“Yes Dear” Star Mike O’Malley Says He Was ‘Lucky to Always Have Work’ During ‘Relentless’ Period of His Life When He Had 3 Kids Under 5 (Exclusive)

Mike O’Malley Reflects on the Success of “Yes, Dear” and His Evolving Career

Mike O’Malley, the actor known for his role as Jimmy Hughes on the beloved sitcom “Yes, Dear”, recently spoke to PEOPLE about the series and its significance in his career. The show aired on CBS from 2000 to 2006, producing a total of 122 episodes over six seasons. It became a staple in American family television, often drawing viewers from the popular shows that aired before and after it, such as “King of Queens” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

“Yes, Dear” centres on Greg Warner, portrayed by Anthony Clark, and his wife Kim, played by Jean Louisa Kelly, as they navigate the challenges of raising their children together. The dynamic shifts when Kim’s sister Christine, interpreted by Liza Snyder, and her husband Jimmy, played by O’Malley, move into their guest house along with their two boys. This new living arrangement sparks comedic moments that resonate with many viewers who experience similar family dynamics.

Reflecting on his time at CBS, O’Malley described the camaraderie among the cast, emphasising the genuine friendships formed. “Those were great people to work with. And so we’re still friends, the cast who are in that,” he noted. He also paid tribute to Alan Kirschenbaum, a key figure in the show’s development, who sadly passed away. The bond O’Malley shares with Greg Garcia, the show’s creator, remains strong. “He’s been one of my best friends for the last 26 years,” O’Malley remarked, highlighting their collaborative efforts in projects such as the Emmy-winning “My Name is Earl.”

The themes explored in “Yes, Dear” struck a chord with audiences, particularly the struggles of parenthood. O’Malley stated, “One of the things about a show is that you want to get on a show and you want people to relate to the stories that you’re telling.” He emphasised the universal experience of feeling “cool” before having children and the profound shift to being “very, very tired” once parenting responsibilities take over.

In a nostalgic turn, O’Malley expressed pride when “Yes, Dear” was added to the lineup of Nick at Nite in 2012, considering his roots with Nickelodeon. However, he acknowledged the complications that arise with music rights, which can limit viewership opportunities for older shows.

Following the conclusion of “Yes, Dear” in 2006, O’Malley maintained a busy career with multiple projects. He spoke about the demands of that period, expressing gratitude for consistent work while managing the challenges of parenting three young children. “That period of time in my life was relentless, in a good way,” he said.

As he transitioned away from sitcoms, O’Malley pursued more diverse opportunities in writing and acting. He was involved in the pilot for “Pretty/Handsome,” produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, and appeared in “My Own Worst Enemy” alongside Christian Slater. His versatility led him to the iconic role of Burt Hummel in “Glee,” further solidifying his place in television history.

O’Malley’s love for teamwork and collaborative creativity drives his passion for acting. He commented on the fulfilment he finds in the process rather than the end product, saying, “Creatively, there are things that I’ve acted in that I’ve still not watched because I had the experience.” This perspective underlines the importance he places on the journey of creation rather than solely the audience’s reception.

As he approaches 60, O’Malley contemplates the evolution of his career and the shifting landscape of roles available to older actors. He acknowledged the industry’s challenges, particularly for women, saying, “You especially hear actresses talk about this all the time. There are no good parts for older women.” However, he noted there remains a bounty of roles for older men in darker portrayals, such as corrupt officials and morally ambiguous characters.

Ultimately, O’Malley prioritises enjoyment and meaningful connections in his project selections. “I look for when there’s a project is going to be fun to work with,” he shared, emphasising the importance of a positive environment in his career. As he reflects on his storied past while looking forward, Mike O’Malley continues to navigate the entertainment industry with resilience and a sense of humour.