There was nothing like the family dysfunction on “Married with Children.” For 11 seasons, the Bundy family was TV’s unapologetically grumpy heart, and audiences couldn’t get enough. From Al’s bad moods and Peg’s sarcasm to Kelly’s ditzy charm and Bud’s misadventures, the cast created iconic characters that still resonate today.
To celebrate how amazing “Married with Children” was, we’re taking a look at where the stars were in the 1990s and where they are now. Check out these then and now photos of the “Married with Children” cast below.
1. Ed O’Neill (Al Bundy)
GettyEd O’Neill became a household name as Al Bundy, the shoe salesman with a bone to pick with life. In the ‘90s, his expressive glare and deadpan delivery helped define the character. He was able to bring comic misery to life.
GettySince “Married with Children,” he has scaled new heights. He earned renewed acclaim with his role as Jay Pritchett on “Modern Family.” This showed fans his range goes well beyond misanthropic sitcom dads.
2. Katey Sagal (Peg Bundy)
Getty“Married with Children” wouldn’t have been complete without Peg Bundy, the red-haired, full-of-attitude wife of Al. She was unforgettable in her signature spandex and bouffant hair. Segal played Peg with brazen comedy and ironic detachment.
GettyAfter “Married with Children” finished, Sagal went on to have standout roles in a variety of niches. She starred in “Sons of Anarchy” and was the voice of Leela on “Futurama.” She went from sitcom foil to dramatic lead, which shows off her versatility.
3. Christina Applegate (Kelly Bundy)
GettyFor over a decade, Kelly Bundy’s airheaded antics earned laughs from the studio audience. In the ‘90s, Christina Applegate owned the role of Kelly. She was able to portray Kelly with effortless comedic timing and infectious energy.
After “Married with Children,” Applegate also took on both dramatic and comedic roles. She excelled in everything she took on, from “Dead to Me” on Netflix and “Anchorman” to “Hall Pass” and “Bad Moms.” She has earned praise for her emotional depth on-screen and resilience off-screen, as she has been battling MS.
4. David Faustino (Bud Bundy)
GettyBud Bundy was the ambitious and often unlucky teen who had dreams bigger than his reality. On “Married with Children,” David Faustino played David with a mix of swagger and cluelessness. He was usually up to something, and usually failing at that thing.
Since the show, Faustino has stayed in entertainment. He did voice work, guest appearances, and ventures behind the camera. The Bud Bundy persona remains a beloved piece of ‘90s pop culture.
5. Amanda Bearse (Marcy Rhoades/D’Arcy)
GettyMarcy Rhoades (later D’Arcy) was the neighbor of Peg and Al. She was smart, assertive, and often the voice of reason. That is, until the Bundys got to her. She was often the nemesis to Al.
Since the show ended, Bearse shifted her focus to directing television. She has directed episodes of “Mad TV,” “The Parkers,” and other sitcom staples. This transition behind the lens shows that her range is beyond acting.
“Married with Children” was a cultural staple that pushed the boundaries. Through laughter, nostalgia, and decades of memories, the Bundys continue to hold a special place in ‘90s television history.
