Ed O’Neill’s 2 Kids: Sophia and Claire
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Byline: UK Correspondent [Your Name]

Iconic actor Ed O’Neill is renowned for his roles as sitcom dads in “Modern Family” and “Married… With Children,” but his off-screen life portrays him as a loving father to two daughters, Sophia and Claire. Ed tied the knot with actress Catherine Rusoff in 1986, and their family expanded in the early 2000s with the arrival of both daughters. Drawing inspiration from his own father, Ed has praised him as a great father in various interviews, emphasising the importance of fulfilling that role effectively. Even though Ed typically keeps his daughters’ lives out of the limelight, his on-screen daughter, Christina Applegate, shared humorous anecdotes about him as a father figure during her youth.

Christina Applegate jokingly remarked in August 2024, “He raised me, so if you don’t like anything about me, it’s his fault. If you do like anything about me, also his fault… He’s an incredible human being… He went through everything with me, my mom’s cancer and other things.” Both Claire and Sophia have shown support for their father by accompanying him to events, including when he received his star on the Walk of Fame in 2011. The family bond is evidently strong as they attend significant industry gatherings together.
Sophia, the elder daughter, was born around 2000 and grew up in Los Angeles. While details about her life are mostly kept private, she has had some unforgettable celebrity encounters courtesy of her father. One such instance was when she witnessed Ed kiss her celebrity crush, leading to a humorous family moment shared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Furthermore, Sophia had a starstruck experience during a Father’s Day dinner at Rao’s in Hollywood when she met her long-time crush, Leonardo DiCaprio. These instances exhibit the blend of normalcy and glamour that comes with being a Hollywood actor’s child.
Joining her father at various prestigious events like the Wreck-It Ralph premiere, the Golden Globe Awards post-party, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Sophia has had her fair share of red carpet moments. In recent years, she has been more active on TikTok, occasionally sharing snippets of her life, including a fun video featuring gossip time with her mum. Despite not having a public Instagram account, Sophia has managed to connect with fans and showcase her personality on social media platforms.
Claire, Ed’s younger daughter born around 2007, has accompanied him to events and red carpets from a young age. Her exposure to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood was evident when she attended events like the Global Green USA Millennium Awards and the Kidstock music and arts festival. A notable moment for Claire was her involvement in a Modern Family reunion party at Sofia Vergara’s residence, where enthusiasts quickly recognised her from various media shared online.
Ed’s other daughter, Claire, was born around 2007 and has been by his side at numerous public appearances, such as the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She has also travelled with her family, with a notable trip to Ireland in 2014. Claire’s inadvertent taste of fame came during a Modern Family reunion party, where her identity was uncovered by curious fans. This incident led to an unexpected surge in attention towards her, which caught Ed off guard.
Both Sophia and Claire have shared special moments with their father at significant events and milestones in the entertainment industry. With Sophia gradually opening up on social media platforms and Claire inadvertently becoming a recognisable figure, it is evident that the O’Neill family is navigating the complexities of fame and family with grace and charm. As they continue to grow and evolve, their bond with Ed remains a central part of their lives, navigating the nuances of both the Hollywood spotlight and personal connections.
