RE-RUN: ED O’NEILL — skirting a life of organized crime and hanging out with Tennessee Williams
Dec 24, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, Ed O'Neill, famed for his roles in "Married... with Children" and "Modern Family," shares lively anecdotes from his colorful life. He reflects on narrowly escaping a future in organized crime and fondly reminiscences about encounters with Tennessee Williams and Lucille Ball. The discussion explores the crossroads of career choices, humorous misunderstandings from his upbringing, and a nostalgic dive into the vibrant atmosphere of theater history alongside industry legends.
Ed O'Neill reflects on his life choices, emphasizing the importance of forging one's own path away from organized crime.
The conversation also delves into the serendipitous moments in O'Neill's early acting career, showcasing the unpredictability of the performing arts.
Deep dives
Perfectionism and Lemonade
The episode opens with a personal anecdote involving a lemon-making session with the host's sons, where one child, Beckett, expresses frustration at the seeds in traditional lemons. This illustrates a common perfectionist trait, as he becomes very upset over an insignificant detail, highlighting the stress that perfectionism can bring. The discussion leads into introducing Wonderful Seedless Lemons, a new variety that eliminates the seed issue entirely, making cooking and dining experiences more enjoyable. This product serves as a practical solution for those who dislike dealing with seeds, simplifying the preparation of drinks and dishes.
Exploring Airbnb Hosting
The conversation shifts to the idea of hosting on Airbnb, presenting it as an opportunity for individuals with busy lives who travel frequently. The host encourages listeners to consider leveraging their spaces to generate income while away from home. A new co-host feature from Airbnb is introduced, which allows hosts to hire local help to manage listings, communicate with guests, and maintain their property. This innovation reduces the workload associated with hosting, making it more accessible for those who might otherwise shy away due to concerns over the commitment required.
Ed O'Neill's Career Journey
The episode features Ed O'Neill, known for his iconic roles in television, who shares his early life experiences and unexpected career paths. O'Neill recounts his time in Youngstown, Ohio, where he faced limited opportunities, describing a close encounter with organized crime that he ultimately avoided in favor of acting. His transition from aspiring football player to actor is marked by struggles, as he reflects on being cut from the Pittsburgh Steelers and his decision to leave that life behind. The discussion emphasizes the importance of choosing one's own path, despite the allure of easier or more familiar options.
Memorable Encounters in New York
O'Neill shares memorable anecdotes from his early acting days in New York City, including encounters with famous figures such as Tennessee Williams and Gloria Grahame. These stories highlight the serendipitous moments that shaped his career, showcasing a mix of fortune and connection within the performing arts community. Particular emphasis is placed on a humorous moment where he found himself in a social situation filled with iconic actors, illustrating the thrill and unexpected nature of pursuing a career in acting. His rich experiences reflect the vibrant and often unpredictable world of theater and television.
This week, we revisit my conversation with “Modern Family” and “Married…with Children” star Ed O'Neill. Over some fancy sandwiches, Ed talks about dodging a career in organized crime, hanging out with Tennessee Williams, Lucille Ball and so much more. This episode was recorded at Lunetta in Santa Monica.