative work with activism.
For further details about his screen credits and public activities, see his official listings and biographical entries: official profile, film and television credits. For information about his father and family background, see: Ed Begley Sr..
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Ed Begley Jr. Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/137905