Printable Biography of Ed Begley Jr.

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Tall and blond with a handsome craggy face, Ed Begley, Jr., became a star for his convincing portrayal of the obsequious, socially awkward Dr. Erlich on the acclaimed television series "St. Elsewhere," a performance which earned him an Emmy nomination. The son of distinguished radio, television, and screen actor Ed Begley, the younger Begley made his acting debut at age 17 in an episode of "My Three Sons." Later, he worked on the college and nightclub circuit as a standup comedian and then was a TV cameraman for a short while.

During the '70s, Begley returned to acting and guest starred on several series, including "Happy Days" and "Starsky and Hutch." In film, he made his debut in the Disney comedy "Now You See Him, Now You Don't," and went on to play small roles in a couple more Walt Disney comedies. Steadily employed in Hollywood as a supporting actor and occasional lead in television and feature films, Begley has displayed a broad range of talent that has allowed him to play anything from hippies to deadly villains in a variety of genres.

When not acting, Begley is a tireless promoter of environmental causes. He has also served as the Environmental Affairs Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles and on the boards of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Environmental Research Foundation, The Coalition for Clean Air, and the American Oceans Campaign.

Begley, who overcame substance abuse several years ago, has taken on the cause of substance abuse awareness as well. Starring in "Ed Begley Jr.'s Secrets of Staying Well: An Enlightening and Entertaining Program for Children Ages 5-11," he explores the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body and also provides some food for thought about junk food habits. Begley also shares his story with adult audiences across the country.