Nearly three decades after Married… With Children aired its final episode, Katey Sagal is reminding fans just how different she looks from her unforgettable television character. The 72-year-old actress, best known for portraying the outspoken Peg Bundy, recently stepped into the spotlight at New York Comic Con, showing off her natural beauty without the dramatic makeup and towering red hairstyle that defined her sitcom years.
According to Parade, the actress attended the 2026 New York Comic Con Portrait Studio at the Javits Center in New York City, where she posed for photographs looking elegant and relaxed. Her latest appearance offered a striking contrast to the glamorous, over-the-top housewife who entertained audiences throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. However, Sagal’s transformation is only one part of her remarkable journey since leaving the Bundy household behind.
Katey Sagal Today Looks Nothing Like Her Famous Peg Bundy Character
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Sagal became a television sensation when Married… With Children premiered on Fox in 1987. As Peg Bundy, she regularly appeared in bright outfits, high heels, dramatic makeup, and an enormous red bouffant hairstyle. Her character’s sarcastic remarks, extravagant fashion choices, and hilarious exchanges with her husband, Al Bundy, played by Ed O’Neill, helped make the comedy a household favorite. Alongside Christina Applegate and David Faustino, who portrayed Kelly and Bud Bundy, Sagal became part of one of television’s most recognizable fictional families.
However, her recent appearance at New York Comic Con presented a completely different image. Without Peg’s signature hairspray-heavy hairstyle and exaggerated makeup, the actress looked effortlessly stylish in her portraits. The appearance also brought renewed attention to how much time has passed since the sitcom ended in 1997. Although the series frequently attracted controversy because of its provocative humor, it remained popular throughout its 11-season run and established Sagal as a major television star.
Remembering Her Career Beyond ‘Married… With Children and Family Life
After saying goodbye to Peg Bundy, Sagal continued building an impressive acting career, proving that her talents extended far beyond sitcom comedy. She starred in 8 Simple Rules and later earned critical acclaim for portraying Gemma Teller Morrow on Sons of Anarchy. Meanwhile, animation fans recognize her voice as Leela on Futurama, a role she has maintained for decades. She also played Louise Goldufski-Conner on The Conners from 2018 to 2025 and explored theater through productions, including The Gospel According to Heather.
Away from Hollywood, the actress is also a devoted mother of three. She welcomed her youngest daughter, Esmé, through surrogacy with husband Kurt Sutter when she was 52. During an appearance on Ted Danson’s Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, Sagal reflected on their decision to expand their family after Sutter initially expressed uncertainty about having children. She also shares Sarah Grace and Jackson with her late former husband, Jack Cameron White. As she continues balancing family life with her entertainment career, Sagal remains a familiar face to viewers who remember the unforgettable Peg Bundy and the actress who brought her to life.
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