Married with Children

Married with Children was a long-running sitcom that aired on FOX from 1987-1997.

The show was controversial for its time in the mid 1980′s due to its crude humor. This controversy led the show to become the fledgling FOX networks first hit series.

Today, the show would barely raise an eyebrow.

At the time the show started, the cast was made up of then little known actors, though most are now household names thanks to the show.

The show starred:

Ed O’Neil – Al Bundy
Katey Sagal – Peggy Bundy
Christina Applegate – Kelly Bundy
David Faustino – Bud Bundy
Amanda Bearse – Marcy D’Arcy
David Garrison – Steve Rhoades (1987-1990)
Ted McGinley – Jefferson D’Arcy (1991-1997)

The role of Al Bundy was originally intended for screaming comedian Sam Kinison.

What was I thinking when I said “I do”? I’d already had sex with her; I didn’t need that again.

The role of Peggy Bundy was envisioned for Roseanne Barr.

Ted McGinley had luck breaking his breaking his reputation as a show killer after he had previously joined the series “Happy Days” and “The Love Boat“…..just before they were both cancelled.

I’ve seen her from the front, I’ve seen her from the back. / I’ve seen her in a chair, I’ve seen her in a sack. / I’ve seen her stand, I’ve seen her crouch. / I’ve seen her on her stupid couch. / I do not like her in the mall, I do not like her in the hall. / I do not like her in my life, I do not like my big red wife.

Different actors played Kelly and Bud in the original pilot but were replaced by Christina Applegate and David Faustino.

The show was nominated for 7 Emmy Awards and 7 Golden Globe Awards during its time on the air.

It was the longest running prime time show to never win an Emmy Award….until it was overtaken by Baywatch.

Baywatch NEVER won an Emmy??? There’s a shock!

During the opening credits, a snippet of the Chicago Skyline features a clip of the “family truckster” station wagon from the film “Vacation” driving along the freeway.

Christina Applegate was 15yrs old when the show started. In the early seasons, her character was more rebellious than dumb. As the show progressed, Kelly became dumb as a post and was a prototypical sexy blonde bimbo. The character contrasted greatly with Applegate in real life who was highly intelligent, shy, and modest as a teenager.

Amanda Bearse has done very little acting since the show ended, instead focusing on directing various television projects. She directed 31 episodes of Married with Children during its run.

Ed O’Neil currently stars in the hit show “Modern Family” on ABC.

Katey Sagal currently stars in the show “Sons of Anarchy“.

Christina Applegate currently stars in the new sitcom “Up all Night” opposite co-stars Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph.

Bud Bundy is now the Executive Director of “NO MA’AM” (The National Organization of Men against Amazonian Masterhood). David Faustino has done nothing major on TV since the show ended.

When the show was cancelled, FOX neglected to inform the actors in advance. They ended up reading about the cancellation in the paper, right along with the viewing public.

As would fit a man who played a Shoe Store Salesman in a TV Classic, Ed O’Neil’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame….is in front of a shoe store.