Ted McGinley says he has accumulated a “whole stack” of residual checks from his long television career, but many of them are for just one penny. The 67-year-old actor said the checks come from shows he appeared on decades ago, including “Happy Days,” “The Love Boat” and his best-known role as Jefferson D’Arcy on seven seasons of “Married with Children.” He explained that residual payments gradually shrink over time, eventually becoming very small, which is why he continues to receive tiny checks from work he did in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
McGinley said he does not bother cashing the checks for a penny, but he will deposit ones that add up to a few dollars. He joked that he would likely cash a check for around $2, and even one for $1.89 would be worth it. The actor’s comments highlight how long-running television work can continue to generate modest payments years after the original episodes aired, even when the amounts become symbolic rather than substantial.
Beyond the residual checks, McGinley also spoke about his current role in Apple TV+’s “Shrinking,” where he appears alongside Harrison Ford, Jason Segel, Christa Miller, Michael Urie and Brett Goldstein. He said he never imagined he would have the chance to work with Ford, whom he has long admired. McGinley recalled that, in earlier years, he would think about what it might be like to act opposite one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Now, he says the experience has been better than he expected.
McGinley described Ford as kind, professional and calming on set, saying the veteran actor sets others at ease and is focused on working. He called the opportunity a gift and said he feels honored to be part of the series. The interview reflects both the practical reality of an actor’s residual income and the ongoing excitement McGinley feels about his latest career chapter.
