Before finding fame as an actress, Katey Sagal had a prolific career as a singer and songwriter. In the 1970s and 1980s, she worked as a backing vocalist for numerous renowned artists, including Bob Dylan, Etta James, Olivia Newton-John, Tanya Tucker, Bette Midler, and the rock band Molly Hatchet.123 She was also a member of the short-lived band The Group With No Name and performed as one of Bette Midler's Harlettes backup singers.3

Sagal has released three solo albums: "Well..." in 1994, "Room" in 2004, and "Covered" in 2013.13 Additionally, she contributed songs to the soundtrack of the hit TV series Sons of Anarchy, in which she starred, and has collaborated with the band The Forest Rangers.23

Katey Sagal's breakthrough role was as the iconic Peggy "Peg" Bundy on the groundbreaking Fox sitcom Married... with Children, which aired for 11 seasons from 1987 to 1997.234 The role earned Sagal four Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy and two American Comedy Awards nominations.34

Sagal initially had reservations about portraying the misogynistic and exploitative Peg character, fearing it could negatively impact her music career.2 To avoid being typecast, she disguised her appearance with a red bouffant wig and tacky 1960s-style clothing, allowing her to maintain a separate identity.2 While the show was intended as a satire, Sagal acknowledged that some viewers took the portrayal of women seriously, leading to criticism of the show's misogynistic undertones.3

Despite the controversy, Peg Bundy became one of television's most recognizable characters, significantly raising Sagal's profile and solidifying her as a talented comedic actress.14 The role marked a major breakthrough for Sagal and paved the way for her future success in both comedy and drama.234

Katey Sagal has showcased her versatility as a voice actress, most notably by voicing the iconic role of Turanga Leela on the critically acclaimed animated sci-fi sitcom Futurama.123 Sagal was personally chosen by creator Matt Groening in 1999 to voice Leela, the mutant cyclops spaceship captain and one of the show's main characters.14

Despite having no prior experience in voice acting, Sagal's natural delivery and ability to bring depth to Leela's character resonated with audiences and critics alike.14 She reprised the role for Futurama's original run from 1999 to 2003, the series revival from 2008 to 2013, and will return to voice Leela in the upcoming 20-episode season set to premiere in 2023.235

Sagal's performance as Leela has become an integral part of the show's enduring popularity and cult following.13 Her work on Futurama has cemented her status as a talented voice actress, showcasing her range and ability to bring animated characters to life with nuance and authenticity.245