The Married with Children cast remains one of the most memorable ensembles in American television history. Decades after the show’s 1987 debut, fans still revisit the Bundy family’s outrageous antics that helped shape the modern sitcom landscape.
The groundbreaking Fox comedy, which ran for 11 seasons from 1987 to 1997, was the first prime-time series on the fledgling network to achieve national success. Its sharp humor, unconventional family dynamics, and irreverent tone made it a cultural phenomenon — and its stars became household names.
Now, more than 25 years after its finale, each cast member has taken a different path. Here’s an up-to-date look at where the Married with Children actors are today and how the legacy of the Bundy family continues to endure.
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The Series That Redefined Family Sitcoms
Married with Children broke every rule of the traditional American sitcom. While shows like The Cosby Show and Family Ties depicted wholesome family values, the Bundys represented the complete opposite — dysfunctional, sarcastic, and proudly politically incorrect.
Created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt, the series followed the daily life of Al Bundy, a disgruntled shoe salesman; his wife, Peggy; and their two children, Kelly and Bud. Their cynical neighbors, the Rhodes and later the D’Arcys, rounded out the cast, giving the show its perfect blend of chaos and comedy.
The series became a cornerstone of Fox’s early programming, helping the network rise to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its humor, often controversial, paved the way for later comedies like The Simpsons and Family Guy.
Ed O’Neill (Al Bundy)
Ed O’Neill’s portrayal of Al Bundy remains one of the most iconic characters in sitcom history. As the perpetually disgruntled shoe salesman who reminisced about his high school football glory days, O’Neill brought both frustration and humor to the role.
After Married with Children ended in 1997, O’Neill continued to enjoy a thriving acting career. His most notable role came in 2009 when he starred as Jay Pritchett in ABC’s Modern Family, a part that earned him multiple Emmy nominations and introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
As of 2025, O’Neill, now in his late 70s, continues to work selectively. In 2024, he appeared in the limited drama series The Black Bird and has voiced animated roles in projects for Netflix and Disney. He remains active in the entertainment industry and often participates in cast reunions and interviews celebrating Married with Children’s legacy.
Katey Sagal (Peggy Bundy)
Katey Sagal’s portrayal of Peggy Bundy — the flamboyant, lazy, and sarcastic wife who loved shopping and avoided housework — became a television staple. Her beehive hair, leopard-print outfits, and biting one-liners made Peggy an unforgettable character.
After the series ended, Sagal transitioned to dramatic and musical roles. She found major success as Gemma Teller Morrow on FX’s Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014), a performance that earned her a Golden Globe Award in 2011.
In the years since, Sagal has continued acting and performing music. Recently, she appeared in ABC’s The Conners and Hulu’s Rebel. In 2025, she remains a respected figure in both television and music, frequently touring and performing as a singer-songwriter.
Christina Applegate (Kelly Bundy)
Christina Applegate became a breakout star as Kelly Bundy, Al and Peggy’s rebellious and hilariously dim-witted daughter. Her comedic timing and charm made her one of the show’s standout performers, and her career has continued to flourish ever since.
After Married with Children, Applegate built a diverse resume that includes acclaimed roles in television and film. She starred in Samantha Who?, Dead to Me, and movies like Anchorman and Bad Moms. Her work on Dead to Me earned her multiple Emmy nominations and widespread praise for her emotional and comedic range.
In recent years, Applegate has shared her journey with multiple sclerosis (MS), a diagnosis she publicly confirmed in 2021. Despite health challenges, she continues to inspire fans with her resilience and humor. As of 2025, she remains involved in advocacy work for MS awareness and occasionally appears in select media projects.
David Faustino (Bud Bundy)
David Faustino, who played Bud Bundy — the scheming, socially awkward son — brought mischievous energy to the Bundy family dynamic. His portrayal of the underdog son chasing respect and attention became a fan favorite.
After Married with Children, Faustino continued working in both live-action and voice acting. He’s appeared in shows like Entourage and Bones, and has voiced characters in animated series such as The Legend of Korra, where he played Mako.
Today, Faustino remains active in entertainment, producing and acting in various projects while maintaining a strong connection with Married with Children fans. He regularly appears at conventions and cast events celebrating the show’s enduring popularity.
Amanda Bearse (Marcy Rhoades/D’Arcy)
Amanda Bearse played Marcy, the Bundys’ sharp-tongued neighbor whose feminist ideals often clashed with Al’s chauvinism. Over the course of the series, her character evolved from a mild-mannered banker to a confident, outspoken foil to Al’s sarcastic humor.
After the show ended, Bearse transitioned to directing, becoming a prolific force behind the camera. She has directed episodes of popular sitcoms such as Dharma & Greg, Mad TV, and Malcolm & Eddie.
As of 2025, Bearse continues to direct television projects and remains active in the entertainment community. She’s also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, having come out publicly in the early 1990s.
Ted McGinley (Jefferson D’Arcy)
Ted McGinley joined the cast in Season 5 as Jefferson D’Arcy, Marcy’s charming yet lazy second husband. Known for his quick wit and smooth demeanor, McGinley became an integral part of the show’s later seasons.
Following Married with Children, McGinley enjoyed a successful television career, appearing in Hope & Faith, The West Wing, and Dancing with the Stars.
In 2025, McGinley continues to appear in film and TV projects, most recently guest-starring in the Fox comedy 9-1-1: Lone Star. He’s also active in fan conventions and nostalgia panels celebrating the show’s long-lasting influence.
Legacy and Reunion Updates
As of 2025, the Married with Children cast remains close and continues to appear together at fan conventions and television retrospectives. In mid-2024, reports confirmed that a new animated reboot of Married with Children is in development at Sony Pictures Television, with the original cast — Ed O’Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, and David Faustino — set to return as voice actors.
While no official release date has been announced, production updates suggest that the project is moving forward, sparking excitement among longtime fans. The reboot aims to modernize the Bundys’ humor while keeping the irreverent spirit that made the show a classic.
Beyond the potential reboot, reruns of Married with Children remain popular on streaming platforms such as Hulu and Amazon Freevee, continuing to attract new viewers and nostalgic fans alike.
Cultural Impact and Lasting Popularity
Few sitcoms have left a mark as deep as Married with Children. Its willingness to challenge social norms and mock traditional sitcom tropes made it both controversial and groundbreaking.
The cast’s chemistry and comedic timing helped define an entire era of television. Even today, many fans regard Al Bundy’s sarcastic one-liners and Peggy’s flamboyant style as cultural touchstones.
The series’ influence is evident in modern comedies that followed, from Family Guy to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, all of which borrow its unapologetic tone and antihero humor.
The Married with Children cast created one of television’s most iconic dysfunctional families — and even decades later, their legacy continues to entertain, inspire, and spark laughter across generations.