Ed O'Neill

Edward Leonard O'Neill, born April 12, 1946, has had an illustrious career as an accomplished American actor, comedian, and ex-football player. He cemented his status in the entertainment industry with his brilliant performances, earning him four Screen Actors Guild Awards along with nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. His portrayal of a working-class father, Al Bundy, on the Fox sitcom Married... with Children (1987–1997) brought him fame and critical acclaim. O'Neill's career had a resurgence playing the family patriarch Jay Pritchett in the highly-praised ABC sitcom Modern Family (2009–2020). His other notable roles include Governor Eric Baker in The West Wing series (2004–2005) and Donald Sterling in the FX on Hulu limited series Clipped (2024).

Before his acting career, O'Neill briefly played as a defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969. Born into an Irish-American Catholic family, he has also worked as a substitute social studies teacher at his alma mater Ursuline High School before transitioning into acting. From 1967, O'Neill dedicated his life to the arts and continued to deliver outstanding performances from the stage to the big screen, solidifying his legacy in the film and TV industry. He also voiced some animated films, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.