For eleven seasons, Modern Family graced our screens, bringing laughter and heartwarming moments into our homes. The show, celebrated for its witty writing and relatable characters, turned its ensemble cast into household names. Fans around the globe connected with the Dunphy-Pritchett clan, drawn to their everyday struggles and triumphs, all while navigating the complexities of modern family life. But as the series concluded in 2020, many wondered what became of the beloved actors who brought these characters to life. Let’s take a look at what the Modern Family cast has been up to since saying goodbye to their iconic roles.
Claire Dunphy – Julie Bowen
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Julie Bowen perfectly embodied the type-A, slightly neurotic yet deeply loving mom, Claire Dunphy, earning two Emmy Awards for her performance. Interestingly, Bowen almost missed out on this career-defining role, initially hesitant to audition for comedies as she didn’t consider herself a joke teller. Prior to Modern Family, Bowen had already built a solid career, notably as Adam Sandler’s love interest in the comedy classic Happy Gilmore (1996) and as a lead in the dramedy Ed (2000–2004). She also had appearances in ER and Lost, showcasing her versatility.
Post-Modern Family, Bowen has continued to blend comedy and drama in her projects. She reunited with Adam Sandler in Hubie Halloween (2020) and starred in the horror-comedy Totally Killer (2023). She also took on a main role in the occult comedy series Hysteria! (2024–present) and is set to reprise her role in the highly anticipated Happy Gilmore 2. In her personal life, Bowen was married to Scott Phillips from 2004 to 2018 and they have three sons. In a quirky parallel to a Modern Family episode, she and Jesse Tyler Ferguson both found themselves in the ER with their children on Thanksgiving in 2024.
Phil Dunphy – Ty Burrell
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Ty Burrell’s portrayal of Phil Dunphy, the eternally optimistic and endearingly goofy “cool dad,” was central to the show’s charm. The role, specifically written with Burrell in mind, wasn’t initially a smooth ride as ABC executives initially rejected him several times. However, his persistence paid off, resulting in two Emmy wins for his beloved performance. Before achieving fame as Phil, Burrell had smaller but memorable roles in films like Dawn of the Dead (2004), In Good Company (2004), National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), and The Incredible Hulk (2008), along with starring in sitcoms Out of Practice and Back to You.
Since Modern Family, Burrell has continued to work in both film and television, expanding his range. He took on roles in indie films like The Skeleton Twins (2014) and blockbusters like Muppets Most Wanted (2014). His voice acting talents were showcased in Finding Dory (2016) and the animated series Duncanville (2020–2022). Burrell has been married to his wife, Holly, since 2000 and they have two daughters.
Jay Pritchett – Ed O’Neill
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Ed O’Neill brought gravitas and humor to the role of Jay Pritchett, the family patriarch, earning three Emmy nominations for his performance. Already a television legend from his iconic role as Al Bundy in Married…With Children (1987–1997), O’Neill effortlessly transitioned into the role of the curmudgeonly yet loving Jay. His career also includes notable roles in sports films such as Blue Chips (1994), Little Giants (1994), and Prefontaine (1997), and collaborations with David Mamet in films like The Spanish Prisoner (1997), Spartan (2004), and Redbelt (2008).
Post-Modern Family, O’Neill continues to be active in television. He recently starred as Donald Sterling in the miniseries Clipped (2024), further demonstrating his acting prowess. Married to Catherine Rusoff since 1986, they have two daughters.
Gloria Delgado-Pritchett – Sofía Vergara
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Sofía Vergara’s portrayal of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, Jay’s passionate and vivacious wife, made her a breakout star. The role garnered her four Emmy nominations and recognition as the highest-paid actress on television. Vergara defended her character against stereotypical portrayals, stating Gloria was inspired by her own mother and aunt, strong Latin women. Prior to Modern Family, Vergara had roles in the Colombian-Ecuadorian version of Desperate Housewives.
Since Modern Family, Vergara has seamlessly transitioned into film and other television projects. She starred in films like Chef (2014), The Three Stooges (2012), and Hot Pursuit (2015). She received her fifth Emmy nomination for her role in the Netflix drama Griselda (2024) and has been a judge on America’s Got Talent since 2020. Vergara has a son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, from her marriage to Joe Gonzalez (1991-1993), and was later married to Joe Manganiello (2015-2024).
Mitchell Pritchett – Jesse Tyler Ferguson
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Jesse Tyler Ferguson played Mitchell Pritchett, the more reserved and intellectual half of the show’s beloved same-sex couple. His performance earned him five Emmy nominations. An accomplished stage actor, Ferguson had a successful theater career before Modern Family, including an original role in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He continued to perform on stage during his time on the show.
After Modern Family, Ferguson has continued to work in television, appearing in The Good Fight (2021), High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2022), and Elsbeth (2024), and in the film Cocaine Bear (2023). He also returned to Broadway, winning a Tony Award for the revival of Take Me Out in 2022. Ferguson hosts the podcast Dinner’s on Me, featuring interviews with his Modern Family co-stars. He and his husband, Justin Mikita, married in 2013 and have two children. They are also founders of the non-profit Pronoun, advocating for LGBTQIA+ civil rights.
Cameron Tucker – Eric Stonestreet
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Eric Stonestreet brought the flamboyant and theatrical Cameron Tucker to life, earning two Emmy Awards for his portrayal. Like many of his Modern Family co-stars, this role was a major turning point in his career after years of smaller parts in shows like Dharma & Greg, Bones, and CSI. Stonestreet successfully used his newfound fame to land roles in films like Bad Teacher (2011), The Secret Life of Pets (2017), and the HBO movie Confirmation (2016).
Since Modern Family, Stonestreet has remained active in television. He reunited with Sofía Vergara as a guest judge on America’s Got Talent in 2020 and hosted Domino Masters (2022). He also appeared in season 2 of The Santa Clauses (2023). In 2019, Stonestreet became a part-owner of the Kansas City Royals MLB team. He has been engaged to Lindsay Schweitzer since 2021.
Manny Delgado – Rico Rodriguez
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Rico Rodriguez played Manny Delgado, Gloria’s sophisticated and dramatic son, and Jay’s stepson. Rodriguez literally grew up on screen during Modern Family, having joined the cast as a child actor. Before landing this role, he had appeared in episodes of ER, iCarly, and My Name Is Earl.
Post-Modern Family, Rodriguez has continued to act, though at a less intense pace. He had a cameo in The Muppets (2011) and a lead role in the film Endgame (2015). He also lent his voice to The Lion Guard (2015–2019), alongside his Modern Family co-star Sarah Hyland. Recently, he guest-starred on Disney Channel’s Bunk’d (2024) with his sister, Raini Rodriguez.
Haley Dunphy – Sarah Hyland
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Sarah Hyland portrayed Haley Dunphy, the eldest Dunphy child, initially presented as the stereotypical “ditzy” teenager who evolved into a more complex and relatable character. Before Modern Family, Hyland had roles in Private Parts (1997), The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000), and Lipstick Jungle (2008–2009).
Since Modern Family, Hyland has continued to act and explore other avenues in entertainment. She appeared in Vampire Academy (2014), the Dirty Dancing TV remake (2017), and starred in the rom-com The Wedding Year (2019). She also starred in Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin (2022) with Adam DeVine and showcased her singing talent in Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway. Hyland hosted Love Island USA and married Bachelor Nation’s Wells Adams in 2022, with Jesse Tyler Ferguson officiating. She received the Courage Award at Variety’s Power of Women event in 2024 for her advocacy work as a domestic abuse survivor.
Alex Dunphy – Ariel Winter
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Ariel Winter played Alex Dunphy, the intelligent and academically driven middle child. Prior to Modern Family, Winter appeared in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) and Speed Racer (2008). She has built a successful voice acting career, with roles in the Phineas and Ferb franchise, Elena of Avalor (2016–2020), and Star Trek: Lower Decks (2023–2024).
Post-Modern Family, Winter guest-starred on Law & Order: SVU (2019) and participated in Stars on Mars (2023). She has spoken about her close bond with her Modern Family co-star Nolan Gould, considering him her “brother.” Winter was legally emancipated from her mother in 2015, and her sister became her legal guardian in 2014.
Luke Dunphy – Nolan Gould
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Nolan Gould played Luke Dunphy, the youngest Dunphy sibling, known for his goofy and often mischievous nature. Despite his on-screen persona, Gould is intellectually gifted, being a member of Mensa. Before Modern Family, he had a few acting credits and has since appeared in R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour (2011–2014), Friends With Benefits (2011), Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition (2018), and The Celebrity Dating Game (2021).
Since Modern Family, Gould has continued to act, guest-starring in Grey’s Anatomy (2022) and landing lead roles in comedies The Nana Project (2023) and Camp (2023), showcasing his range beyond his comedic Modern Family role.
Lily Tucker-Pritchett – Aubrey Anderson-Emmons
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Aubrey Anderson-Emmons took over the role of Lily Tucker-Pritchett in season three, becoming known for her sassy and witty lines. At just four years old, she became the youngest person to win a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the Modern Family ensemble. Modern Family was Anderson-Emmons’ debut acting role, and while she has appeared in a few short films since, she has focused on other interests.
Anderson-Emmons runs a popular YouTube channel, FoodMania Review, with her mother, and remains involved in acting through her high school drama club. Her on-screen dad, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, even attended one of her school plays, highlighting the real family bond formed amongst the Modern Family cast. While the show may have ended, the impact and careers of its cast members continue to evolve, keeping the spirit of Modern Family alive in new and exciting ways.
