In the Modern Family episode “Putting Down Roots,” Dede’s (Shelley Long) husband Jerry comes to town to bequeath her possessions to the family. (Dede died peacefully in her sleep.) Her children Mitch (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Claire (Julie Bowen) receive a little more of their mother than they really know what to do with. Meanwhile, Dede’s ex-husband Jay (Ed O’Neill) and his second wife Gloria (Sofia Vegara) feel sorry for Jerry and invite him to stay with them while he is in town.
Jerry is portrayed by 6’4″ veteran actor Ed Begley, Jr. He’s known for his roles on Better Call Saul (Clifford Main), Arrested Development (Stan Sitwell), Portlandia (Doctor), Gary Unmarried (Dr. Walter Krandall), Veronica Mars (Cyrus O’Dell), Six Feet Under (Hiram Gunderson), 7th Heaven (Dr. Hank Hastings), St. Elsewhere (Dr. Victor Ehrlich), Battlestar Galactica (Greenbean), and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (Steve), among many others. Fun facts: Begley made his debut in a 1967 episode of My Three Sons as Chip’s friend Marv. He is the son of the late Academy Award-winning actor Ed Begley, who played Juror 10 in 12 Angry Men and Captain Wilson in Hang ‘Em High with Clint Eastwood, and Boss Finley in the Tennessee Williams film adaption Sweet Bird of Youth with Paul Newman. Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9 pm on ABC, right after American Housewife and right before Single Parents.
Little known fact: Hermey grew up to be Ed Begley Jr.
His only regret… never becoming a dentist!
#RudolphTheRedNosedReindeer pic.twitter.com/3eKzKlpzTb
— Sal (@Sally_Monella) November 28, 2018
