In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, actor Ed Begley Jr. opened up about a life-altering revelation he discovered during his teenage years. At the age of 16, Begley was en route with his father to take his driver's license test when he noticed something peculiar on his birth certificate - the box for his mother's name was blank. This unsettling discovery prompted him to question his father, who eventually revealed that the woman he believed to be his mother, Amanda, was actually his stepmother.
It was then that Begley learned the shocking truth about his biological mother, Sandy. According to his father, Sandy was an NBC page with whom he had an affair, resulting in the birth of Begley's sister, Allene, followed by Begley himself, just 11 months later. As if this revelation wasn't enough, the actor also discovered that his older brother, Tom, was not his brother at all but rather his cousin.
Recalling his interactions with Sandy during his childhood, Begley admitted that they had regularly met and enjoyed each other's company. However, the fact that he had been deceived about their true relationship left him feeling cheated and betrayed. It wasn't until he turned 16 that he met Sandy for the first time as his biological mother, and the two formed a bond. Sadly, Sandy passed away in 1998, leaving Begley with a mix of emotions surrounding their complicated connection.
In a candid moment, Begley shared that his lack of gratitude upon learning the truth about his biological mother contributed to his struggles with substance abuse. Having embarked on an acting career at the age of 17, Begley found himself disappointed by the lack of success that followed. Coupled with the revelation of his hidden identity, he turned to alcohol and began stealing pills from the medicine cabinet. However, in 1979, he made the life-altering decision to get sober, marking the beginning of his journey towards personal growth and maturity.
Begley's personal life also had its ups and downs. He was married to his first wife, Ingrid Taylor, from 1976 to 1989, and together they had two children, Nicholas and Amanda. In 2000, he tied the knot with actress Rachelle Carson, and the couple welcomed a daughter named Hayden. Despite facing a new challenge in 2016 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Begley remains optimistic. He credits his wife's extensive research and the support of a great neurologist for his ability to manage the disease and live a fulfilling life.
Reflecting on his eventful life, the “Arrested Development” actor has decided to share his experiences in a new memoir titled "To the Temple of Tranquility-and Step on It." Through his writing, Begley hopes to shed light on the complexities of family dynamics and personal identity, ultimately inspiring others to face their own challenges and find inner peace.
As Begley continues to navigate his journey through fame, family, and health, he is grateful for the lessons he has learned along the way. With his memoir serving as both a reflection and a guide, he aims to leave a lasting impact on those who read his story - a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
