Edward James Begley, Sr. (March 25, 1901 – April 28, 1970) was an Academy Award-winning American actor.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Begley began his career as radio actor while in his teens. He later acted in roles as Sgt. O'Hara in the radio show The Fat Man. Begley then progressed to Broadway. His radio work included a stint as Charlie Chan and Stroke of Fate amongst other roles. He also starred in the 1950s radio program Richard Diamond, Private Detective, playing Lieutenant Walter Levinson, head of homicide at the 5th Precinct, Manhattan. In the late 1940s, he began appearing regularly in supporting roles in films.

He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sweet Bird of Youth (1962). Some of his other notable films include 12 Angry Men (1957) and The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). He also worked extensively in television, appearing in guest roles in such programs as Bonanza, The Fugitive, and Target: The Corruptors!.