DeepSummary
In this episode of the podcast "Dinner's on Me," host Jesse Tyler Ferguson interviews actor Ed O'Neill, most known for his roles in the sitcoms "Married...with Children" and "Modern Family." They discuss O'Neill's early life in Youngstown, Ohio, where he was presented with an opportunity to get involved in organized crime, which he ultimately declined to pursue an acting career. He shares fascinating stories from his time in New York, including encounters with iconic figures like Tennessee Williams, Lucille Ball, and Rita Moreno.
O'Neill recounts how he initially struggled to find his way after being cut from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but a chance performance in the play "Of Mice and Men" caught the attention of the creators of "Married...with Children," leading to his breakthrough role. Ferguson and O'Neill reminisce about their time working together on "Modern Family," the show's legacy, and the lack of closure when it ended.
Throughout the conversation, O'Neill comes across as a humble and down-to-earth individual who has led an incredibly rich life filled with remarkable experiences and encounters with legendary figures. Despite his success, he remains grounded and grateful for the opportunities he's had in his career.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Ed O'Neill's life and career have been filled with remarkable experiences and encounters with legendary figures.
- Despite early struggles and limited opportunities, O'Neill chose to pursue acting over a potential life of organized crime.
- O'Neill's breakthrough role in 'Married...with Children' was a controversial but groundbreaking show that helped pave the way for more daring sitcoms.
- O'Neill and Jesse Tyler Ferguson developed a deep respect and admiration for each other during their time working together on 'Modern Family.'
- While 'Modern Family' was a critical and commercial success, its abrupt ending left O'Neill and the cast without proper closure or recognition from the network.
- Throughout his career, O'Neill has remained humble and grounded, valuing the respect and recognition of his peers over industry accolades.
- O'Neill's storytelling abilities and candid nature make him a captivating interview subject, offering unique insights into his life and the entertainment industry.
- The podcast format allows for intimate conversations and the sharing of personal stories that may not be possible in other mediums.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “There was a woman hanging around the show who was friends with somebody, I don't remember who. And I was introduced to her, you know, we'd come in for the matinee, and she was there. And she was really a nice looking probably, I don't know, mid forties. I was probably. I was 30. And she was, like, really pretty, you know. I don't know. There's something about her. And so I was introduced to her, and I said, what is your name? And she said, gloria Graham. And I said, I know that name. Gloria Graham. She said, yeah, you're an actress? She said, yes. She was huge.“ by Ed O'Neill
- “I mean, it was great. It was great for not so much for the industry for me, but it was the peers. Spielberg came up and said, my God. And that I really liked. And that's why I only gave one fuck about best comedy. Because that to me was the. Was the diamond. Yeah, that's all of us. That's the ensemble.“ by Ed O'Neill
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Episode Information
Dinner's on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Sony Music Entertainment
1/16/24