Meet Peggy Bundy Actress’s 3 Children, One of Whom Is Already 30 – Photos

The actress who played Peggy Bundy on “Married… with Children” once revealed that the sitcom’s irreverent tone almost made her think it would fail. But the show’s success not only changed her career but also coincided with her journey into motherhood.

When “Married… with Children” first premiered, its brash humor and unconventional characters set it apart from other sitcoms of the time. At the center of the show was Peggy Bundy, the sharp-witted and fashionably over-the-top matriarch, brought to life by an actress who had first made her mark as a singer before turning to acting.

The actress pictured in 1986 | Source: Getty Images

The actress pictured in 1986 | Source: Getty Images

While her on-screen persona exuded comedic confidence, the actress’ personal life was filled with challenges. In the early 1990s, during the height of the show’s popularity, she endured the loss of her first child. Over the years, however, she went on to raise three children, each with their own creative aspirations.

The actress photographed in California, in 1990 | Source: Getty Images

The actress photographed in California, in 1990 | Source: Getty Images

From Singing Waitress to Peggy Bundy – A Look at Her Career

Before her breakthrough on “Married… with Children,” the actress pursued a music career. She worked as a backup singer for industry icons like Bette Midler and Etta James, showcasing her vocal talents long before stepping into the spotlight as an actress.

The singer and actress performs on April 20, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

The singer and actress performs on April 20, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

She even worked as a singing waitress, where she entertained diners with live performances of songs like “Brown Eyed Girl.” Despite her charm and musical talent, she jokingly recalled mishaps, such as spilling blue cheese dressing on customers while serving tables.

The actress and singer-songwriter, circa 1987 | Source: Getty Images

The actress and singer-songwriter, circa 1987 | Source: Getty Images

Her transition into acting came unexpectedly. She was approached to audition for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” despite not actively seeking acting roles. “Are you kidding? I’m not even looking for a job as an actor. I’m a musician,” she said at the time.

The actress pictured on May 29, 1990 | Source: Getty Images

The actress pictured on May 29, 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Still, her talent stood out, and the opportunity kick-started her acting career, leading to several roles before her big break. In 1987, she landed a role on “Married… with Children.” The sitcom was unlike anything else on television at the time, with its edgy humor and untraditional portrayal of family life.

Part of the "Married... with Children" cast pictured in Los Angeles, in 1988 | Source: Getty Images

Part of the “Married… with Children” cast pictured in Los Angeles, in 1988 | Source: Getty Images

As Peggy, she quickly became known for her bold fashion, big hair, and quick wit. In a 2021 interview, the actress recalled that for the first three seasons, she styled her own hair.

It wasn’t until the show’s growing success that the network provided her with a wig, signifying their investment in her character’s iconic look.

She also remembered the moment she and her co-star Ed O’Neill realized the show had become a hit. While on a promo tour, they participated in a parade, where fans cheered and waved at them enthusiastically.

The actress and Ed O'Neal pictured on the set of "Married With Children" in 1987 | Source: Getty Images

The actress and Ed O’Neal pictured on the set of “Married With Children” in 1987 | Source: Getty Images

“We thought nobody was gonna really watch it because it was so irreverent and so not like anything else on TV,” she said. But the show went on to air for 11 seasons, solidifying Peggy as one of the most memorable characters in television history.

During the height of the show’s popularity, the actress experienced a heartbreaking tragedy that profoundly shaped her journey into motherhood.

The Heartbreaking Loss of Her First Child

In October 1991, the actress experienced a devastating loss when her daughter, Ruby, was stillborn at nearly eight months. At the time, her pregnancy had been written into the show’s storyline, but following the tragedy, it was removed and later dismissed as a dream sequence.

The loss was a deeply traumatic event for the actress, who later revealed her struggles with coming to terms with what had happened. She shared that she initially blamed herself, questioning whether she had overworked during her pregnancy or overlooked signs of illness.

“This is what they say about stillbirth, that 60 percent of it is God’s will and there’s no medical reason—and that’s what I was told. And I just couldn’t let go of the control of somehow, [the notion that] I had done something wrong,” she recalled.

For months following the tragedy, the actress rarely left her home except to visit doctors and psychic healers, seeking answers and comfort. It wasn’t until a close friend offered her a spiritual perspective that she began to heal.

The actress poses for a photo in 1988 | Source: Getty Images

The actress poses for a photo in 1988 | Source: Getty Images

“Sometimes we have these little souls that come in and out [of our lives], and their mission is completed,” her friend told her. This perspective, she said, gave her solace and helped her begin to move forward.

In the years that followed, she went on to become a mother to three children, but Ruby’s memory has remained a significant part of her life story.

The Eldest: Sarah White

Three years after the loss of her first child, Ruby, the actress welcomed her daughter Sarah Grace White in 1994. Sarah is now 30 years old and has pursued both acting and music. She studied drama in college and spent time abroad in London, which she later credited for helping her grow as a performer.

In 2015, Sarah made her screen debut in FX’s “The Bastard Executioner,” a series created by her stepfather, Kurt Sutter, and one in which her mother also played a role.

Sarah humbly acknowledged the connection that helped her land the part, describing it as “a little nepotism,” but also as a dream come true.

In addition to acting, Sarah has pursued a music career, releasing her first single in October 2022. Fans have often commented on Sarah’s appearance, leaving comments such as, “Wow, she is beautiful,” and “A beauty like her mom!!! 💜💜💜 on social media posts featuring her.

The Middle Child: Jackson White

Born in 1996, Jackson is the actress’ second child and has become a rising star in Hollywood. Although he was initially discouraged by his mother from pursuing acting until he turned 18, Jackson eventually followed his passion and gained widespread attention for his work in film and television.

The actress with her children Sarah and Jackson attending the premiere of the film "Shrek 2" on May 8, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

The actress with her children Sarah and Jackson attending the premiere of the film “Shrek 2” on May 8, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

After briefly studying music at the University of Southern California, Jackson realized that college wasn’t for him and turned to acting. He made his debut in 2019 with HBO’s miniseries “Mrs. Fletcher,” which earned him recognition as a breakout star.

His mother proudly celebrated his success, sharing a post on Instagram with the caption, “Proud of him. The boy.” Despite her initial advice to pursue another career, the actress supported Jackson’s path in Hollywood.

Reflecting on his mother’s words of wisdom, Jackson admitted with humor, “It didn’t really work—I was still pretty childish in my early 20s—I’m still childish.” With Sarah and Jackson both carving out creative paths, the youngest sibling has grown up in a family deeply rooted in the arts.

The Youngest: Esmé Louise Sutter

In 2007, the actress and her husband, writer-producer Kurt Sutter, welcomed their daughter Esmé Louise via surrogate. At the time of Esmé’s birth, the actress was 52, and Sutter was 43. Although still young, Esmé has grown up surrounded by her family’s creative influence and achievements.

She frequently appears in her mother’s Instagram posts, drawing positive reactions from fans. In May 2023, her mother shared a photo of Esmé with the caption, “My beautiful Esmé.” Fans left comments like, “Oh, she’s like your mini-me,” “She’s so stunning,” and “She’s grown so much from her days at JAG.”

Whether sharing Esmé’s youthful charm, Jackson’s Hollywood breakthroughs, or Sarah’s creative ventures, the actress’ family photos continue to captivate fans, reflecting the life Katey Sagal, 70, has built beyond her iconic TV roles.

‘You’re Just a Babysitter, Not a Real Man,’ My Wife Said Before Leaving Me with Three Kids — Story of the Day

I thought I had it all—a loving wife, three amazing kids, and a life we built together. But the night I followed her to that party, everything I believed in came crashing down.

My day always started with the familiar symphony of chaos. Timmy’s sharp cries came from his crib. Kevin crashed his toy cars together on the carpet, making explosion sounds. Meanwhile, Emma stood in front of me.

“Daddy, I have to wear my pink dress today. Everyone will love it. It’s the most amazing dress ever!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I nodded as I tied her hair into a neat bow.

“Of course, sweetheart. Everyone will be impressed.”

The warm, sweet aroma of chocolate cookies wafted from the kitchen. My cookies were my signature, baked and ready for the kids’ lunch snack. While the oven did its job, I focused on stitching the last piece of Kevin’s dinosaur costume.

“This has to be the coolest dino ever, Dad!” Kevin said, leaning over the table to inspect my work.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“It will be, buddy,” I reassured him. “Just you wait.”

In the background, a soft audiobook played. It wasn’t much, just something to keep the kids entertained. Those moments brought me peace. They reminded me that no matter how much life had changed, I still had something to hold on to.

But it hadn’t always been that way.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I used to run a successful business. Long days and nights of hard work allowed Angela and me to buy this house and pay for her law school. She had dreams, big ones, and I wanted to make them come true.

When Emma was born, she asked me to stay home temporarily so she could finish her internship. I agreed, thinking it was just for a little while. Then Kevin came along, and Angela’s career took off.

“I’ll handle the house and kids,” I told her. “You focus on work.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Angela didn’t even take maternity leave with Kevin, rushing back to work just two months after giving birth. Promotion after promotion followed, and her time at home dwindled to nothing.

I became the one who fed the kids, read parenting books, and even baked birthday cakes. I didn’t mind. I was proud of how capable I’d become.

That afternoon, as I stitched the last seam of Kevin’s costume, Angela came home earlier than usual. She didn’t greet me or the kids. Instead, she rushed to the bedroom.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

A few minutes later, she appeared in the hallway, transformed. Her black dress hugged her figure perfectly, and her red lipstick glistened under the light. She looked stunning.

“There’s a work party tonight. I need to be there,” she said, adjusting her earrings.

“A work party?” I asked. “You didn’t mention anything. I could’ve gone with you.”

“It’s late. It’s for work. You wouldn’t enjoy it.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I stood there, watching her leave without a backward glance. For a moment, an idea sparked.

I grabbed the phone and dialed our neighbor, Mrs. Graham.

“Hi, could you watch the kids for a couple of hours tonight?”

With her agreement, I turned off the oven, slipped into my best shirt, and grabbed a bouquet of Angela’s favorite lilies.

“Tonight,” I murmured, “I’ll remind her of what we used to have.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The party was alive with energy when I stepped into the venue. The music pulsed through the air, and the room shimmered with expensive fabrics and sparkling jewelry. I felt a little out of place in my simple shirt and slacks, clutching a bouquet of lilies like a lovesick teenager.

As my eyes scanned the crowd, they landed on Angela. She was on stage, the center of attention. She looked breathtaking like someone who had just walked off the cover of a glossy magazine.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as I listened to her speech. Her words flowed effortlessly, and the audience hung onto every sentence.

My wife is brilliant. My Angela. How did I get so lucky?

I adjusted my grip on the lilies, imagining her smile after getting them.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Her speech ended with thunderous applause. But before I could step forward, another man appeared beside her. He handed her a massive bouquet of orchids, the kind I could never afford.

Then, he hugged her. The lilies nearly slipped from my hands.

Angela’s face lit up, but not with the smile she gave me. This was warm and intimate.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The room blurred around me as I followed them through the crowd, staying just far enough behind to avoid being noticed. They stopped near the exit. I heard her voice, clear and sharp:

“Just a little longer, and we won’t have to hide. I’m filing for divorce soon.”

My legs trembled, but I forced myself to step forward. I held out the flowers silently. Angela’s eyes widened, but she didn’t say a word. Without looking back, I turned and walked away.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

Angela had become someone I barely recognized. The kind, ambitious woman I once adored had transformed into someone cold and cynical. Her sharp words still echoed in my mind.

“I don’t love you anymore,” she said after that evening.

“You’re nothing more than a babysitter, not a real man.”

The disdain in her eyes cut deeper than I cared to admit. She stood in the middle of the living room, listing her demands as though reading off a shopping list.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I’ll take the house, the car, and all the savings. I’ll leave you with the most precious thing. The kids.”

It wasn’t an act of love. Angela didn’t want them.

The divorce dragged on, a cold and transactional process. There were no heartfelt talks, no apologies. I braced myself for the worst, but in the end, the court sided with me. I was granted custody of the children and ownership of the house.

It felt like a small victory in a losing battle.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

But from that moment, everything depended on me. I had to find a job, provide for my kids, and figure out how to rebuild a life that had been shattered.

After years as a stay-at-home dad, the job market felt foreign and intimidating.

***

One morning, as I dropped Kevin off at preschool, I stood by the classroom door, watching him run to his friends. A familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“Hi, Andrew.” It was Jennifer.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She was both one of the single moms in Kevin’s class and a teacher there, someone I’d exchanged polite hellos with but didn’t know well.

“We’re looking for a teaching assistant at the preschool,” she continued. “Maybe it’s exactly what you need right now.”

Her words surprised me. Teaching assistant? I hadn’t considered anything like that.

“Do you think they’d even consider me?” I asked, doubt creeping into my voice.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Of course. You’re already great with the kids. Why not make it official?”

I decided to apply, and within weeks, I started working at the preschool. It wasn’t a permanent job, but it gave me enough income to cover our needs. It also came with free extracurricular activities for the kids and more time to be with them.

***

A few months later, Kevin and Emma were performing in a class play. I stood in the crowd, clapping proudly as my children took their bows.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Then, I spotted Angela in the audience. She never attended preschool events, and her presence sent a wave of unease through me. After the performance, she approached me, her smile too wide to be genuine.

“Let’s talk,” she said sweetly. “I’ve been thinking… maybe we should give our family another chance.”

I froze. Her tone was off and calculated. It didn’t take long to understand why. Her new boyfriend had left her, and her business was struggling. She didn’t want me. She wanted the stability I provided.

“I can’t do this,” I said firmly. “You’re welcome to see the kids, but we’re not a family anymore.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Her expression changed instantly. The sugary facade melted away, replaced by cold anger.

“If you think you can just refuse me, you’re wrong,” she hissed. “I’ll take the kids. You don’t even have a stable job. The court will rule in my favor.”

Her words weren’t about love or parenting. They were about control. Angela didn’t care about the kids. She just wanted to win.

The stakes were higher than ever, and I couldn’t afford to lose.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The weeks that followed were some of the most stressful of my life. Angela’s legal threats hung over me like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over every moment. I couldn’t sleep without her words echoing in my mind.

“I’ll take the kids. The court will side with me.”

It wasn’t just a threat. It was a battle cry, one I couldn’t afford to ignore.

Jennifer quickly became my lifeline. She was always there, whether it was to listen, offer advice, or bring me coffee when I looked ready to collapse.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You’ve been the primary caregiver for years,” she said one evening as we sat in my living room, surrounded by stacks of paperwork. “No court would take the kids away from you. We just need to prove it.”

Her words gave me hope, but I knew hope alone wouldn’t win this fight. Together, we worked tirelessly to gather evidence.

We found photos—birthday parties, preschool events, and everyday moments that showed me at the center of my kids’ lives. Jennifer helped collect testimonials from neighbors, teachers, and even the preschool principal, who agreed to write a letter explaining how involved I was in my children’s lives.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The day of the court hearing arrived, Angela was already there, dressed in a sleek designer suit. As the hearing began, Angela’s lawyer argued that her financial stability ensured a better future for the children. But when the judge asked about her role in their lives, she faltered, and her polished facade cracked.

Our evidence spoke louder than her words. The ruling came down in my favor. Full custody was mine, while Angela was granted visitation rights.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Outside, Jennifer was waiting for me. She smiled and hugged me tightly. “I told you we’d figure it out!”

Life didn’t magically return to normal after that. I continued working at the preschool, and with Jennifer’s encouragement, I enrolled in evening courses to become a certified teacher.

As the days turned into weeks, my friendship with Jennifer grew. She became a light in my life, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there was still hope.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

One evening, as we sat in the yard watching kids play, Jennifer turned to me with a smile.

“You know, sometimes life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need when you least expect it.”

She was right. Angela’s betrayal had broken me, but it also pushed me to discover my strength, my purpose, and something I hadn’t thought I’d find again. Love.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*