What is Ed Begley Jr.'s Net Worth and Salary?
Ed Begley Jr. is an American actor, author, and environmental activist with an estimated net worth of $5 million. He is widely recognized for his versatile performances in both film and television, most notably for his role as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on "St. Elsewhere." This particular role earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. He also co-hosted the reality show "Living with Ed" alongside his wife, Rachelle Carson.
Ed's notoriety in the film industry began in the 1970s with notable roles in "Stay Hungry" and "Blue Collar." He continued his success into the 1980s with appearances in films like "An Officer and a Gentleman," "This Is Spinal Tap," "The Accidental Tourist," and "She-Devil." His career in the 1990s featured roles in "Batman Forever" and "The Pagemaster," and he further solidified his place in Hollywood with 2000s and 2010s roles in "Pineapple Express," "Whatever Works," "Ghostbusters," and "CHiPS." Furthermore, Begley is celebrated for his work with mockumentary filmmakers Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy, appearing in films like "Best in Show," "For Your Consideration," and "A Mighty Wind." In 2020, he played a role in the mockumentary "Reboot Camp."
Early Life
Born on September 16, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, Edward James Begley Jr. comes from a lineage of actors, with his father, Ed Begley Sr., being an Oscar-winning actor. Following his father's remarriage to Amanda Huff, Begley Jr. initially believed her to be his biological mother until he met his actual mother, Allene Jeanne Sanders, at the age of 16.
Raised in Buffalo, New York, Ed Jr. attended private Catholic school before relocating back to California at the age of 13. He attended another Catholic school in Sherman Oaks before enrolling at Los Angeles Valley College in North Hollywood.
Career
Ed Begley Jr.'s acting career took off with early television roles, including guest appearances on shows like "Maude" and "Room 222." He continued to build his portfolio with roles in "The Immortal," "The Bill Cosby Show," "Adam-12," "The F.B.I.," "Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law," "The Nanny and the Professor," and "Mannix." He further showcased his talent through recurring roles in "Roll Out," "Happy Days," "Insight," "Medical Center," and "Baretta."
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The 1980s proved transformative for Begley, with roles in "Barnaby Jones," "Riker," "Voyagers!," and "Richie Rich," before landing his iconic role as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on "St. Elsewhere." This popular role expanded his fan base and set the stage for appearances in "The New Leave It to Beaver," "The Love Boat," "The Smurfs," "Saturday Night Live," and "Pound Puppies."
Parallel to his success on television, Begley made significant strides in cinema. The 1980s saw him in films like "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Cat People," "Young Doctors in Love," and "This Is Spinal Tap." He kept up the momentum in the 1990s with "The Pagemaster" and "Addams Family Reunion," while the 2000s and beyond featured roles in "Scrubs," "Star Trek: Voyager," "Veronica Mars," "Pineapple Express," and "Ghostbusters."
Environmental Activism
Since the 1970s, Ed Begley Jr. has been a dedicated environmentalist. One of his first steps was purchasing one of the early electric vehicles available and adopting a vegan lifestyle. Today, he advocates for eco-friendly solutions, such as the Toyota Prius and composting toilets. His own home, depicted in "Living with Ed," demonstrates sustainable living through solar and wind energy, and even an exercise-powered toaster. Remarkably, his energy costs are reportedly just $300 per year.
Passionate about minimizing his environmental footprint, Begley often rides his bicycle or takes public transportation. He has also cultivated a garden of drought-resistant, native Californian plants to conserve water. His commitment to eco-friendly practices is matched by his sense of humor, as evidenced by his cameo in "The Simpsons," where he drives a go-kart "powered by his own sense of self-satisfaction."
Begley has penned several books on sustainable living, including "Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life" (2008) and "Ed Begley Jr.'s Guide to Sustainable Living: Learning to Conserve Resources and Manage an Eco-Conscious Life" (2009). In 2014, he co-authored "A Vegan Survival Guide for the Holidays" with Jerry James Stone.
