Ned, 'the Pie Maker,' is the bittersweet heart of Pushing Daisies — a sweet, shy baker with a magical, terrible gift: a single touch can bring the dead back to life, but a second touch makes the restoration permanent, and if he lets the revived live longer than a minute, someone else nearby dies in their place. He uses the power to make pies from rotten fruit and, with a private investigator, to solve murders by asking the victims who killed them.
His arc is the most romantic catch-22 in television. When Ned revives his murdered childhood sweetheart, Chuck, and chooses to let her live, the two fall deeply in love — and can never, ever touch. The show spins whimsy and heartbreak out of that impossible premise, as Ned navigates love conducted at arm's length, the ethics of his gift, and the loneliness of a man who can resurrect anyone but hold no one.
Lee Pace's gentle, melancholy charm made Ned an indelible romantic lead in creator Bryan Fuller's candy-colored fairy tale.
Key Episodes
S1 E1
Pie-lette
Ned's gift, his pie shop, and his reunion with Chuck are established in the pilot.
S1 E5
Pigeon
Ned and Chuck's no-touching romance deepens amid a whimsical new case.
Ned is one of the central figures in Pushing Daisies, a comedy/drama/fantasy series that aired on ABC from 2007–2009. Within the narrative of Pushing Daisies, Ned serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1–2. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Lee Pace, Ned has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Lee Pace's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Lee Pace's work has been recognized with 1 major award, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Lee Pace plays Ned, the Pie Maker who can bring the dead back to life with a touch.
Pushing Daisies is a whimsical fantasy-comedy about a pie maker who can revive the dead with a touch, and uses the gift to solve murders — from creator Bryan Fuller.
