Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O’Neill ‘raised her’ while filming Married… with Children: ‘If you don’t like anything about me, it’s his fault’

Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O'Neill 'raised her' while filming Married... with Children: 'If you don't like anything about me, it's his fault'

As a dedicated follower of Hollywood, I have always admired the deep connections that can form between actors on and off-screen, and the story of Christina Applegate and Ed O’Neill is a perfect example of this beautiful bond. Growing up watching them on TV, it’s heartwarming to see their relationship evolve from co-stars to lifelong friends.


Christina Applegate disclosed that, apart from playing her TV father, Ed O’Neill, he was like a real-life father figure to her as well.

On her Messy podcast on Monday, the 52-year-old actress had a chat with 78-year-old O’Neill about their roles on the popular sitcom, Married… with Children.

In simpler terms, the actress from Dead to Me, who has been open about her struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and recently shared a heart-wrenching health update, expressed deep admiration for the actor during an appearance, stating that he played a significant role in her personal growth, as she introduced him to her fans.

She expressed that she finds it challenging to articulate this individual, as he was the one who brought her up. If anyone dislikes any aspect of her, she implies that it is his responsibility or influence.

She jokingly added, ‘If you do like anything about me, also his fault.’

Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O'Neill 'raised her' while filming Married... with Children: 'If you don't like anything about me, it's his fault'

Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O'Neill 'raised her' while filming Married... with Children: 'If you don't like anything about me, it's his fault'

After that, the actress further extolled O’Neill, expressing, ‘I’ve spent many years of my life alongside this man, and he is not only a phenomenal actor but also a truly remarkable human being.’

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d like to shed some light on the captivating television journey of Ed O’Neill and Katey Sagal. From 1987 to 1997, these talented actors graced our screens on Fox’s hit sitcom, Married… with Children, portraying characters reminiscent of their real lives – Ted and Kelly, respectively.

In addition, the show introduced Katey Sagal portraying Peggy Bundy, Ted’s spouse, while David Faustino took on the role of their child, Bud.

At fifteen, Applegate joined the series, where she developed a strong connection with O’Neill, even though she kept her defenses high while shooting.

‘I mean, he went through everything with me. My mom’s cancer and other things,’ she said. 

While speaking with Jamie Lynn Sigler, one of Applegate’s co-hosts, O’Neill expressed his admiration for Christina, saying, “She was a true professional. It was wonderful to collaborate with her. It never failed to bring laughter to the set.”

Apart from sharing their findings, Applegate and O’Neill mentioned that their bond has grown stronger over time. In fact, she looks forward to chatting with him on the phone – a thing she typically steer clear of.

“Eddie, our current connection means so much to me. It’s special because at 52, we can chat for hours on end, laugh, and discuss a multitude of topics. Frankly, I converse with you more than any other person over the phone.”

Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O'Neill 'raised her' while filming Married... with Children: 'If you don't like anything about me, it's his fault'
Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O'Neill 'raised her' while filming Married... with Children: 'If you don't like anything about me, it's his fault'
Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O'Neill 'raised her' while filming Married... with Children: 'If you don't like anything about me, it's his fault'
Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O'Neill 'raised her' while filming Married... with Children: 'If you don't like anything about me, it's his fault'

The actor stated he’s ‘very proud’ of Applegate, adding that she has something in common with his other TV daughter, Julie Bowen from Modern Family.

‘You’re completely different people. The thing that you both have that I really like is, good hearts. You know, you’re good-hearted.’

In addition, Applegate mentioned that she almost declined the part since she found the initial script for the show to be quite off-putting.

‘This is toilet humor and I don’t do toilet humor,’ she remembered thinking at the time.

But once she saw the pilot with her mother, she said they both thought it was ‘f*****g hysterical.’

After Christina disclosed how severely multiple sclerosis has affected her physically following her emotional diagnosis in 2021, it has occurred. (In this paraphrase, “it” refers to a specific event or situation that happened after the revelation of the impact of MS on Christina’s body.)

In her latest MeSsy episode, I couldn’t help but resonate with Applegate as she likened herself to Humpty Dumpty, grappling with leg muscle atrophy and unwanted weight gain.

‘I have no muscles in my legs, which I showed you,’ she said to her co-host.

‘I look like Humpty Dumpty. My little tiny, weird legs and then my big menopausal belly.’

Christina Applegate says her onscreen dad Ed O'Neill 'raised her' while filming Married... with Children: 'If you don't like anything about me, it's his fault'

Due to her physical restrictions and the impacts of her illness, Applegate now spends more time at home.

She mentioned that she currently enjoys staying at home since there are two aspects she appreciates: firstly, she cherishes the comfort of her bed; secondly, she feels a sense of relief upon leaving the house.

In my active years, I could engage in countless activities without any limitations. However, recently, I find myself not as agile as before. Therefore, when inviting friends for social gatherings, I feel it necessary to set some ground rules to ensure we all have a comfortable and enjoyable time together.

She clarified, “Whenever we discuss going for lunch together, understand this clearly – and please remember this, so there won’t be any misunderstanding – if something unexpected comes up right before you arrive to pick me up, and I have to cancel, you can’t be upset with me. It’s just my way of setting boundaries.”

In August 2021, Applegate made a public announcement that she had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, several months following when her doctor informed her about it privately.

MS, or Multiple Sclerosis, is a persistent disorder of the immune system that targets vital parts of the nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord, and eyes through the optic nerves.

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2024-08-28 02:41

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