Most Famous Eds in the World

From chart-topping singers to acclaimed actors and influential filmmakers, plenty of household names share the first name Ed. Below is a friendly tour through some of the most recognizable Eds across music, film, television, and beyond, highlighting what they’re known for and where you’ve likely seen or heard their work.

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is a British singer-songwriter known for worldwide hits and record-breaking stadium tours. He has earned multiple major music awards and holds numerous streaming milestones. His collaborations span pop, hip-hop, and folk, and he is known for crafting songs alone on stage with a loop pedal. Sheeran has also made small screen cameos, including a guest spot on ‘Game of Thrones’.

Ed Harris

Ed Harris is an American actor celebrated for transformative roles in films such as ‘Apollo 13’, ‘The Truman Show’, and ‘Pollock’. He has received multiple Academy Award nominations and is respected for his work both in front of and behind the camera. Harris also gained a new generation of fans through the HBO series ‘Westworld’. His career includes prominent stage performances and directing credits.

Ed Helms

Ed Helms is an American actor and comedian who broke out on ‘The Daily Show’ before becoming widely known for ‘The Office’. He also starred in the box-office-smashing ‘The Hangover’ films. Beyond acting, Helms is a musician and producer, often incorporating bluegrass and folk into his projects. His work spans television, film, voice acting, and podcasting.

Ed O’Neill

Ed O’Neill is an American actor best known for two long-running sitcom hits: ‘Married… with Children’ and ‘Modern Family’. On the latter, he played Jay Pritchett, earning critical acclaim and award nominations. O’Neill has also contributed voice work to animated features and shows. His television career is marked by successful ensemble casts and enduring popularity.

Ed Asner

Ed Asner was an American actor whose role as Lou Grant on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and ‘Lou Grant’ became a television landmark. He won numerous Emmy Awards across comedy and drama. Asner also voiced the lead character in Pixar’s ‘Up’. His extensive career included stage, film, advocacy work, and leadership within the actors’ union.

Ed Sullivan

Ed Sullivan was an American television host and cultural tastemaker who introduced generations of viewers to major acts on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’. His variety program showcased groundbreaking music and comedy performances to mass audiences. The Beatles’ U.S. TV debut on his stage became a pop-culture milestone. Sullivan’s Sunday-night institution helped define mid-20th-century entertainment.

Ed McMahon

Ed McMahon was an American television personality best known as Johnny Carson’s longtime announcer and sidekick on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’. He later hosted ‘Star Search’, which spotlighted future stars across music and comedy. McMahon’s warm presence and signature introductions became part of late-night TV history. He also appeared in numerous specials, commercials, and charitable events.

Ed Begley Jr.

Ed Begley Jr. is an American actor recognized for ‘St. Elsewhere’ and frequent appearances in Christopher Guest’s ensemble films such as ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. He has had recurring roles on series including ‘Better Call Saul’ and other acclaimed shows. Begley is also known for environmental advocacy and sustainable living initiatives. His career spans film, television, stage, and nonfiction work.

Ed Westwick

Ed Westwick is an English actor who rose to international fame as Chuck Bass on ‘Gossip Girl’. He later led the BBC comedy ‘White Gold’ and has appeared in films and thrillers. Westwick’s television roles made him a fixture of pop culture in the late 2000s and 2010s. He continues to work across screen projects in both the U.K. and the U.S.

Ed Skrein

Ed Skrein is a British actor and rapper who gained mainstream attention as the antagonist Ajax in ‘Deadpool’. He briefly appeared in ‘Game of Thrones’ and later headlined the action film ‘The Transporter Refueled’. Skrein has also taken roles in fantasy and historical projects. His career includes music releases under his own name prior to acting prominence.

Ed Burns

Ed Burns is an American actor and filmmaker who broke out with micro-budget indie features before moving into studio projects. He has acted in films and directed character-driven stories set around New York. Burns also works in television, including writing and producing series. His career blends independent filmmaking with mainstream acting roles.

Ed Solomon

Ed Solomon is an American screenwriter and filmmaker behind hit franchises and inventive genre films. He co-wrote ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ and later penned ‘Men in Black’. Solomon has written for television, directed features, and collaborated with prominent directors. His work often blends humor with high-concept storytelling.

Ed Boon

Ed Boon is an American game developer and creative director best known as the co-creator of the Mortal Kombat franchise. His work shaped fighting-game mechanics and pop-culture iconography, leading to multiple film and television adaptations of the property. Boon has overseen numerous installments and spin-offs over decades. He is a prominent figure in the intersection of gaming and mainstream entertainment.

Share your picks for the most famous Eds—and any we missed—in the comments!