Ted McGinley is an American character actor best known for prominent supporting roles in several long-running television comedies. He first gained broad recognition as Roger Phillips on Happy Days, later appearing as Jefferson D'Arcy on Married… with Children, and continuing a steady presence in episodic television and family-friendly films. This profile focuses on his screen credits, career trajectory, and verifiable public information, avoiding speculation or unverified rumor. The following sections organize key milestones, notable performances, and contextual details to support long-term usefulness as a reference resource.
Early Life and Background
Ted McGinley was born in Newport Beach, California, in May 1951. He attended the University of Southern California, where he played collegiate football before turning to acting. His early professional work included modeling and commercials, which led to guest appearances on episodic television in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This period established foundational experience in front of the camera and familiarity with studio production practices.
Breakout Television Role
Happy Days and the Roger Phillips Character
McGinley joined Happy Days in its later seasons as Roger Phillips, the nephew of Phil Richards. The show was already an established hit, and his character’s easygoing style and comedic timing contributed to the series’ continued popularity. This casting substantially increased his public profile and remains a touchstone reference in retrospective discussions of 1970s and 1980s television sitcoms.
Major Subsequent Television Work
Married… with Children and Jefferson D'Arcy
Following Happy Days, McGinley portrayed Jefferson D'Arcy on Married… with Children, serving as both a narrative foil and a comedic presence within the Bundy family orbit. His character brought a contrasting blend of affable scheming and understated loyalty, and the long run of the show solidified his recognition with 1980s and 1990s audiences. Additional prominent episodic work across the 1990s and 2000s extended his visibility in prime-time television.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Charles Theodore McGinley | Public biography |
| Date of birth | May 7, 1951 | Public biography |
| Place of birth | Newport Beach, California, USA | Public biography |
| Notable television roles | Roger Phillips (Happy Days), Jefferson D'Arcy (Married… with Children) | Episode credits and series cast listings |
| Primary acting era | 1970s–present, with peak visibility in 1980s and 1990s | Production databases and series archives |
Film and Additional Onscreen Appearances
Beyond episodic television, McGinley has appeared in a range of feature films and made-for-TV movies, often in supporting or character roles. These projects have reinforced his typecasting as a reliable, affable character actor within family-oriented and broadly accessible entertainment. Select credits include notable entries in popular series and films that reached wide audiences, contributing to consistent name recognition over decades.
Public Profile and Media Presence
McGinley generally maintains a restrained public profile, granting interviews selectively and focusing discussion on his work rather than personal matters. When engaging with fans and media, he has emphasized continuity, professionalism, and appreciation for long-term audience support. This measured presence has helped sustain a stable, enduring reputation within the industry and among viewers familiar with his sitcom legacy.
Legacy and Industry Recognition
While not typically discussed in awards-centric terms, McGinley’s legacy is measured by durable audience recognition and the lasting footprint of his most prominent roles. Industry retrospectives and programming blocks highlighting classic sitcom casts routinely include him, reflecting consistent utility as a supporting performer. His trajectory illustrates the value of steady, dependable character work within the evolving landscape of televised comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ted McGinley best known for? He is best known for playing Roger Phillips on Happy Days and Jefferson D'Arcy on Married… with Children.
- Did Ted McGinley attend college? Yes, he attended the University of Southern California, where he played football.
- Is Ted McGinley still acting? He continues to appear in occasional projects, maintaining a presence in television and film.
- How would you describe his acting style? He is widely regarded as a dependable character actor, often cast in friendly, slightly scheming supporting roles.
- Are there verified details about his birth date and birthplace? Yes, credible biographies list his birth date as May 7, 1951, in Newport Beach, California.
Summary
Ted McGinley’s career reflects steady, long-form character acting within mainstream television. His most prominent roles on Happy Days and Married… with Children remain identifiable touchstones, supported by consistent work in additional series and films. By focusing on verified credits and public biographical detail, this profile provides a durable reference point aligned with evergreen search intent and ongoing audience curiosity.