When Ed Begley Jr. celebrated his 70th birthday on September 16, it seemed as though the actor had truly reached the pinnacle of his career. Reflecting on his life's journey, Ed told Closer Weekly with heartfelt sincerity, "Everything that’s happened to me over the past 70 years has been crucial to giving me the serenity and joy I feel today, and it's more than I could have ever imagined." And why wouldn't we believe him? After all, this talented actor has been nominated for six Emmys for his iconic role in the hospital drama St. Elsewhere (1982–1988) and earned a seventh nomination for his work in the short-form comedy series ctrl alt delete. His ABC comedy Bless This Mess was renewed for a second season, and his dedication to environmental causes remains unwavering, as seen on his reality show Living With Ed (2007–2010) and the docuseries Innovations with Ed Begley Jr., which he has hosted since 2013.

Recently, we caught up with Ed to discuss his upbringing in Hollywood, his early days on My Three Sons, his three children, and his 19-year marriage to Rachelle Carson-Begley, 59. "If everything ended tomorrow, I'd still have 52 years of blessings beyond measure," Ed shared with Closer Weekly. "I'm one of the most grateful men you'll ever meet."

Keep reading for our exclusive Q&A with Ed!

Read also:
Merle Oberons Husband A Comprehensive Look Into Her Personal Life And Legacy

Starting Season 2 of Bless This Mess: What’s it Like?

When Ed was cast for the role in Bless This Mess, his excitement knew no bounds. "I hadn’t had a role this sweet in a while," he said. "It’s just been such a wonderful experience."

What’s Been Your Favorite Role So Far?

Without hesitation, Ed points to his portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on St. Elsewhere. "The writing and the actors were just top-notch," he explained. "Working alongside legends like Denzel Washington, Ed Flanders, Bill Daniels, Bonnie Bartlett, and Christina Pickles was truly a dream come true."