Catching up with 'Modern Family:’ where is the cast today?
ABC's 'Modern Family' aired from 2009 to 2020, capturing audiences with its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of three interconnected families. The show won a whopping 22 Emmy Awards and became a cultural phenomenon, perhaps unmatched by any other sitcom since. But many of the famous cast members have kept a relatively low profile. Here's what they've been up to!
Phil Dunphy, played by Ty Burrell, was the quintessential fun dad who tried (and often failed) to be the cool parent. His quirky humor and genuine love for his family made him one of the most endearing characters on the show.
After 'Modern Family,' Ty Burrell shifted focus to producing and voice acting, with his last voice project in 'Duncanville' (2020-2022). As far as in-the-flesh TV and movies go, his last non-Phil, non-voice role was in the 2017 film 'Rough Night.' In 2017, he told Haute Living Los Angeles that he was looking forward to stepping out of the spotlight.
Claire Dunphy, portrayed by Julie Bowen, was a high-strung, yet caring, mother of three. Her relentless drive to keep everything in order often led to hilarious, chaotic moments, especially when balancing her career and family.
Since 'Modern Family,' Julie Bowen has explored diverse roles, including dramatic parts in 'The Fallout' (2021) and comedies like 'Mixtape' (2021). A mother of three in real life too, she's active in philanthropy, supporting causes related to children's health and education.
Sofía Vergara brought Gloria Pritchett to life as the passionate, outspoken Colombian wife of Jay. Her humor, loyalty, and fierce protection of her family made Gloria a standout character in the series.
Post-'Modern Family,' it’s safe to say that Sofía Vergara became the biggest star of all. She has been a judge on 'America’s Got Talent' since 2020 and has starred in several film and TV roles, including the Netflix miniseries 'Griselda' (2024). Definitely one of the most powerful Latinas in Hollywood, she has also branched out to business ventures like a coffee brand and perfumes.
Jay Pritchett, played by Ed O'Neill, was the tough-as-nails yet loving father and grandfather. His old-school values often clashed with the modern world, leading to many funny and touching moments throughout the series.
'Modern Family' was definitely a renaissance for Ed O'Neill, who was known as a former professional football player and starred in 'Married… with Children' (1987-1997). Since 'Modern Family,' he has enjoyed a quiet life with his family. But the almost 80-year-old has kept working too, appearing in the film 'The Last Shift' (2020) and the miniseries 'Clipped' (2024).
Eric Stonestreet's Cameron Tucker was a lovable, dramatic character who embraced his role as a father and partner. His passion for life and love for his husband, Mitchell, made him one of the most unforgettable characters on the show. He also helped America accept the realities of gay relationships.
Since 'Modern Family,' Eric Stonestreet has appeared in 'The Secret Life of Pets' (2016, 2019) and as a judge on Fox’s 'Domino Masters.' In 2024, he announced he was going back to his sitcom roots, starring and producing the upcoming 'Home Team' for Prime Video, which is about a man who put his dad into a retirement community and is starting over.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson played Mitchell Pritchett, the more reserved half of the show’s prominent gay couple. His dedication to his husband, Cameron, and their daughter was central to many of the show’s funniest and most heartfelt moments.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson continued to thrive after 'Modern Family,' starring in Broadway’s 'Take Me Out' (2022-2024) and 'Gutenberg! The Musical!' (2023). You can also see him in the film 'Cocaine Bear' (2023) and guest-starring on shows like 'Elsbeth' and 'Martha Gets Down and Dirty.' He’s also busy raising a family with his husband, Justin Mikita.
Sarah Hyland portrayed Haley Dunphy, the stereotypical teenage girl who grew into a more mature character throughout the show. Her antics and evolving relationships kept audiences entertained and rooting for her happiness.
After 'Modern Family,' Sarah Hyland starred in films like 'My Fake Boyfriend' (2022), TV shows like 'Pitch Perfect' (2022), and hosted the reality show 'Love Island USA.' In 2022, she also married actor Wells Adams. She has been very public about her health battles with kidney dysplasia, kidney transplants, and related mental health issues.
Nolan Gould played Luke Dunphy, the not-so-bright but kind-hearted son who often found himself in absurd situations. His playful nature and goofy charm made him a fan favorite, even as he aged into an awkward teen.
Post-'Modern Family,' Nolan Gould surprised fans by pursuing more serious roles, including in the indie film 'Yes.' He’s also been writing and creating a life for himself. He recently deleted all social media and said he wants to start from scratch. However, in 2024, he said he would definitely be in for a 'Modern Family' reunion, calling the cast his "pseudo family," in an interview with US Weekly.
Ariel Winter’s portrayal of Alex Dunphy, the sarcastic, intelligent middle child, resonated with many viewers. Her academic excellence and dry humor often clashed with her family’s more… relaxed approach to life.
On her Instagram, where she shares a lot of recipes and food content, she describes herself as an actress, producer, and dog mom. After 'Modern Family,' Ariel Winter took on diverse roles in 'The Last Movie Star' (2017), a number of TV guest appearances, and a recurring voice role in 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' (2023). She’s also become a voice for body positivity, sharing her personal journey with her fans on social media.
Rico Rodriguez played Manny Delgado, Gloria's mature and sensitive son. Manny’s love for poetry, fine dining, and the arts made him a unique and charming character, often acting more mature than the rest of the characters.
After 'Modern Family,' Rico Rodriguez has kept a relatively low profile, though he is quite active on social media and has debuted a very different look, rocking long curly hair! He has made guest appearances on shows like 'The Substitute' (2020) and 'Unfiltered' (2020), while continuing to explore new opportunities in the entertainment industry. Here, he's seen with his sister, fellow actress Raini Rodriguez.