Edward Roy McHale Is All Grown Up Joey McHales Son Had a Heart Defect at Birth
Edward Rory McHale as a child | Edward Rory as a teenager | Source: Instagram/semchale
Edward Rory McHale is one of the two sons of Joel McHale and Sarah Williams. Edward has grown into a remarkable young man after overcoming health challenges during his childhood.
"Community" star Joel McHale has charmed the world with his acting and comedic talents on television. His passion for his career mirrors his love for his two sons, Isaac and Edward Rory McHale.
Joel shares a special bond with Edward, which has taught the talented actor the significance of patience and empathy, especially when confronted with life's adversities.
Joel McHale and Sarah Williams with their sons Isaac and Edward Rory McHale attend Hammer Museum K.A.M.P. (Kids' Art Museum Project) 2016 on May 22, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Health Challenges Edward's Family Have Faced
Edward's father, actor Joel McHale, once shared in a past podcast interview about his health condition. They spent five days on the pediatric cardiology recovery floor, meeting other parents facing similar challenges.
What stood out in their challenging experience was that some of the parents wished that their child had Edward's particular heart problem, making Eddie's parents appreciate their situation differently.
Edward had two heart defects that required surgery, but they had to wait until he was five months old and stronger due to feeding issues. Their cardiologist referred them to the renowned pediatric heart surgeon, Dr. Vaughn Starnes, who explained the surgery procedure and reassured them.
Joel Mchale and Edward McHale attend the "Express Yourself" arts fair at Barker Hangar on November 11, 2012, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
His father shared in an Instagram post in 2021 that Edward underwent open-heart surgery when he was just two and a half months old, as his father shared in an Instagram post. Fortunately, the procedure was a success.
The TV actor revealed that his son's hospitalization was one of the most "dramatic times" for their family. He also thanked his wife, Sarah Williams, for her unwavering support throughout this ordeal.
The couple encountered more challenges after taking Edward back home, which included the latter wearing a helmet to address head flattening. He was later diagnosed with severe dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.
In a 2018 "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard," hosted by Dax Shepard, Joel revealed that he was diagnosed as a "slow starter" in his childhood, only later realizing it was dyslexia. This realization happened during a doctor's visit with Edward. He recalled:
"The doctor goes, and she was describing all of the symptoms, and I was like, 'That's what I have.' And she goes, 'Oh, I was wondering which one it was because it's passed down.'"
Sarah Williams and Joel McHale with their sons Edward Rory and Isaac McHale attend the creative arts fair and family day "Express Yourself," supporting P.S. ARTS, at Barker Hangar on November 11, 2012, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, Joel shared that Edward's grandfather had the same condition, although acknowledging it took him some time. Like Joel and Edward, the McHale patriarch also struggled to remember names.
Despite challenges, Edward showed remarkable strengths, such as walking just before ten months old and developing extraordinary coping skills. "He's able to handle life in other ways that kids can't," his father said.
Sarah Williams and Joel McHale attend the 2019 Hammer Museum Gala In The Garden at Hammer Museum on October 12, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Edward Has Consistently Exhibited A Lively Personality
Edward recently celebrated his 18th birthday, and his father reflected on the teen's life through the years in pictures in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. The proud dad called him "one of the most original people on this planet" and a "good man."
Sarah also took their son's birthday greetings on the platform with a sweet message where she lovingly highlighted the teen's love for animals, his intelligent mind, and his sense of humor.
Edward inherited his sense of humor and the gift of sarcasm from his dad. Joel revealed that, when he tells a bad joke, his son playfully advises him not to make jokes for an entire year.
His dad also recalled an amusing incident where a reporter approached them, and Edward sarcastically asked if Joel knew the reporter, causing the reporter to leave.
Eddie showed a vibrant personality as well. When one of the People magazine staff members asked Edward what he appreciates most about his father, he humorously mentioned his dad because he gives them money.
He is also quite an expert negotiator. For instance, during a magazine photo shoot for Father's Day, he and his brother Isaac requested to be paid for the shoot, and they eventually settled for $125 each.
Sarah Williams and Joel McHale attend the 2018 Hammer Museum Gala In The Garden held on October 14, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Edward Consents To His Parents As Conservators
Joel and his wife have recently filed for a conservatorship for their son, Edward. They aim to obtain legal authority to oversee his medical care and education as he reaches adulthood.
The couple has filed these documents with a Los Angeles County Courts judge. Their son has reportedly signed the request, indicating his consent to their role as conservators.
Joel McHale and Sarah Williams attend the People's Choice Awards 2017 at Microsoft Theater on January 18, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The arrangement caused a strain on the musician's relationships, affecting her connection with her own two children, her mother, Lynne, and sister, Jamie Lynn. The conservatorship ended in 2021.
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