Ed Begley
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BIO
Ed Begley was an American actor and environmental activist born on March 25, 1901, in Hartford, Connecticut. He began his acting career in the 1940s, with his first Broadway credit being in the play "Harvey." He went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "All My Sons."
Begley's success on Broadway led to opportunities in film and television. He appeared in over 200 films and television shows throughout his career, including classics such as "12 Angry Men" and "Sweet Bird of Youth." He also had a recurring role on the popular television series "St. Elsewhere" in the 1980s.
In addition to his acting career, Begley was also a passionate environmental activist. He was one of the first celebrities to advocate for environmental causes, and he often spoke out about the importance of conservation and sustainability. He even built his own home in the 1950s using recycled materials and alternative energy sources.
Begley's commitment to the environment was recognized with several awards and honors, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Sweet Bird of Youth" and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown."
Begley continued to act well into his 80s, with one of his most notable roles being in the television series "7th Heaven." He passed away on April 28, 1970, at the age of 69.
Overall, Ed Begley was a talented actor who made a significant impact on both the entertainment industry and the environmental movement. His legacy continues to inspire others to this day.
STAGE CREDITS
Movies
[ 1972 ] Druffle
[ 1973 ] Derwood Moseby
[ 1973 ] Pook
[ 1973 ] The Gang
[ 1974 ] Tom Peeples
[ 1976 ] Lester
[ 1977 ] Pokey
[ 1977 ] The Priest
[ 1978 ] Arnold - The King
[ 1978 ] Bobby Joe
[ 1978 ] Ensign Greenbean
[ 1978 ] Whitey Haber
[ 1979 ] Barry Lutz
[ 1979 ] Rescuer #1
[ 1979 ] Soldier
[ 1981 ] Jack Travis
[ 1981 ] Lieutenant #1
[ 1982 ] Altitude Chamber Instructor
[ 1982 ] Hippie
[ 1982 ] Joe Creigh
[ 1982 ] The Flhback - Young Simon's Father
[ 1982 ] Wilbur Wright
[ 1983 ] Colin Beverly
[ 1984 ] Ben Gunn
[ 1984 ] Hsler
[ 1984 ] JohnStumpyPepys
[ 1985 ] Gil Turner
[ 1988 ] Charles Leary
[ 1989 ] Bob
[ 1989 ] Peter Hepburn
[ 1990 ] Richard P. Applegate
[ 1992 ] Jack Mills
[ 1993 ] Rupert
[ 1994 ] Alan Tyler
[ 1994 ] Bert
[ 1994 ] Carl
[ 1994 ] Earl Strauber
[ 1994 ] Jack Markin
[ 1994 ] Paul Van Arsdale
[ 1994 ] Pouch
[ 1996 ] Ebner Frost
[ 1997 ] Ambsador Ross
[ 1997 ] Greg Bradley
[ 1997 ] Harvey Dankworth
[ 1998 ] Zev
[ 2000 ] Hotel Manager
[ 2001 ] Brent Krawford
[ 2001 ] Frank Landers
[ 2002 ] Mel Rosen
[ 2002 ] The Dept. of Health Inspector /The Hand
[ 2003 ] John Fielding
[ 2003 ] Lars Olfen
[ 2003 ] Oscar Earnest
[ 2004 ] Dr. Curly Weeks
[ 2004 ] Father Concoff
[ 2004 ] Lawyer
[ 2004 ] Rev. Sidney Cheddar
[ 2005 ] Documentary Narrator
[ 2005 ] Doug Shepard
[ 2006 ] James Ayers
[ 2006 ] Leonard
[ 2006 ] Mr. Manoire
[ 2006 ] Sandy Lane
[ 2007 ] Governor Begley
[ 2007 ] Joel
[ 2007 ] Poopchev
[ 2008 ] Patrick
[ 2008 ] Robert
[ 2009 ] Colonel Ritchie
[ 2009 ] James - Acting Teacher
[ 2009 ] John
[ 2009 ] Reverend Vernon
[ 2009 ] Taylor's Father
[ 2010 ] GreenPeace Worker
[ 2010 ] Nichol
[ 2011 ] Mr. Darling
[ 2012 ] Mr. Hughes
[ 2012 ] Principle Larry
[ 2012 ] Simmons
[ 2013 ] Harry Blackmun
[ 2013 ] Officer Krupke
[ 2014 ] Uncle Roger
[ 2016 ] A.J. Blumquist
[ 2016 ] Ed Mulgrave
[ 2016 ] WilliamWizWisconsin
[ 2017 ] Dr. Christian Kneedler
[ 2017 ] Paul Wesley
[ 2017 ] Rupert
[ 2017 ] Wp Driver
[ 2018 ] Barry
[ 2018 ] Dr. Remis
[ 2018 ] Tom
[ 2019 ] Chuck
[ 2020 ] John Lehman
[ 2022 ] General Bill Meekins
TV Shows
Dr. Hank Hastings
Alec, William Tell, Soldier
Stan Sitwell
Flight Sergeant Greenbean, Ensign Greenbean
Murch, George Murchison
Clifford Main
Mr. Whistler
Rudy
Teddy
Clifford Cabot
Irving Krutch, Officer Stein
Scott O'Shay
Dr. Winokur, Dr. Winocur
S. Erland Hussen
Amos McAllister, Jamie
Dr. Walter Krandall
Father John, Jimmy, Marty
Rev. Belknap
Joel Bamford
Older Justin
Jerry
Chet Danville
Gil Buckman
Dr Ravich, Cafe Owner, Wes
Kit Sawyer, Walter 'Speed' Simpson, David Phillips
Dr. T. Pike
Lt. Robert W. Chapman
Bob, Willard, Stretch
Hiram Gunderson
Dr. Victor Ehrlich
Lenny Musgrave
Ed Begley Jr.
Pastor Ed
Ed Begley Jr.
Cyrus O'Dell
Dr. Linkletter
Awards and Nominations
winner
Ed Begley, Inherit the Wind
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Ed Begley has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.
Ed Begley has not appeared in the West End
Ed Begley has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his role in "Inherit the Wind."
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Inherit the Wind.
Videos