5 Heartwarming Reasons Why Ed O'Neill Says Christina Applegate 'Raised Him'—Latest Reunion News

The enduring father-daughter bond between Ed O'Neill and Christina Applegate, forged over 11 seasons of the iconic sitcom Married... with Children, has proven to be one of Hollywood's most genuine and long-lasting friendships. In a recent, heartfelt reunion on Applegate's podcast, MeSsy, the former Al and Kelly Bundy shared an intimate look at their relationship, with Applegate making a bold declaration that O'Neill "raised her." This deep connection continues to make headlines in late 2024 and early 2025, proving their chemistry extends far beyond the shoe-selling world of Al Bundy.

The latest news, as of this December 2025 update, confirms that the entire original cast is set for a major live reunion, while Applegate’s candid discussions of her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis have brought new layers of depth and support to their public relationship.

The Bundy Family: A Biographical Profile of Ed O'Neill and Christina Applegate

The foundation of their decades-long friendship is built on their respective careers, which both launched into superstardom with the 1987 debut of Married... with Children.

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Ed O'Neill (Al Bundy / Jay Pritchett)

• Full Name: Edward Leonard O'Neill
• Born: April 12, 1946 (Youngstown, Ohio)
• Key Roles: Al Bundy in Married... with Children (1987–1997), Jay Pritchett in Modern Family (2009–2020).
• Career Highlights: Before acting, O'Neill was a football player, signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969. He has earned four Screen Actors Guild Awards for his work on Modern Family.
• Marital Status: Married to Catherine Rusoff (since 1986).

Christina Applegate (Kelly Bundy / Jen Harding)

• Full Name: Christina Applegate
• Born: November 25, 1971 (Hollywood, California)
• Key Roles: Kelly Bundy in Married... with Children, Sue Ellen Crandell in Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, Samantha in Samantha Who?, and Jen Harding in Dead to Me.
• Health Battles: Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 (underwent a double mastectomy) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in August 2021. She has since stepped away from on-screen acting but continues with voice work and her podcast, MeSsy.
• Marital Status: Married to Martyn LeNoble (since 2013).

The “MeSsy” Reunion: Why Ed O’Neill Truly “Raised” His TV Daughter

The most significant and recent update on their relationship came in August 2024 when Ed O’Neill appeared as a guest on Christina Applegate’s podcast, MeSsy, which she co-hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler. The episode was a candid and touching look back at their time together, highlighting the profound influence O'Neill had on Applegate's life.

Applegate, who was a teenager when she started on the show, referred to O'Neill as her surrogate father figure. She introduced him to listeners by saying, "He raised me, so if you don't like anything about me, it's his fault. If you do like anything about me, also his fault."

Their current relationship, as she described it, has matured into a deep friendship where they can talk for hours. "I love our relationship now, Eddie," Applegate shared. "Like, our relationship now of me being 52 years old and the fact that you and I can talk on the phone for hours..."

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This sentiment underscores the unique dynamic of the Married... with Children set, where the older cast members, O'Neill and Katey Sagal (Peg Bundy), helped guide the younger actors, Applegate and David Faustino (Bud Bundy), through the tumultuous years of Hollywood fame and growing up in the spotlight.

The Bundy Legacy: Upcoming Reunions and Future Projects

The bond between Ed O'Neill and Christina Applegate is not just a nostalgic memory; it's an active partnership that continues to evolve with new projects and public appearances.

1. The Live Cast Reunion (January 2026)

Fans of the Bundy family have a major event to look forward to: the entire main cast—Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, and David Faustino—is scheduled to reunite on stage in Los Angeles in January 2026. This live event will celebrate the 11-season run of the hit sitcom and offer a rare opportunity for the cast to reflect on their legacy together.

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2. The Animated Series Reboot

Further cementing their professional connection, news surfaced in May 2024 that the original cast is set to return for an animated reboot of Married... with Children. While details on the plot remain scarce, the involvement of O'Neill, Applegate, Sagal, and Faustino confirms their collective commitment to the characters and the enduring popularity of the Bundy family.

3. Support Through MS Diagnosis

Applegate's public battle with Multiple Sclerosis since her 2021 diagnosis has been a central part of her recent life and career, particularly with the launch of the MeSsy podcast. Her former co-stars, including O'Neill, have provided unwavering support. The podcast appearance itself highlights O'Neill's role as a supportive figure in her life, offering a platform for her to share her journey and for the two to discuss the importance of friendship and vulnerability.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Al and Kelly Bundy

The relationship between O'Neill and Applegate transcends typical Hollywood co-star friendships because it mirrors the very dynamic they portrayed. Al Bundy, the cynical but ultimately loving patriarch, and Kelly Bundy, the ditzy but affectionate daughter, were the core of the show's humor and heart.

The fact that O'Neill, who went on to have a second massive hit with Modern Family as Jay Pritchett, maintains such a close, paternal relationship with Applegate speaks volumes about his character and the formative years they spent together. Applegate started the show at age 15, and O'Neill, along with Sagal, became surrogate parents navigating her through adolescence and early adulthood in the public eye. Their bond is a powerful entity in the landscape of television history, representing not just a successful show, but a genuine family unit that survived the end of the series.

The recent podcast reunion and the upcoming live event serve as a beautiful testament to their connection, proving that the Bundy family remains as close-knit and supportive off-screen as they were dysfunctional and hilarious on-screen. Fans eagerly await their January 2026 reunion, a moment that will undoubtedly be filled with more laughter, shared memories, and a celebration of a truly unique and lasting friendship.