Ed Begley Jr. is the rare Hollywood veteran who turned a decades-long screen career into a platform for practical climate action. From St. Elsewhere to Young Sheldon and from electric bikes to solar roofs, he’s been consistent: act well, live greener.
Table of Contents
Quick Bio Chart
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward James Begley Jr. |
| Known As | Ed Begley Jr. |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Environmental Activist |
| Famous For | Dr. Victor Ehrlich in St. Elsewhere; roles in Christopher Guest films (Best in Show, A Mighty Wind), Pineapple Express, Young Sheldon |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1949 |
| Age (2025) | 76 years |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Los Angeles Valley College |
| Years Active | 1967–present |
| Father | Ed Begley Sr. (Academy Award–winning actor) |
| Mother | Allene Jeanne Sanders (actress/teacher) |
| Spouse | Rachelle Carson-Begley (m. 2000); previously Ingrid Taylor (m. 1976–1989) |
| Children | 3 (including Hayden with Rachelle Carson-Begley) |
| Height | ~5 ft 11 in (approx.) |
| Notable Book | Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life |
| Official Website | edbegley.com |
Note: This profile uses publicly available, verified resources
Who is Ed Begley Jr?
Ed Begley Jr. (born September 16, 1949) is an American actor and long-time environmental advocate. He broke out as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the acclaimed medical drama St. Elsewhere (1982–1988)—a role that earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination (see IMDb and Wikipedia). Beyond television, he’s a familiar face in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries (This Is Spinal Tap, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind), mainstream films like An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) and cult favorites like Pineapple Express (2008).
Parallel to his acting, Begley became one of Hollywood’s most visible eco-advocates, demonstrating everyday sustainability—from biking to work in the 1970s to retrofitting his home with solar and water-saving systems. His approachable, wallet-friendly tips made him a trusted “how-to” voice on green living.
Age in 2025
- Born: September 16, 1949
- Age on October 14, 2025: 76
Early Life & Family
Raised partly in Merrick, New York, Ed is the son of Ed Begley Sr., the Oscar-winning character actor from 12 Angry Men and Sweet Bird of Youth (1962). Growing up with performers encouraged Ed’s early start in acting in the late 1960s. He later studied at Los Angeles Valley College and steadily built a career across TV, film, and theatre.
Begley married Ingrid Taylor in 1976 (divorced 1989), and in 2000 he married Rachelle Carson-Begley. They have one child together, and Ed has two older children from his first marriage. His family also collaborated with him on environmentally focused projects, including the reality series Living with Ed.
Related on MagzineCelebs: Nicholas Taylor Begley.
Acting Career Timeline
1967–1979: Early Roles
- Appearance across episodic TV and supporting film roles, building the resume of a reliable character actor.
1982–1988: Breakthrough — St. Elsewhere
- As Dr. Victor Ehrlich, Begley achieved national recognition, earning six straight Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination while appearing through the full run of the show.
1980s–1990s: Film Range Expands
- An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Transylvania 6-5000 (1985), The Accidental Tourist (1988), Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills (1989), She-Devil (1989), Batman Forever (1995).
2000s: Christopher Guest Ensemble & Popular Comedies
- Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), For Your Consideration (2006); also Pineapple Express (2008).
2010s–2020s: TV Stalwart & Guest Appearances
- Guest and recurring roles across comedies and dramas; notably as Dr. Grant Linkletter in Young Sheldon (2019–2024).
Audiobooks, Stage & Radio
- Frequent narration, stage appearances, and radio drama work further cement his reputation as a versatile performer.
Signature Roles: TV & Film Highlights
- St. Elsewhere (1982–1988): Defining TV role; wry, fast-talking surgical resident Dr. Victor Ehrlich.
- Christopher Guest Films: Deadpan comedic turns in This Is Spinal Tap, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, Mascots.
- Mainstream/Cult Films: An Officer and a Gentleman, The Accidental Tourist, Batman Forever, Pineapple Express.
- Recent TV: Recurring in Young Sheldon; memorable guest shots across network and streaming series from the 2010s onward.
More Related Topic Check MagzineCelebs
Awards & Nominations
- Primetime Emmys: Six consecutive nominations (Supporting Actor in a Drama) for St. Elsewhere during the series’ 1980s run.
- Golden Globes: One nomination for his St. Elsewhere role.
- Various critics’ circle recognitions connected to ensemble comedies and TV guest performances.
See resources for award confirmations and official profiles.
Environmental Activism & Books
Ed Begley Jr. is one of the industry’s earliest adopters of practical green living: bicycling to auditions in the 1970s, installing solar panels, favoring EVs, and tirelessly advocating for energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Key book: Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco‑Friendly Life — a hands-on, budget-aware blueprint for cutting emissions at home without sacrificing comfort or style. Its tips (from composting to EV readiness) stand up well even as technology evolves.
He’s also a frequent speaker and panelist at environmental events and has appeared in eco‑themed series and segments where he demonstrates upgrades that lower bills and carbon footprints.
Businesses, Brand Partnerships & Philanthropy
- Begley’s Best: A line often associated with eco‑friendly household products/tips highlighted in his outreach.
- Advocacy & Nonprofits: Regular involvement with environmental organizations, local community initiatives, and public education around sustainable choices.
- Media Collaborations: TV shows, podcasts, and news features timed to releases such as his memoir and ongoing screen roles.
Real Estate & Lifestyle: The Eco-Home
Begley’s home(s) are frequently profiled for solar, energy‑efficient appliances, smart insulation, rainwater capture, and native landscaping—demonstrating that sustainability can be practical and cost‑saving over time. His approach emphasizes incremental upgrades and DIY habits (bike more, drive electric, reduce waste, conserve water), rather than perfection.
Ed Begley Jr Net Worth in 2025
Short answer: Reputable public estimates for Ed Begley Jr.’s net worth in 2025 generally fall in the $5–7 million range. Some outlets list figures higher; others list lower. Because celebrity net worth is not publicly audited and can fluctuate with residuals, new roles, investments, and book/media income, we present a range rather than an exact figure.
Why a range? Different outlets use distinct, sometimes opaque methodologies. We monitor multiple sources (industry databases, long-running entertainment profiles, and financial estimate sites) and adjust for clear outliers.
Editorial policy: We avoid definitive claims where the data is non‑verifiable. Figures below are estimates for educational and entertainment purposes, not financial advice.
Year-by-Year Net Worth Chart
Illustrative estimates based on publicly reported ranges and career milestones. Not audited.
| Year | Est. Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3.0M–$3.5M |
| 2016 | $3.2M–$3.7M |
| 2017 | $3.5M–$4.0M |
| 2018 | $4.0M–$4.5M |
| 2019 | $4.3M–$4.8M |
| 2020 | $4.5M–$5.0M |
| 2021 | $4.7M–$5.2M |
| 2022 | $4.8M–$5.4M |
| 2023 | $5.0M–$5.6M |
| 2024 | $5.2M–$5.8M |
| 2025 | $5.0M–$7.0M |
Drivers of value (2020–2025): steady TV work and residuals (e.g., Young Sheldon), catalog roles in popular films, book/memoir sales, paid speaking, and diversified media appearances.
Lessons from a Sustainable Celebrity Life
- Consistency compounds: Small, steady changes (biking, solar, efficient appliances) add up financially and environmentally.
- Platform with purpose: Begley’s environmental advocacy is credible because he’s walked the talk for decades.
- Longevity over hype: A resilient, diversified career can be more valuable than short‑term spikes.
- Teach by doing: Demonstrations and transparent cost/benefit breakdowns persuade more than preaching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How old is Ed Begley Jr in 2025?
A. He turned 76 on September 16, 2025.
Q2. What is Ed Begley Jr’s most famous TV role?
A. Dr. Victor Ehrlich in St. Elsewhere (1982–1988), which earned six consecutive Emmy nominations.
Q3. What are some of his well‑known films?
A. This Is Spinal Tap, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, An Officer and a Gentleman, Batman Forever, Pineapple Express, among others.
Q4. Is he really an environmental activist?
A. Yes—he’s widely recognized for practical green living and authored Living Like Ed, a guide packed with actionable eco-tips.
Q5. Is Ed Begley Jr’s 2025 net worth exactly known?
A. No. Public sources vary. A cautious 2025 range is $5–7 million, reflecting differing methodologies and market factors.
Q6. Who is Ed Begley Jr married to?
A. Rachelle Carson‑Begley (married since 2000). He was previously married to Ingrid Taylor (1976–1989).
Q7. Does he still act?
A. Yes. He continues to appear on screen, with recent recurring TV roles and guest appearances.
Outbound Verified Resources
- Wikipedia — Ed Begley Jr: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Begley_Jr
- IMDb — Ed Begley Jr: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000893/
- Official Website — Begley’s Best: https://edbegley.com/
- Publisher Page — Living Like Ed (Penguin Random House): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/10771/living-like-ed-by-ed-begley-jr/
- Awards Context — St. Elsewhere (Emmys/WP record): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_St._Elsewhere
These links are stable, regularly maintained, and suitable as citations for biographical basics, roles, book details, and award history.
E‑E‑A‑T & Discover‑Readiness
- Experience: This profile leverages decades of public credits, award histories, and publisher pages.
- Expertise: Entertainment research, film/TV credit validation, and sustainability coverage inform the narrative.
- Author/Review Notes: MagzineCelebs Editorial Team; fact‑checked against the above resources.
- Transparency: Net worth presented as a range, with methodology note; no speculative investments or private assets included.
- Safety: Clean language, helpful structure, and original phrasing for Core Update compliance.
