Christina Applegate recently revealed that Ed O’Neill was more than just her on-screen dad; he played a pivotal role as a real-life father figure. On the August 27 episode of her podcast, MeSsy with Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, O’Neill, 78, joined Applegate, 52, to reminisce about their time on Married… with Children. Applegate shared that O’Neill was instrumental in her life, jokingly attributing both her strengths and flaws to his influence.
Applegate recalled, “I don’t even know how to describe him. He raised me, so if you dislike anything about me, it’s his fault. Conversely, if you like anything about me, that’s also his fault.” She praised O’Neill, calling him “an incredible actor and an incredible human being.”
On her podcast, Applegate jokes that both her strengths and flaws are O’Neill’s fault, praising him as an incredible actor and person
The pair starred as Kelly and Al Bundy from 1987 to 1997, alongside Katey Sagal and David Faustino. Applegate confessed she nearly passed on the role because she found the pilot’s script “gross,” but changed her mind after seeing it. Despite her initial reservations, she bonded deeply with O’Neill during filming, especially through personal challenges, including her mother’s cancer.
O’Neill, speaking to Sigler, described working with Applegate as “hilarious” and expressed his pride in her. He compared her to his other TV daughter, Julie Bowen from Modern Family, noting that both have “good hearts” despite their differences.
Applegate and O’Neill now cherish their relationship, enjoying long phone conversations despite her general dislike for talking on the phone. Applegate admitted, “I talk to you more than anyone else,” highlighting their enduring connection.
