‘Married With Children’ Star Ted McGinley Discloses Surprisingly Low TV Residuals

Ted McGinley, best known for his role as Jefferson D’Arcy on “Married with Children,” has recently revealed some surprising insights about television residuals. The actor, who is currently 67 years old, reported having a “whole stack” of residual checks that individually amount to just one penny.
Ted McGinley’s Experience with TV Residuals
During a conversation with Page Six, McGinley suggested that residual payments have diminished significantly over the years. He noted, “Residuals step down, eventually, it doesn’t become that much.” Despite this downturn, his extensive career in television still allows him to receive regular checks, albeit for minimal amounts.
Penny Checks and Minimal Deposits
- McGinley receives many checks for just a penny.
- He estimates the smallest amount he would consider cashing at around $2.
- Some checks have even been as low as $1.89.
While he often laughs off the tiny checks, McGinley acknowledges that the combined value of his residuals from shows like “Happy Days” and “The Love Boat” has kept him from stopping entirely. “I’ve been getting residuals all the time,” he reflected.
Current Projects and Career Reflections
McGinley is currently starring alongside Harrison Ford in the Apple TV+ series “Shrinking.” He expressed astonishment at working with such a renowned actor. “I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I [would] get this shot,” he said. His admiration for Ford was evident as he described him as kind and professional, creating a comfortable atmosphere on set.
Working on “Shrinking” alongside actors like Jason Segel and Christa Miller has been a rewarding experience for McGinley. “I’m so honored that they would allow me to be a part of it,” he stated, showcasing his gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in the project.
As McGinley reminisces about his time on “Married with Children,” he continues to embrace new endeavors in his acting career while navigating the unexpected reality of low TV residuals.




