Ed O’Neill revealed a near-miss with organized crime during a podcast with Jesse Tyler Ferguson. In 1969, while struggling in Youngstown, Ohio, O’Neill was offered a dubious job by a friend after a suspicious bar encounter. Faced with the reality of potential prison time, he chose to pursue acting instead, leading to his eventual success and iconic role in Modern Family, now streaming on Disney+.
Ed O’Neill’s Brush with Organized Crime
In a surprising revelation, Ed O’Neill shared how he nearly ventured into a life of crime instead of the world of laughter. During an episode of the podcast “Dinner’s On Me,” hosted by his former co-star from Modern Family, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, O’Neill recounted a pivotal moment in his life that could have led him down a very different path.
From Desperation to Decision
Back in 1969, O’Neill found himself unemployed and searching for opportunities in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. It was during this challenging time that a friend named Jim offered him a ride. “We were driving and he asked, ‘How’s it going? You know you got fired, you have no money,’” O’Neill remembered. Feeling defeated, he replied, “No, I’m broke. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
Their journey took an unexpected turn when they stopped at a bar, where Jim began probing the bartender about a mutual acquaintance named Jimmy Demko. After a brief and suspicious conversation, Jim handed the bartender $20, explaining that he was trying to reconnect with an old friend. He even provided a number for the bartender to reach him if Demko showed up.
This unusual encounter led to a job offer from Jim, who suggested that O’Neill could assist him with questionable tasks. “You know, I’ll protect you. I’ll give you easy stuff. You just come pick something up here,” Jim proposed. O’Neill was torn but ultimately decided to consult his father for guidance.
His father asked a crucial question: “Can you do prison time?” Realizing that he couldn’t imagine enduring life behind bars, O’Neill swiftly dismissed the idea of joining Jim’s illicit activities. “I called Jimmy back and told him, ‘I’m going to New York. Yeah. I’m going to try this other thing,’” O’Neill concluded, marking the end of his brush with organized crime.
This decision paved the way for his successful acting career, leading to his iconic role in Modern Family, which has now become a beloved series available for streaming on Disney+.