When “Married… with Children” aired its final episode in 1997, few could have predicted the diverse paths its stars would take. From acclaimed dramatic roles to voice acting careers, from directing to teaching, and from Broadway to animation, the talented cast has proven there’s life after Bundy. But while some have soared to new heights, others have faced significant personal and professional challenges that have shaped their journeys in unexpected ways.
Ed O’Neill transforms from shoe salesman to modern TV dad
Ed O’Neill’s journey from playing the downtrodden shoe salesman Al Bundy to becoming one of television’s highest-paid actors is nothing short of remarkable. By the eighth season of “Married… with Children,” O’Neill had already established himself as a dominant force in television comedy, commanding top dollar for his portrayal of the perpetually unsuccessful patriarch of the Bundy clan.
After the series concluded, O’Neill took on various roles, but it was his casting as Jay Pritchett in “Modern Family” that truly showcased his versatility as an actor. For eleven seasons, he portrayed a different kind of father figure, one who was successful in business and life, earning multiple Emmy and SAG Award nominations for his performance. The role proved that O’Neill could break free from the Al Bundy typecast that might have limited other actors.
Beyond his television success, O’Neill has ventured into voice acting for major animated films. His distinctive voice brought characters to life in blockbuster productions like “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Finding Dory,” demonstrating his ability to adapt to different forms of entertainment and reach new audiences. These roles have helped establish him as a versatile performer capable of connecting with multiple generations.
Most recently, O’Neill has continued to push his boundaries as an actor, appearing in the 2023 miniseries “The Sterling Affairs.” His willingness to take on dramatic roles in limited series shows that even after decades in the industry, he continues to challenge himself and grow as a performer, refusing to rest on his considerable laurels.
Katey Sagal redefines herself beyond Peggy Bundy
Katey Sagal’s transformation from the bouffant-sporting, bon-bon-eating Peggy Bundy to one of television’s most respected dramatic actresses represents one of Hollywood’s most impressive career evolutions. After beating out Kathy Bates for the role of Peggy, Sagal made the character iconic, but she refused to let it define her entire career.
Her post-Bundy career has been marked by remarkable versatility, particularly her groundbreaking role as Gemma Teller Morrow on “Sons of Anarchy.” This complex, often ruthless character couldn’t have been further from Peggy Bundy, proving Sagal’s tremendous range as an actress. Her performance earned critical acclaim and showcased her ability to tackle intense dramatic material.
In addition to her live-action roles, Sagal has maintained a successful career in voice acting. Her portrayal of Leela in “Futurama” has become beloved by fans, demonstrating her ability to bring depth and humanity to animated characters. This long-running role has allowed her to showcase her comedic timing while creating a character distinctly different from her previous work.
Today, Sagal continues to thrive both personally and professionally. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, “Sons of Anarchy” creator Kurt Sutter, and their daughter, while maintaining an active career that includes guest appearances on various television shows. Her ability to balance family life with a diverse acting career has made her a role model for other performers.
Christina Applegate faces health battles with grace
Christina Applegate’s post-Kelly Bundy career has been marked by both tremendous success and significant personal challenges. Starting as a child star before landing her breakout role on “Married… with Children,” Applegate proved herself to be much more than just the stereotypical dumb blonde character she portrayed, building a diverse career in both television and film.
Her film career has included standout roles in major comedies, including the “Anchorman” series and “Vacation,” showing her ability to hold her own alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names. On television, she continued to shine in various roles, culminating in her powerful performance in “Dead to Me,” which showcased her dramatic abilities and earned critical acclaim.
However, Applegate’s journey has been marked by significant health challenges. In 2008, she faced breast cancer head-on, making the difficult decision to undergo a double mastectomy. Her openness about this experience helped raise awareness and provided inspiration for others facing similar battles. She approached this challenge with the same strength and determination that had characterized her career.
In 2021, Applegate revealed another health setback: a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. This news has led her to step back from on-camera acting, though she continues to be involved in the industry. Her candid discussions about living with MS have helped bring attention to the condition while demonstrating her resilience in the face of adversity.
David Faustino finds his voice in animation
David Faustino’s transition from playing the perpetually scheming Bud Bundy to becoming a successful voice actor represents one of the more interesting career evolutions from the “Married… with Children” cast. Starting as a child actor, Faustino could have easily been typecast or struggled to find his place in the industry after the show ended.
Instead of trying to replicate his success as Bud Bundy, Faustino made a strategic pivot to voice acting, where he has found considerable success. His work in “DreamWorks Dragons” demonstrated his ability to bring animated characters to life, while also allowing him to step out of the shadow of his former role and create new opportunities for himself.
Faustino hasn’t completely abandoned live-action roles, appearing in various projects including “Not Another B Movie.” However, his primary focus has remained on voice work, where he has built a respected career. This choice has allowed him to maintain a steady presence in the entertainment industry while avoiding the pitfalls that often plague former child actors.
His upcoming role in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” shows that his voice acting career continues to thrive. By finding his niche in animation, Faustino has managed to create a sustainable and successful career path that builds on his talents while allowing him to evolve beyond his early television fame.
Amanda Bearse moves behind the camera
Amanda Bearse, known to millions as the Bundys’ neighbor Marcy D’Arcy, took perhaps the most unique career path of any cast member after the show ended. During her time on “Married… with Children,” she began exploring directing, ultimately helming 31 episodes of the series. This experience behind the camera would prove instrumental in shaping her future career trajectory.
Rather than pursuing additional acting roles, Bearse chose to focus on developing her skills as a director. This decision allowed her to stay involved in the entertainment industry while moving away from the spotlight. Her directing credits showcase her ability to work across different genres and styles, proving her versatility as a filmmaker.
Today, Bearse has found fulfillment in passing her knowledge and experience to the next generation. She currently resides in Seattle with her wife and daughter, where she teaches at a film school. This role allows her to combine her decades of industry experience with her passion for helping develop new talent.
While she has taken on occasional acting roles, including an appearance in “Bros,” Bearse’s primary focus remains on education and directing. Her journey from sitcom star to educator and mentor represents a thoughtful evolution that has allowed her to contribute to the entertainment industry in meaningful ways beyond performing.
Ted McGinley continues steady television presence
Ted McGinley’s career both before and after playing Jefferson D’Arcy demonstrates remarkable longevity in television. Before joining “Married… with Children,” he had already established himself with roles in popular series like “Happy Days,” “Revenge of the Nerds,” and “Dynasty,” showing his ability to adapt to different types of characters and shows.
Following his role as Jefferson, McGinley maintained a steady presence on television, securing recurring roles in critically acclaimed series. His appearances on “Sports Night” and “The West Wing” showed his range as an actor, allowing him to break free from the comedic persona he had cultivated on “Married… with Children.”
His role on “Hope & Faith” proved that he could still excel in comedy while bringing depth to his characters. McGinley’s ability to move between dramatic and comedic roles has helped him maintain a consistent career in an industry known for its fickleness, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
Most recently, McGinley has appeared in the series “Shrinking,” showing that he continues to find relevant and interesting roles decades after his breakthrough. His career serves as an example of how steady work and adaptability can lead to long-term success in television.
David Garrison returns to his theater roots
David Garrison’s decision to leave “Married… with Children” after four seasons as Steve Rhoades might have seemed risky at the time, but it allowed him to return to his first love: theater. As a trained theater actor, Garrison’s heart remained on the stage, and his post-sitcom career choices reflect this passion.
His return to Broadway proved successful, with Garrison taking on significant roles in major productions. Perhaps most notably, he portrayed the Wizard of Oz in both the Broadway production and first national tour of “Wicked,” demonstrating that his theatrical skills remained sharp despite his years in television.
While focusing primarily on stage work, Garrison has maintained a presence in television through guest appearances on shows like “The Practice,” “The West Wing,” and “Law and Order.” These roles allowed him to stay connected to television while pursuing his theatrical career, showing that it’s possible to balance both mediums.
His successful transition back to theater serves as a reminder that sometimes taking a step back from mainstream success to pursue one’s true passion can lead to a more fulfilling career. Garrison’s journey shows that success in entertainment can take many forms beyond traditional television stardom.
The cast reunites for animated revival
In an exciting development for fans of the original series, an animated revival of “Married… with Children” is currently in development. What makes this project particularly special is the commitment of the original cast to return and voice their iconic characters, demonstrating the strong bonds that still exist between the performers despite the years that have passed.
This animated format presents a unique opportunity for the cast to revisit their beloved characters while accommodating their current situations. For Christina Applegate, who has stepped back from on-camera roles due to her MS diagnosis, voice work provides a perfect way to continue performing. Similarly, other cast members can participate without the physical demands of live-action filming.
The decision to revive the show in animated form also allows for creative freedom that might not be possible in a live-action format. The animation medium can push boundaries and create scenarios that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with practical effects, potentially opening up new storytelling possibilities for the Bundy family.
This revival represents more than just a nostalgic return to familiar characters; it demonstrates how modern entertainment can adapt classic properties for new audiences while maintaining connections to the original work. The willingness of the entire cast to participate speaks to their enduring appreciation for the show that helped launch their careers.
The stars of “Married… with Children” have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in their post-show careers. From Ed O’Neill’s continued television success to Christina Applegate’s brave health battles, from Katey Sagal’s dramatic transformations to David Faustino’s voice acting career, each cast member has carved out their own unique path while honoring the legacy of the groundbreaking series that brought them together.
