Christina Applegate and Katey Sagal, the stars of the iconic ’90s sitcom ‘Married… With Children,’ have candidly revealed the behind-the-scenes dynamics that defined the show. The cast, known for their sarcastic and cynical nature, often engaged in trash-talking, creating a brutally honest atmosphere on set. Sagal admitted that on the set, you ‘weren’t safe,’ with cast members frequently mocking one another. ‘You turned your back, somebody’s going to talk s— on you,’ she explained on her podcast with her husband, Kurt Sutter.
Applegate, who played the role of Kelly Bundy, shared her own experience with the show’s intense environment. She recalled being shocked one day when she realized people were trash-talking her while she was in her dressing room. ‘I could hear being talked s— about in my dressing room on the monitor,’ she said. ‘I’d come up from rehearsal and I can hear everybody on set, literally talking s— about me. I was like, “Wow, I was just there 20 seconds ago.”’
Applegate went on to reveal how the pressures of being a sex symbol on the show led to her developing an eating disorder. She admitted that the role of Kelly Bundy had a significant impact on her mental and emotional health. ‘Playing that character kind of did things to me in my psyche that were no bueno – like anorexia,’ she explained on her ‘MeSsy’ podcast. Her experience was further complicated by the show’s wardrobe choices, which were designed to keep her in a tight, sexualized image. Sagal confirmed that Applegate was often scrutinized for her appearance, with the show’s creators trying to keep her in a specific box.
Despite the challenges, Applegate’s contributions to the show were significant. She was inspired by a girl interviewed for the 1981 documentary ‘The Decline of Western Civilization: Part II: The Metal Years.’ Her character, Kelly Bundy, was initially written as a ‘tough’ ‘biker girl,’ but Applegate suggested that the character should reflect the rock, slutty video vixen image prevalent in the 1980s. She went to the wardrobe department and proposed a change, ensuring that the character represented the zeitgeist of the time.
The show, set in Chicago, revolved around the Bundy family and was a staple of 1990s television. It starred Ed O’Neill, David Faustino, and more. While the show is remembered for its humor and groundbreaking moments, the reality of the on-set environment paints a different picture for its cast. The revelations from Sagal and Applegate add a new layer to the show’s legacy, highlighting the personal struggles and challenges faced by its stars.