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.

I Was About to Propose to My Girlfriend on Valentine’s Day When I Accidentally Discovered Her Shocking Secret in Her Google History

For seven years, Jill and I built a life filled with love, trust, and plans for the future. But just days before I proposed, a single glance at her Google search history revealed a secret so shocking it changed everything I thought I knew about the woman I was ready to marry.

Jill and I have been together for seven years. Seven good years. She’s my best friend, my partner, my everything.

A happy couple with their dog | Source: Pexels

A happy couple with their dog | Source: Pexels

She’s the kind of person who lights up a room without trying. She has this easy laugh, the kind that makes people feel at home. She remembers the little things like how I take my coffee, my favorite songs, the way I get grumpy when I’m hungry.

I love her for all of it. We fit perfectly.

A couple having fun in the snow | Source: Pexels

A couple having fun in the snow | Source: Pexels

We love the same music. We travel together, never getting tired of each other’s company. My family loves her like their own, and her family has always welcomed me in. I’ve never doubted her. Not once. That’s why I was going to propose.

I had everything planned. Valentine’s Day. A quiet cabin getaway. Just the two of us. A warm fire, a bottle of wine, and the perfect moment.

A couple at home | Source: Pexels

A couple at home | Source: Pexels

The ring? A simple solitaire, classic and elegant, just like Jill.

I’d pictured it a hundred times. I’d get down on one knee, say something heartfelt, and she’d smile—maybe cry a little—before saying yes. At least, that’s how I thought it would go.

Then, suddenly, things started to change.

A concerned thoughtful man | Source: Freepik

A concerned thoughtful man | Source: Freepik

At first, I told myself I was imagining it. Jill was still there, still saying “I love you,” still kissing me goodbye in the mornings. But something was… different.

The warmth in her voice? It wasn’t the same. The way she looked at me? It felt distant, like she was somewhere else. Little things started adding up.

A couple growing cold | Source: Pexels

A couple growing cold | Source: Pexels

She’d come home and go straight to the bedroom without our usual chat about the day. Her texts got shorter. When I tried to cuddle with her at night, she’d shift away, just slightly, but enough for me to notice.

One night, I found her sitting on the couch, staring at her phone. She didn’t even look up when I walked in.

A woman on her couch looking at her phone | Source: Pexels

A woman on her couch looking at her phone | Source: Pexels

“What’re you looking at?” I asked, sitting next to her.

She jumped, locking the screen. “Nothing.”

I frowned. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Just tired.”

That was her answer for everything.

A tired woman covering her mouth | Source: Pexels

A tired woman covering her mouth | Source: Pexels

A week later, I tried again. We were in bed, lights off, just the hum of the night around us.

“Jill,” I whispered.

“Hmm?”

I hesitated. “Are we okay?”

She turned her head toward me. Even in the dark, I could feel the weight of her stare. “What do you mean?”

A sleepless man in his bed | Source: Midjourney

A sleepless man in his bed | Source: Midjourney

“You’ve been… different.” I sighed. “Distant. You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?”

She was quiet for too long. Then, finally, she reached for my hand.

“I love you,” she said softly.

But it felt… empty.

A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels

A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels

Days passed, and the feeling didn’t go away. She got irritated easily. When I asked if she wanted to grab dinner, she said she wasn’t hungry. When I made a joke, she barely reacted.

One night, she came home late. She looked exhausted.

“Tough day?” I asked.

She rubbed her face. “Yeah.”

A tired woman rubbing her face | Source: Pexels

A tired woman rubbing her face | Source: Pexels

I waited for her to say more. She didn’t. Something was wrong, and I was going to find out what.

That night, I wasn’t looking for anything. I was just on my laptop, checking something quickly before heading to bed. Jill had used it earlier, but that wasn’t unusual.

I clicked on my browser history out of habit. That’s when I saw the questions, search after search.

A man working on his laptop | Source: Pexels

A man working on his laptop | Source: Pexels

“How to tell someone I have a child who I hid for years?”

“How to say it without losing them?”

My stomach twisted. I read the words over and over, my mind struggling to catch up.

A child? A lie? I felt a chill crawl up my spine.

Jill didn’t have a child. We’d been together for seven years. She would have told me. Right? My pulse pounded in my ears.

A shocked man | Source: Pexels

A shocked man | Source: Pexels

I scrolled further. There were more searches. Some were variations of the same question. Some were even worse.

“Will he hate me if he finds out?”

“Can a relationship survive a huge lie?”

My hands started shaking. I sat back in my chair, trying to breathe. My chest felt tight, like the air had been sucked from the room.

A shocked man looking at his laptop | Source: Midjourney

A shocked man looking at his laptop | Source: Midjourney

I wanted to believe it was a mistake. Maybe she was looking this up for a friend. Maybe it wasn’t what it seemed. But deep down, I knew it was real, and it was about me.

I should’ve waited. I should’ve taken time to think, to process. But I couldn’t. I needed answers. Now.

A serious man looking at his laptop | Source: Midjourney

A serious man looking at his laptop | Source: Midjourney

Jill was in the bedroom, sitting cross-legged on the bed, scrolling through her phone. The glow from the screen reflected in her eyes, making her look almost peaceful. She didn’t notice me at first.

When she finally looked up, she gave me a soft smile. Forced.

“You okay?” she asked.

I didn’t answer. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like my ribs would crack.

A smiling woman in her bedroom | Source: Midjourney

A smiling woman in her bedroom | Source: Midjourney

Jill frowned and set her phone aside. “Babe?”

I sat down on the edge of the bed, my hands clenched into fists. My stomach was in knots, my mind racing. I had thought about waiting—about giving myself time to process before confronting her—but I couldn’t. Not with something like this.

I took a deep breath, but it didn’t help. My throat still felt tight, like I was being strangled from the inside.

A couple having a serious talk in their bedroom | Source: Midjourney

A couple having a serious talk in their bedroom | Source: Midjourney

“I saw your search history.”

Jill’s face went pale. She didn’t move. Didn’t blink. The silence stretched between us, thick and suffocating.

I swallowed hard. “Tell me the truth.” My voice was quieter than I expected. “What child? What lie?”

Her lips parted like she wanted to speak, but no words came out. I waited.

A shocked scared woman | Source: Pexels

A shocked scared woman | Source: Pexels

The tension in the room grew heavier with every second that passed. Then, suddenly, Jill dropped her head into her hands. Her shoulders started shaking.

A choked sob escaped her.

“Jill,” I whispered. “Please.”

She wiped at her face, her breathing ragged. When she finally looked at me, her eyes were red and glassy.

A black and white photo of a crying woman | Source: Pexels

A black and white photo of a crying woman | Source: Pexels

“I’ve wanted to tell you for so long,” she whispered. “But I was scared.”

My whole body felt stiff, like I was frozen in place. “Tell me now.”

Jill squeezed her hands together, her fingers trembling. Her chest rose and fell unevenly. She wasn’t just upset—she was terrified.

She took a deep, shaky breath and let the words fall from her lips.

“I have a child.” The world seemed to stop.

A man talking to his sad wife | Source: Midjourney

A man talking to his sad wife | Source: Midjourney

I stared at her, my brain refusing to process what I had just heard. “You… what?”

Her voice was barely audible. “I had her when I was fourteen.”

I couldn’t speak. Jill sniffled, rubbing her hands over her face. “My parents… they raised her as their own.” Her breath hitched. “They told everyone she was their daughter. Even she doesn’t know the truth.”

A man looking at his wife in disbelief | Source: Midjourney

A man looking at his wife in disbelief | Source: Midjourney

The room tilted. I felt like I was sinking into the mattress, unable to move, unable to think.

I forced my mouth to work. “So… your little sister…”

Jill nodded, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. “She’s not my sister,” she said. “She’s my daughter.”

The air left my lungs. I couldn’t breathe. Everything I knew—everything I believed about Jill, about our life together—shifted beneath me.

A shocked man talking to his wife | Source: Midjourney

A shocked man talking to his wife | Source: Midjourney

Jill’s sister. The girl I had spent holidays with. The one I had joked around with. The one I had watched grow up over the years.

She wasn’t her sister. She was her child.

I felt dizzy. My hands were clammy, my chest tight.

“You’ve lied to me…” My voice cracked. “For seven years?”

A crying woman looking to her side | Source: Pexels

A crying woman looking to her side | Source: Pexels

Jill let out a shaky breath. “I didn’t know how to tell you.” She sniffled. “At first, I thought it didn’t matter. We were young. It wasn’t something I wanted to bring up. But then… time passed. And the longer I waited, the harder it got.”

I clenched my jaw. “You should have told me.”

A serious man in his bedroom | Source: Freepik

A serious man in his bedroom | Source: Freepik

“I know.” She looked down at her lap, ashamed. “I thought… maybe I’d never have to.”

I let out a hollow laugh. It wasn’t funny, but I didn’t know what else to do. “And what? Just keep pretending she’s your sister forever?”

She wiped at her face, her hands shaking. “I don’t know. I was scared.”

A crying woman in a hoodie | Source: Pexels

A crying woman in a hoodie | Source: Pexels

I ran a hand through my hair, my mind spinning. “Did your parents force you to lie?” My voice was rough, uneven.

Jill exhaled shakily. “Not force. But they made it clear it was the best thing for everyone. They thought it would ruin my life if people knew the truth. So they… took over. And I let them.”

I stared at her, my emotions warring inside me.

Judgemental parents in their living room | Source: Midjourney

Judgemental parents in their living room | Source: Midjourney

“I wanted to tell you,” she whispered. “So many times. But every time I tried, I just—” She shook her head. “I was terrified you’d leave.”

I let out a slow breath. “You should have trusted me.”

Tears streamed down her face. “I know.”

I wanted to be angry, but mostly, I just felt… lost.

A shocked puzzled man | Source: Freepik

A shocked puzzled man | Source: Freepik

Jill sniffled. “Please. Say something.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know what to say.”

She reached for my hand, gripping it tightly. “I love you. That hasn’t changed.”

I looked at Jill—broken, vulnerable, terrified. But she was still my Jill. The woman I loved. The woman I still wanted forever with.

A couple hugging on a couch | Source: Pexels

A couple hugging on a couch | Source: Pexels

So I reached into my pocket, pulled out the ring, and whispered, “Marry me.”

Through her tears, she gasped. “Yes!”

Wedding rings on a table | Source: Pexels

Wedding rings on a table | Source: Pexels

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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