“The Cast of Married… with Children” is a classic American comedy series from 1987 to 1997. The comedy followed the adventures of the problematic Bundy family, which included their sexual and stupid daughter Kelly, their unpopular but intelligent son Bud, and his inactive and annoying wife Peggy.
The program was well-known for its rough comedy, heated topics, and fourth-wall violations. One of the first programs to be rated TV-14, it frequently received complaints from advertisers and other organizations. But it also attracted an avid fan base and became an underground favorite. With 262 episodes over 11 seasons, it was Fox’s longest-running live-action comedy.
Many cast members were featured in other TV series and films after having their careers strengthened by the show. See what the main cast of “Married… with Children” has been up to after the program’s conclusion. Al was a shoe salesman and a former high school football star. This article explores the cast of “Married… with Children” that brought this legendary comedy series to life.
Al Bundy – Ed O’Neill
The incredibly gifted Ed O’Neill portrayed Al Bundy, the show’s main character. Al Bundy was a shoe salesman who was unhappy and bitter. He often worried about his glory days as a high school football standout. In addition, he had a love-hate relationship with his wife, Peggy, and frequently made fun of his kids. He also liked to watch TV, read adult publications, and go to strip clubs with his friends.
O’Neill kept acting in films and television series after “Married… with Children,” including “The Bone Collector,” “Little Giants,” “Wayne’s World,” “Spartan,” and “Dragnet.” In animated movies like “Finding Dory,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” he also provided voice acting for characters.
His most well-known character is that of Jay Pritchett, a wealthy and funny father of a mixed family, on the popular comedy “Modern Family,” which broadcast from 2009 to 2020. He was nominated for three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards for his role. At $500,000 for each episode, he is presently among the most-paid TV actors worldwide. O’Neill has two daughters from two marriages.
Peggy Bundy – Katey Sagal
Katey Sagal played the mother of the Bundy family, Peggy Bundy. She never did housework or cooking as a self-centered, idle housewife. She enjoyed shopping and worrying about Al. Furthermore, she also had a strong desire for sex and frequently looked for ways to attract it.
Following her role in “Married… with Children,” Sagal went on to feature in many films and television series, including “Superior Donuts,” “Futurama,” “8 Simple Rules,” “Sons of Anarchy,” and “The Bastard Executioner.”
In addition, she provided voice acting for animated movies such as “Smart House,” “The Good Dinosaur,” and “Recess: School’s Out.” Her most well-known performance was in the science fiction comedy series “Futurama,” where she played Leela, the one-eyed missions captain and Fry’s romantic interest, from 1999 to 2013. Sagal has three children from her four marriages. She has five albums to her credit and is a singer-songwriter as well. “Grace Notes: My Recollections,” her book, was also authored and released in 2017.
Bud Bundy – David Faustino
David Faustino portrayed the youngest member of the Bundy family, Bud Bundy. He frequently tried to win over females and gain money but mostly failed as a bright, idealistic youngster. He was also clever and rude, and he made fun of his sister Kelly a lot.
Throughout the series, he went by many names, including “Grandmaster B,” “Budrick,” and “Budwell.” Faustino has one daughter and one marriage. In addition, he has two albums out and performs as a DJ and rapper. In addition, he shares the Los Angeles nightclub, Balistyx.
Kelly Bundy – Christina Applegate
Christina Applegate plays the part of Kelly Bundy, the Bundy family’s attractive but illiterate daughter. Kelly’s naive and ditzy persona and failed attempts at pursuing an acting career added a hilarious dynamic to the show. She was a white beauty who was frequently characterized as foolish, drunken, and aggressive.
Throughout the series, she had a lot of relationships and jobs, but she never really succeeded. She also held anger for her brother Bud, whom she insulted and criticized frequently. Christina Applegate’s comedic prowess and impeccable timing made Kelly Bundy one of the most beloved characters in the series.
Steve Rhoades – David Garrison
David Garrison played Marcy Rhoades’ first husband, Steve Rhoades, a banker. He and Al sometimes disagreed because of his principles and way of life. He also had a solid, traditional mind and frequently tried to control her. In addition, he left the show after the fourth season to become a forest ranger.
Following “Married… with Children,” Garrison returned to the program as a guest star in many episodes, taking various personas, including a radio host, a bounty hunter, and an advocate for homosexual rights.
He has acted in many Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including “The Musical,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Titanic,” and “Wicked.” He has also been honored with Obie and Drama Desk awards for his performances. Garrison is childless and has never been married. In addition, he is a member of the Actors Studio and a Harvard University alum.
Amanda Bearse – Marcy Rhoades
Amanda Bearse plays Marcy Rhoades/D’Arcy, Peggy Bundy’s friend and neighbor. She was an independent, successful professional who frequently criticized Al and his family. She married banker Steve Rhoades, who left to work as a ranger in the forest, and attractive but untrustworthy fraudster Jefferson D’Arcy. Moreover, she also developed a rivalry with Al, whom she frequently insulted and called insults to.
Following “Married… with Children,” Bearse directed a number of the program’s episodes as well as sitcoms, including “Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place,” “Reba,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “The Jamie Foxx Show.”
Her most well-known performance was in the 1985 horror-comedy film “Fright Night,” when she played Amy Peterson, the main character’s girlfriend, who turns vampire. Bearse has one daughter and one marriage. She supported LGBT rights and was among the first openly lesbian actors in Hollywood. Since her public coming out in 1993, she has backed many causes and groups, including the National Center for Lesbian Rights, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign.
Bell E.E. – Bob Rooney
E.E. Bell played Al’s pal Bob Rooney, a member of “NO MA’AM. “ He was a meat cutter who often joined Al on his missions. He also had a wife named Louise, who was reportedly huge and ugly but never appeared on the show.
Following her role in “Married… with Children,” Bell starred in many films and television series, including “The Big Bang Theory,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” and “Spider-Man.” In addition, he provided voice acting for animated movies such as “Cars,” “The Lorax,” and “Monsters, Inc.” His most well-known performance was in the live-action comedy picture as Barney, the purple dinosaur that sings and teaches kids.
FAQs
Who were the main cast members of “Married… with Children”?
- Ed O’Neill played the role of Al Bundy, the patriarch of the Bundy family.
- Katey Sagal portrayed Peggy Bundy, Al’s wife.
- Christina Applegate played their daughter, Kelly Bundy.
- David Faustino appeared as their son, Bud Bundy.
When did “Married… with Children” first air, and how long did it run?
After 11 seasons, the program debuted on April 5, 1987, and ended on June 9, 1997.
What was the premise of “Married… with Children”?
- The television series featured the life of the strange yet lovable Bundy family, well-known for their hilarious and frequently politically incorrect actions.
Conclusion
“Married… with Children” was a groundbreaking TV series that pushed the boundaries of comedy and television. It featured a cast of talented and hilarious actors who brought the Bundy family and their neighbors to life. The cast of “Married… with Children” has had successful careers in various entertainment industries. They have acted in plays, films, TV series, and musicals. They have also published books, supported causes, and received awards.
“Married… with Children” will always be regarded as one of the most creative and funny comedy films ever produced. It will also be known as the program that, despite the Bundys’ faults and bad luck, made us laugh and fall in love with them. It’s a Bundyful being alive, as Al Bundy once remarked.
