Ed Begley Jr. is one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors, known not only for his decades-long career in film and television but also for his passionate advocacy for environmental sustainability. With a career that spans more than fifty years, Begley has built a reputation as a versatile performer, a thoughtful human being, and a leading voice in green living. From his legendary Hollywood lineage to his own accomplishments on screen, Ed Begley Jr. has lived a life filled with creativity, integrity, and purpose.
This article explores who Ed Begley Jr. is, his age, net worth, relationships, family background, father, siblings, wife, and children, giving a complete picture of the man behind the roles.
Who Is Ed Begley Jr.?
Ed Begley Jr., whose full name is Edward James Begley Jr., is an American actor, author, and environmental activist. He was born on September 16, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, making him one of the many entertainers who grew up surrounded by Hollywood culture.
He is best known for his role as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the acclaimed television drama “St. Elsewhere”, a performance that earned him multiple Emmy nominations. Over the years, Begley has appeared in hundreds of films and television shows, often playing intelligent, quirky, or morally complex characters. His acting style is subtle, natural, and deeply human, which has made him a favorite among directors and audiences alike.
Beyond acting, Ed Begley Jr. is widely recognized for his dedication to environmental protection. He has lived a green lifestyle for decades, using solar power, electric cars, and eco-friendly living long before it became mainstream.
Ed Begley Jr. Age
As of 2026, Ed Begley Jr. is 76 years old. Despite his age, he remains active in both entertainment and environmental activism. His ability to stay relevant in Hollywood for so many decades is a testament to his talent, professionalism, and adaptability.
Early Life and Childhood
Ed Begley Jr. was born into a famous acting family. His father was already a major Hollywood star at the time of his birth, which meant young Ed grew up surrounded by movie sets, famous actors, and the entertainment industry.
However, his childhood was not without complexity. For many years, Begley Jr. believed that his mother was a woman named Amanda Huff, whom his father was married to at the time. Later in life, he discovered that his biological mother was actually Allene Jeanne Sanders. This revelation came as a surprise but helped him better understand his own identity and past.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Begley Jr. attended local schools and developed an interest in acting at an early age. With a famous father, many assumed his success would be easy, but he worked hard to build his own career rather than relying on his family name.
Father – Ed Begley Sr.
Ed Begley Jr.’s father, Ed Begley Sr., was one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. Born in 1901, he had a powerful career in film, television, and theater.
Ed Begley Sr. won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1962 film Sweet Bird of Youth. He was known for playing intense, dramatic roles and often portrayed authority figures, villains, or troubled men.
Sadly, Ed Begley Sr. passed away in 1970 when Ed Begley Jr. was only 20 years old. Although their time together was limited, his father’s influence played a major role in shaping Begley Jr.’s interest in acting and storytelling.
Family and Siblings
Ed Begley Jr. comes from a large and diverse family. He has several siblings from his father’s multiple relationships and marriages. Among them are:
- Thomas Martin Begley (brother)
- Maureen Kathleen Begley (sister)
- Ailene Curto (sister)
While most of his siblings live private lives away from the spotlight, Ed Begley Jr. has often spoken about the importance of family and how his upbringing shaped his values.
Acting Career and Rise to Fame
Ed Begley Jr. began his acting career in the late 1960s and early 1970s, appearing in small roles in television and film. Over time, he built a reputation as a reliable and talented character actor.
His big breakthrough came in the 1980s when he was cast as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on St. Elsewhere, one of the most critically acclaimed medical dramas in television history. His portrayal of the sarcastic yet compassionate doctor made him a fan favorite and earned him six Emmy nominations.
After that, his career exploded. He appeared in a wide variety of films, including:
- Batman Forever
- Best in Show
- A Mighty Wind
- Pineapple Express
- This Is Spinal Tap
He also became a regular presence on television, appearing in popular shows such as Six Feet Under, Better Call Saul, Young Sheldon, and many more.
Environmental Activism
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ed Begley Jr.’s life is his commitment to environmental sustainability. He has been a vocal environmentalist since the 1970s, long before it was fashionable.
He lives in a solar-powered home, drives electric vehicles, and promotes recycling, conservation, and clean energy. His dedication was so well known that he starred in a reality TV series called “Living with Ed”, which followed his eco-friendly lifestyle.
Begley has also written books and given speeches about green living, encouraging people to make small changes that can have a big impact on the planet.
Ed Begley Jr. Net Worth
As of 2026, Ed Begley Jr.’s estimated net worth is around $5 million.
His wealth comes primarily from:
- Film and television acting
- Voice-over work
- Book sales
- Public speaking and appearances
- Environmental projects
Unlike many celebrities, Begley is not known for a flashy lifestyle. Instead, he invests in sustainable living, green technology, and long-term environmental solutions.
Relationships and Marriages
First Marriage – Ingrid Taylor
Ed Begley Jr. was first married to Ingrid Taylor in 1976. The couple had two children together before divorcing in 1989. Though their marriage ended, Begley has remained dedicated to being a loving and responsible father.
Second Marriage – Rachelle Carson-Begley
In 2000, Ed Begley Jr. married Rachelle Carson, an actress and businesswoman. She is now known as Rachelle Carson-Begley.
Their marriage has been strong and long-lasting, built on shared values, especially their love for environmental activism. Rachelle also appeared alongside Ed on Living with Ed, where viewers saw their playful and loving relationship.
Children
Ed Begley Jr. is a proud father of three children:
- Nicholas Taylor Begley – His son from his first marriage. Nicholas has chosen a more private life and works in a technical and engineering-related field.
- Amanda Begley – His daughter from his first marriage, who has largely stayed out of the public eye.
- Hayden Carson Begley – His youngest daughter, born from his marriage to Rachelle Carson-Begley.
Begley often speaks about how important family is to him and how being a father has been one of the most meaningful parts of his life.
Health and Personal Challenges
In 2016, Ed Begley Jr. revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite this, he continues to work, act, and advocate for the causes he believes in. His openness about his condition has inspired many people facing similar challenges.
Legacy and Influence
Ed Begley Jr.’s legacy is unique. While many actors are remembered only for their performances, Begley will also be remembered for his impact on environmental awareness. He proved that celebrities can use their platforms for positive change.
His long list of acting credits, combined with his commitment to sustainability, makes him a rare and admirable figure in Hollywood.
Conclusion
Ed Begley Jr. is far more than just a talented actor. He is a devoted father, a loving husband, an environmental pioneer, and a man who has lived with integrity both on and off the screen. From his famous father to his own lasting career, his life story is one of dedication, growth, and purpose.
For readers who want thoughtful, inspiring celebrity biographies, platforms like angliatimes continue to highlight stories like Ed Begley Jr.’s, showing how fame can be used to make the world a better place.
