Ed Begley Jr. & Daughter’s Play Fights Parkinson’s with Proceeds

Esteemed actor Ed Begley Jr. and his daughter, Hayden Begley, are set to perform together in the critically acclaimed play “Proof” with a noble cause in mind. Their collaboration aims to generate funds to support the battle against Parkinson’s disease, spotlighting an issue close to the family’s heart.

Begley, a veteran of the entertainment industry with nearly six decades of experience across television and film, is perhaps best known for his memorable role as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the classic series “St. Elsewhere.” For years, Begley has been candid about his own journey living with Parkinson’s disease, a testament to his resilience and dedication to awareness and advocacy.

“I adhere to my neurologist’s advice rigorously,” Begley expressed, highlighting his commitment to managing his health with the same discipline that has fueled his career.

Now 76, Begley recalls noticing early symptoms long before an official diagnosis was ever made. Despite this, his proactive lifestyle might have delayed more obvious signs.

“My first hint was a twitching pinky back in 1991,” he recounted. “On one hand, ignorance was bliss because I didn’t know until 2016. I maintained an active lifestyle—cycling, regular exercise, healthy eating—and those choices kept the disease at bay for quite a while,” Begley explained. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and the potential of healthy habits to impact one’s quality of life.

Ed Begley Jr. and Hayden Begley, an actress, had long wanted to perform in a play together. They are now appearing in the Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning stage drama, “Proof.”

The production is also serving as a fundraiser.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds from every single production goes to the Michael J. Fox Foundation,” Hayden Begley said. “But if you’re unable to come, you can donate through our link at Proof for Parkinson’s on Instagram.”

For Ed Begley Jr., the production marks his first time acting on stage in years.

“I was a young man back then, a mere 65 years of age, I think, when I last did anything like this,” he said. “So I’m doing it now at nearly 77 years of age and with some challenges. But, avante, as they say in Italian. Forward! Ever onward.”

Hayden Begley, whose career is in its early years, said she has long looked up to her father.

“I’ve admired my dad not just as my father but as a person and an artist my whole life,” she said. “I mean, I’ve looked up to him in his activism and how he just moves about the world. And i’ve been lucky that not only do I have such a great role model like my dad but I’m able to recognize it.”

Ed Begley Jr. and Hayden Begley are scheduled to appear in “Proof” at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, California from Thursday through Sunday.