When it comes to taking personal responsibility for the environment, few
individuals can match the record of actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr. Known for
turning up at Hollywood events on his bicycle, he has served as chairman of the
Environmental Media Association and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. He
serves on the boards of organizations including the Thoreau Institute, the
Earth Communications Office, Tree People and Friends of the Earth. His work has
earned awards from numerous environmental groups including the California
League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the
Coalition for Clean Air, Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica Baykeeper and the
Southern California Gas Company. Currently, he is the co-star of the hit HGTV
series Living with Ed, a look at the day-to-day realities of living green with
his not so environmentalist wife Rachelle Carson. The series has just finished
airing its 2nd season. In June 2008, the series will move to a new home at
Discovery's new network Planet Green. His new book Living Like Ed is
currently available nationally from Clarkson Potter/Random House, and he
continues to tour the country giving speeches about his sustainable living
practices.
Inspired by the works of his Academy Award-winning father, Begley became an
actor. He first came to audiences' attention for his portrayal of Dr. Victor
Ehrlich on the long-running hit television series St. Elsewhere, for which he
received six Emmy nominations. Since then, Begley has moved easily between
feature films, television and theatre projects. Begley has appeared in A Mighty
Wind, the follow-up to the American Comedy Award-winning film Best In Show
starring Christopher Guest, Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy. He can also be
seen in the most recent Christopher Guest film For Your Consideration. Other
feature film credits include Batman Forever, The Accidental Tourist and The
Inlaws. In 2008, Begley will have supporting roles in the theatrical comedy
Pineapple Express starring Seth Rogan, and the HBO feature Recount starring
Kevin Spacey. He is also wrapping on a new Woody Allen comedy in NYC.
On television, Begley has had recurring roles on Six Feet Under and Arrested
Development. He has also guest starred on such series as The West Wing and The
Practice, in addition to David E. Kelley's latest show Boston Legal. Most
recently, Begley was featured in Veronica Mars and CSI: Miami.
Begley also starred in the West Coast premiere of David Mamet's Cryptogram
at the Geffen Playhouse, in a role that he first performed in Boston and then
in New York. He also starred in Mamet's production of Romance at the Mark Taper
Forum in Los Angeles.
This talented actor has also directed several episodes of the hit TV series
NYPD Blue as well as a stage play that he wrote called Cesar and Ruben that won
a Nos Otros Award and four Valley Theater League awards.
Begley lives in Studio City, CA in a small, energy efficient home with his
wife and co-star Rachelle
Ed Begley is currently one of the hottest speakers on eco-living in America.
His theme, Live Simply So That Others Can Simply Live, has been received by
standing ovations at over 50 events in 2007. His empowering and humorous
message on sustainable living includes:
- How he began his 37-year eco-journey in 1970, including humorous stories
about his first electric car and his first attempt at composting.
- "Everything I have done for the environment has also been good for my
pocketbook.
- "Start with the little things - you don't run up Mount Everest!"
- The success in California to clean up the smog - it didn't hurt business,
the economy thrived!
- Global climate change, pollution, dependency on Mid-East oil - these are
challenges that can be overcome!
- Products and services which he has used that work!
- "Our planet is an asset with value - let's not treat it like a
going-out-of-business sale!"
He prefers to personalize the speech, leading by example, NOT preaching, and
delivering reasons WHY we should do these things that are easier to swallow
than "environmental-only" reasons. His speech more follows the path of:
1) How he began his 38 year eco-journey back in 1970.
- a. What influenced him to start?
- b. What things did he do first?
- c. What were the results and what did he learn?
2) Things you do for the "environment" are also good for your bottom line?
- a. Personal examples
- b. Industry / corporate examples
3) The environmental challenges we face can be overcome
- a. Examples of past environmental challenges and successes
b. Non-eco motivation to solve today's challenges
- i. Economic motivation
- ii. Improve and simplify our quality of life
- iii. Reduce dependency on foreign oil / improve homeland security
4) Products and services that he has used that WORK
- a. Low hanging fruit
- b. More advanced products
