Ed Begley, Jr. to Kick Off ABA Day of Education

Ed Begley, Jr., who has become as well known for his environmental activism as for his acting career, will be the morning's keynote speaker at the American Booksellers Association's Day of Education on Thursday, May 29. Begley is the co-star of the hit HGTV series Living With Ed, a look at the day-to-day realities of "living green," and author of Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life (Clarkson Potter).

In a change of schedule, the keynote will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday in the Renaissance Hollywood's Grand Ballroom, where coffee will be served, not breakfast as previously announced.

Begley has been chairman of the Environmental Media Association and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. He serves on the boards of numerous organizations including the Thoreau Institute, the Earth Communications Office, Tree People, and Friends of the Earth. His work has garnered awards from environmental groups including the California League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Coalition for Clean Air, Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica Baykeeper, and the Southern California Gas Company.

Begley has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and theatre projects. His feature film work includes A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, Batman Forever, The Accidental Tourist, and The Inlaws. Upcoming projects include the theatrical comedy Pineapple Express and the HBO feature Recount, starring Kevin Spacey.

Since coming to public attention for his six-time Emmy-nominated portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the long-running TV series St. Elsewhere, Begley has had recurring roles on Six Feet Under and Arrested Development and has guest starred on such series as The West Wing, The Practice, Boston Legal, and CSI: Miami. His theatre credits include starring roles in productions of David Mamet's Cryptogram and Romance.