Rachelle Carson-Begley, wife of Ed Begley Jr., talks about family and starring on "Living With Ed"

as told by Butterfly co-founder, Bradi Nathan

I’m afraid to admit that I don’t even have a green thumb and while green is certainly the new black today, not so much in my house. I have learned a thing or two from the Discovery Channel’s, “Living With Ed” and vow that I will in fact make some changes for me and for my family.

Rachelle Carson-Begley and her husband Ed Begley Jr. are the stars of “Living With Ed”, only this time they are not acting. Rachelle’s career in TV and Movies spans nearly 30 years beginning with “Another World” and spots on “Boston Legal“ and “NYPD Blue”, to name a few. Her husband Ed, actor and activist, is best known for his role as Dr. Victor Erlich in St. Elsewhere where he received six-consecutive Emmy nominations and has landed roles in “Pineapple Express”, “Best In Show”, “Six Feet Under”, “Boston Legal” and “Arrested Development”… I could go on.

This happily married couple resides in Studio City, far enough away from the smog of the city with their junior activist daughter. In an exclusive interview with Butterfly, Rachelle shares her journey is acting and activism:


BN: I read that you knew at the age of four that you wanted to be an actress. What does your daughter want to be?

RC: She also wants to be an actress. She’s had her first taste of it doing a couple of stage plays and her appearances on Living With Ed and she loves it.

BN: How did having a child force you to shift gears in your career, if at all?

RC: I can’t go on the road, so things like NYC theater are out. You grow where you’re planted, and you find other ways to work and pursue your career.

BN: What type of role model do you hope to be for her?

RC: I want to be a POSITIVE role model. I want her to become a woman who follows her dreams, has a love of family, wants to be active in her community, and is passionate about life and compassionate about the people in her life.

BN: Aside from becoming a mother, what are some memorable highlights in your life?

RC: Being in my husband’s musical Cesar & Ruben was great! Of course, doing Living With Ed is incredible. Being on Oprah was a major highlight. And of course meeting Bill and Hillary Clinton was amazing.

BN: Was there ever a time when you had to turn down a particular role due to motherhood?

RC: I wish! No, it’s not so much about turning down work, it’s more about not being able to pursue work like the theater in NYC etc.

BN: Has there been one particular actor or actress that you’ve longed to work with? Do tell.

RC: Meryl Streep. She seems so inviting and giving. It would be so great to act with her – like driving a Rolls Royce.

BN: You mentioned your career had a few dry spells. What emotions did you face as a struggling actor and is this a career you would tell your own daughter to explore?

RC: I’ve tried to tell Hayden not to pursue acting. It’s an extremely challenging and difficult business. But it’s also a calling. I think she has something special too…like her father in many ways. It will be up to her.

BN: Your family has an atypical way of living out two successful Hollywood careers. One would think: fancy cars, big house, planes and other such toys… What is it like “Living With Ed?”

RC: It’s a sparse existence. Actually, it’s quite exciting – Ed has been in Hollywood for so long and knows so many people. But there is an element of sacrifice too. There is scrutiny, as well as a certain level of discipline. It’s certainly not for everyone.

BN: How have you changed personally since you married your husband?

RC: Well, I used to be a bit more live and let live and have a bit more freedom. With Ed, I married into a lifestyle and you have to be on board. I still do my own things and never lose my sense of self – but we have areas where there is common ground.

BN: What role does your daughter play in helping the environment? Do her friends find your Green Acres way odd?

RC: Hayden and her friends don’t really notice anything strange about our home or our lifestyle. To Hayden, it’s just the way it is and it’s quite natural. She’s on board just like I am. To her, riding in an electric car and recycling are just things everyone does. Like me, she would like a swimming pool and a slightly larger living space. When Ed wants to go to Oregon to visit the grandkids, Hayden loves to go along but would prefer to fly instead of drive with her dad. So she sides with me on some things too.

BN: Talk to me about Pilates! You look fabulous. How did you get started and do you still own a studio?

RC: Thank you! I started Pilates in 1979 as therapy for recovery from knee surgery. I was looking for something that would work and Pilates was it. It works for anyone and it’s life changing for many people. I encourage everyone to get started by taking a beginner floor class and learning the techniques. I’ll do it for the rest of my life. I don’t have the studio open right now – we’re just too busy with the show and everything.

BN: What’s next for Rachelle?

RC: Living With Ed has been really fun for me, not just as an actor but also as a producer. I’d like to continue to develop programming – other shows. Perhaps they will be green-themed, perhaps shows specifically for women. I love the creative process and I like having a say in things. And I’ll always continue to act.

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