Ed Begley Jr.

Ed Begley Jr. is an award-winning actor, committed environmentalist, and leading advocate for animal welfare. Over five decades, Begley has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. His roles in films such as Strange Darling and Pineapple Express highlight his versatility in both drama and comedy.

Off-screen, Begley consistently aligns his actions with his values. Long before sustainability became mainstream, he drove electric vehicles, reduced energy use at home, and advocated for clean air, clean water, and non-toxic living. He later founded Begley’s, which offers high-performance, non-toxic products safe for families, pets, and the environment. Begley’s legacy is defined by his commitment to using his platform to promote lasting and practical change.

New York Lifestyles Magazine (NYLM) interviewed Begley about rescue animals, sustainability, and intentional living. Although he has spent decades advocating for environmental responsibility, Begley notes that some of his most meaningful lessons come from the animals he has loved and rescued. In this conversation, he discusses companionship, adoption, non-toxic living, and his current dog, Bunny. 

NYLM: Ed, you’ve shared your life with many animals over the years. Can you tell us about the ones who shaped you most?
EB: Absolutely. Baby Boy was a cat I adopted while doing an off-Broadway play in New York. He slept on my head or neck every night for fourteen or fifteen years—just a treasured companion. Molly was our family dog, more my wife and daughter’s dog than mine, but I loved her deeply. I love it when people bring them up. They were extraordinary animals.  

NYLM: Bunny entered your life in an unexpected way. How did that happen? EB: It was my birthday, and my daughter Hayden’s car got towed to an impound lot. While she was dealing with that, she noticed a frightened dog that no one else could get near. The dog let her help. When she brought her home, and I walked in, the dog ran straight to me—like she’d been waiting. She was grateful to my daughter, but she chose me.

NYLM: What has Bunny brought into your life since then?
EB: Pure love. She’s with me all the time—walks, car trips, sleeping on my chest at night. Animals give us something so simple and so powerful. Who doesn’t want pure love? 

NYLM: Do you think animals can sense things humans can’t?
EB: Absolutely. We’re all animals—human animals, canine animals, feline animals. They sense things we don’t always see or hear, and we’re better for trusting that.

NYLM: How do you care for Bunny day to day—especially when it comes to food?
EB: I feed her the best quality food I can find. Usually a good dry food base—often Whole Paws, which I believe is a Whole Foods–associated brand—and I add high-quality wet food. Sometimes I’ll add healthy people food, like salmon. I like to keep it interesting, but always healthy.

NYLM: Sustainability clearly extends into your home. Can you share an example people might not expect?
EB: Our fence is made of recycled wood and recycled plastic. I installed it for environmental reasons, but it turns out coyotes can’t climb it—it’s too slippery. I love coyotes. I just don’t want my little Bunny to be a meal.

NYLM: You often talk about non-toxic living. Why is that especially important for pets?
EB: The worst hazardous waste dump isn’t just out there—it’s under your sink, like cleaning products. Pets and children have lower body weight, so toxins affect them more. They lick their paws, crawl on floors, and breathe closer to the ground. We owe it to them to keep their environment safe. 

NYLM: That philosophy led you to create your own product line. What was your goal with Begley’s?
EB: With Begley’s, the challenge was to make something non-toxic that actually worked better than conventional cleaners. And we did. You shouldn’t have to choose between safety and effectiveness.

NYLM: You’re also a strong advocate for adoption. Why is that so important to you?
EB: There are so many animals that need homes. Why create more? Adopt, spay, neuter, and avoid puppy mills. You’re not just saving an animal—you’re reducing the burden on the planet.

NYLM: After decades of environmental advocacy, how do you stay hopeful?
EB: I look at success stories. Los Angeles has four times as many cars as it did in 1970 and a fraction of the smog. Rivers like the Hudson and the Cuyahoga were brought back. These things worked because people cared and took action. There’s enough to be depressed about. I focus on what works.

NYLM: What do you hope people take away from your message—about pets and the planet?
EB: Focus on what we agree on. We all want clean air, clean water, and a safe world for our kids and our pets. Make mindful choices, big and small. They add up. 

To learn more about Begley’s sustainable products, visit begleysbest.com