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Updated Feb 18th, 2010
Begley at Mission West Event
 Thano and Kathy Adamson, owners of Mission West
Kitchen and Bath of South Pasadena, celebrate Ed
Begley Jr.’s recent book signing.
By KATHY ADAMSON
Special to The Outlook
Ed Begley Jr. is an Academy award-winning actor and has
landed roles in “St. Elsewhere,” “Batman Forever” and
“Pineapple Express” just to name a few.
He’s also been a director, author and his most recent HGTV
program, “Living with Ed,” has brought him to the forefront of
celebrity legend.
But the Ed Begley Jr. I met at Mission West Kitchen and Bath
in South Pasadena for a booking signing of his latest book
“Guide to Sustainable Living” did not strike me as the typical
Hollywood star. I met a man who, once meeting him, you have a
deep desire to become his best friend; a man who looks you in the
eye and cares about what you’re saying; a man who’s life was
inspired by his father and shaped by his struggles; a man who
truly cares about creating a cleaner environment.
We had an array of people come to this event from famous
producers to interested homeowners to well-known designers to
quirky fans. Ed spoke to each one with the same intensive interest
and friendly demeanor. I watched as an older woman, a big
fan, tell Ed her life story. Instead of pushing her away in the
Hollywood diplomatic style actors are famous for, Ed, a vegan,
sat there and listened to every word she said as he nibbled on his
peanut butter and jelly sandwich using a newspaper as a plate
instead on wasting a paper one.
As a spokesperson for Lifesource Water, a whole house water
filtration system which is sold exclusively at Mission West
Kitchen and Bath, Ed spoke about the qualities of Lifesource
water and the benefits of living a greener life.
He gathered us and told us of his early life as an environmentalist,
one that began by gathering cans and bottles to supplement
in meager income as he pursued his acting career. His main form
of transportation back then was a bike and later one of the first
electric vehicles ever made, otherwise known as a glorified golf
cart.
Ed still can be seen riding his bike to major Hollywood functions.
This unassuming man, leader and dedicated environmentalist,
author, director and actor walked into Mission West with a
big smile and a warm handshake ready to spread his views on the
importance of living a green life.
After a couple of hours of “Ed,” he walked up the street
where he parked his 2003 Toyota Rav4 EV electric vehicle and
quietly left.
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