When Ed Begley Jr turned 70, he realized it was high time to preserve the cherished memories of his life. “I thought to myself, I have kids and grandkids now. I should definitely jot down some of these incredible stories from my dad’s life and mine,” Ed shared with Closer. With a video recorder on his youngest daughter’s phone, he began narrating tales. These weren’t just any stories—they were about growing up in Hollywood as the son of the legendary actor Ed Begley. He reminisced about following in his father’s footsteps, his early acting adventures, and the many friendships (and rivalries) he forged during his illustrious Emmy-winning career. “Before I knew it, I had 45 pages,” recalls Ed, now 74. He kept going, and the result is his new memoir, To the Temple of Tranquility…and Step On It!, recently published by Hachette Books.
Childhood Influences: How Acting Became a Lifelong Passion
Did growing up as the son of an actor shape your career decisions?
“Absolutely. From the tender age of 3, I declared that I wanted to be an actor. I spent countless hours on sets and fell deeply in love with the entire process—from the technical aspects to the art of acting itself. I started auditioning for commercials around age 10, but I didn’t land any gigs back then.”
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Why not?
“Because I hadn’t trained properly. Once I took some acting classes, things started to click, and I began booking jobs. It was a game-changer.”
Did you ever consider a backup plan if acting didn’t work out?
“Of course. I was really interested in cinematography. I studied hard and even joined the union as a budding cinematographer and camera assistant. I enjoyed that work immensely. However, fate intervened when I got a call to join the cast of Room 222. After that, I became a steady working actor, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Lessons from Dad: Advice That Shaped Ed’s Career
Did your father offer any guidance for your acting career?
“He gave me some timeless advice: learn your lines and show up on time. Those are crucial things in this business. He also taught me how to hit my mark as an actor so the camera would stay in focus, the lighting would be perfect, and the sound crew could get their boom mic in the right spot. Those are all valuable lessons I carry with me to this day.”
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Influential Figures: The People Who Made a Difference
In your book, you mention friends and mentors who’ve impacted your life. Who stands out as a major influence?
William Daniels is a dear friend of mine. I met him on St. Elsewhere, a show I worked on during a writers’ strike. He’s incredibly funny and brilliant, and his wife, Bonnie Bartlett, is an extraordinary actress. They both left a lasting impression on me and played pivotal roles in my career.”
Overcoming Addiction: A Deep Dive Into Sobriety
Do you address your sobriety journey in your book?
“Yes, I delve into it quite deeply. For years, I thought my struggles with addiction and alcoholism only lasted from 1971 to 1978, but that wasn’t the full picture. I had other issues long before that, like compulsive gambling and difficulties maintaining a monogamous relationship due to my addictions. The 1980s and 1990s were tough years filled with lessons I had to learn the hard way.”
What sparked the change in your life?
“It happened in two distinct moments. The first was when I experienced delirium tremens on a movie set—it was absolutely terrifying. I’d just drink a Bloody Mary in the morning and tell myself I was fine. The second moment came when my daughter Amanda was just 1 year old. I was in the hospital at Cedars-Sinai, near death from substances I’d ingested. She wanted to hold me, but she couldn’t because I was hooked up to all sorts of tubes. That’s when it hit me—I had a serious problem, and it was time to grow up.”
Family Life: Balancing Acting and Parenthood
How did you manage raising three kids while pursuing your acting career?
“It wasn’t easy. I was often called away for work, but I made it a priority to spend quality time with my kids whenever possible. Being a supporting actor allowed me more flexibility. I’d work three days a week and spend the rest of the time being a dad. I’d take them to Griffith Park for pony rides and make memories that meant the world to me.”
That sounds amazing.
“I had another child at 50, and this time around, I’ve been a better husband, father, and even grandfather. I have three wonderful grandkids, and I’d love to see great-grandkids someday. I feel incredibly blessed to have this family and these experiences.”
A Strong Marriage: Lessons in Honesty and Commitment
You’ve mentioned being a better husband to Rachelle, your wife of 23 years. Can you elaborate?
“Absolutely. In my first marriage, I naively thought that getting married would automatically make me monogamous. I wanted to be faithful, but emotionally, I wasn’t ready. It takes effort, honesty, and being a great partner. Cheating is just another form of addiction, and it’s damaging to both parties involved. Since 1996, it’s been just Rachelle and me, and that’s the best way to live.”
Environmental Advocacy: A Passion Passed Down
Where did your passion for the environment come from?
“My dad deserves a lot of credit for that. He subtly taught me about environmental responsibility through fiscal responsibility. We turned off lights, conserved water, reused tinfoil, and saved strings. He lived through the Great Depression and didn’t waste anything. He also taught me that if you complain about something like smog, you should take action—go to a board meeting and testify. Don’t just talk about it.”
Practical Tips for Helping the Planet
What can people do to contribute to environmental efforts?
“Not everyone can afford a fancy electric car or install solar panels, but small steps can make a big difference. Can you switch to energy-efficient light bulbs? If you like it, buy another one. Consider an energy-saving thermostat. Ride a bike if the weather permits, or take public transportation if it’s available. Try home gardening or composting. All these things are inexpensive, save you money, and help the planet. Over time, you might even be able to afford those solar panels!”
