Ed O’Neill

Ed O’Neill married actress Catherine Rusoff in 1986 and the couple have two daughters Claire (born in 1996) and Sophia (born in 1999). The couple had separated in 1989; however they reconciled a few years later in 1993. They currently live in Los Angeles.

He has trained in the martial art Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 22 years under grand master Rorion Gracie. He received his black belt in 2007.

Edward Leonard "Ed" O'Neill was born on 12 April 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio. His father Edward Phillip O'Neill was a mill worker and truck driver, whereas his mother Ruth Ann was a homemaker and social worker.

He completed his schooling at the Ursuline high school. He then won a football scholarship to attend Ohio University, where he enrolled for a major in history.

Ed O’Neill used to spend more time in sports than studying. After his sophomore year, he left Ohio and was transferred to Youngstown State University, where he played as a defensive lineman. He graduated in 1969.

In 1969, Ed O’Neill was signed as an undrafted free agent by the American football team Pittsburgh Steelers, but was removed during the training camp. Following this he worked in a series of odd jobs including trucking, at hotels and steel mills.

During this time, he returned to his alma mater Ursuline High School, to teach social studies. It was also during this period that he decided that he wanted to pursue acting as a profession.

He initially faced a lot of challenges in getting a role and for a long time auditioned at the Youngstown theater productions for minor roles, a majority of which did not have speaking parts as well.

In 1977, Ed O’Neill shifted to New York and while he was employed as a bus boy, he also took up studies at the New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre School. He used to make frequent visits to the Lincoln Centre Library to listen to the recordings of yesteryear actors Robert Shaw and John Barrymore, and read books on acting.

In 1979, he got the role of a boxer in the Broadway play ‘Knockout’. His performance in the play was well received. During the time, he also played a part in a stage production of John Steinbeck's ‘Of Mice and Men’ at the American Repertory Theater.

Ed O’Neill is an actor who is best known for his roles in the television series ‘Married... with Children’ and ‘Modern Family’. His other works include theatre, feature films, commercials and voice acting.