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The truth about global warming is very inconvenient – it takes ingenuity, sacrifice and commitment to incorporate energy efficiency and sustainable living into daily life. And nobody knows that better than long-time environmental activist Ed Begley Jr., star of HGTV’s acclaimed “Living With Ed,” which illuminates his 30-plus year commitment to saving the planet. At the podium, Begley brings the audience into his ultra-green world, shedding energy-efficient light on how each of us can make a difference. Lamar State College-Orange will present Ed Begley Jr. for their Distinguished Lecture Series on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lutcher Theater.

Turning up at Hollywood events on his bicycle, driving to high-powered meetings in an electric car, and selling environmentally friendly products in his *Begley’s Best* line of cleaners, Begley has long been considered an environmental leader in the Hollywood community.

Bobby Kennedy Jr., environmental lawyer and longtime friend, has said “Ed has a greater sense of social obligation than anyone I know.

He’s like a West Coast cadet who gets up every morning and says ‘reporting for duty.’” He has served as chairman of the Environmental Media Association and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

He still serves on those boards, as well as the Thoreau Institute, the Earth Communications Office, Tree People and the Friends of the Earth, among many others.

Begley’s work in the environmental community has earned him a number of awards from some of the most prestigious environmental groups in the country, including the California League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Coalition for Clean Air, Heal the Bay and the Santa Monica Baykeeper.

When not powering his toaster with a stationary bike, Begley’s day job as an acclaimed, award-winning actor includes roles on television, in movies, and on the stage. Inspired by the works of his Academy Award-winning father, Begley became an actor. He first came to audiences’ attention for his portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the long-running hit television series, “St. Elsewhere,” for which he received six Emmy nominations. Since then Begley has moved easily between feature, television and theatre projects.

Begley can currently be seen in the hit Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow film, “Pineapple Express”, as well as many Christopher Guest films, including “A Mighty Wind”, “Best In Show” and “For Your Consideration.” Other feature film credits include “Batman Forever”, “The Accidental Tourist” and “The In-Laws.” On television, Begley is appearing in the new CBS comedy on Wednesdays called “Gary Unmarried” He has also been seen recently in “Recount” with Kevin Spacey, Tom Wilkinson and Laura Dern, as well as recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Arrested Development” and “Boston Legal.”  He has directed several episodes of the hit show “NYPD Blue” as well as a play that he wrote called “Cesar and Ruben” that won a Nos Otros Award and four Valley Theater League Awards.

Also an author, Begley has written about sustainable and eco-friendly living. His book, “Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life” ($18), will be available at the LSC-O Bookstore on April 10.

The Ed Begley Jr. lecture, “Living Green with Ed,” as a feature of the LSC-O Distinguished Lecture Series, is one part of the college’s mission --“to provide community service activities that promote economic development and cultural awareness.” The event is free and open to the public. Following the lecture and Q&A session will be a short reception and book signing, with copies of Begley’s books available for purchase.

For more information, visit lsco.edu, or contact Director of Student Activities Wendy Elliott at 882-3097 or [email protected].