Ed O'Neill Reveals Near Brush with Organized Crime Before Acting Success

The 'Modern Family' Star Was Tempted by Life in the Mob, but a Conversation with His Father Changed His Path

Ed O'Neill, known for his roles in 'Modern Family' and 'Married... with Children', revealed in a podcast interview that he almost joined organized crime in his 20s after being cut from the Pittsburgh Steelers and being left broke.
His friend 'Jim', who was involved in organized crime, offered him a job collecting debts and running errands, promising protection and good money.
O'Neill seriously considered the offer, but a conversation with his father, who asked him if he could handle jail time, made him rethink his decision.
O'Neill ultimately declined the offer and moved to New York to pursue his acting career, which led to his successful roles in popular TV shows.
The revelation was made during a podcast hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, O'Neill's co-star from 'Modern Family'.