Modern Family, the Emmy-award winning sitcom that captured hearts for eleven seasons, offered a hilarious and heartwarming look into the diverse and evolving definition of family. The show, known for its witty writing and relatable characters, launched its ensemble cast into household names. But what have the actors who brought the Dunphy-Pritchett clan to life been up to since the series finale in 2020? Let’s take a look at where the stars of Modern Family are now.
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy
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Ty Burrell charmed audiences for a decade as Phil Dunphy, the eternally optimistic, “cool dad” with a penchant for dad jokes and “Phil’s-osophies.” His portrayal earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, solidifying his place as a comedic talent. Off-screen, Burrell shared a close bond with his Modern Family castmates, much like the family dynamic depicted on the show.
In a 2017 interview with Haute Living, Burrell expressed his desire to spend more time with his wife, Holly, and their two daughters, Frances and Greta, after Modern Family concluded. However, he also indicated his openness to future projects, particularly those that allowed him to stay close to home and maintain a healthy work-life balance, similar to his Modern Family experience.
Since then, Burrell has continued to work in both film and television. Prior to and during Modern Family, he had notable film roles in movies like Muppets Most Wanted (2014) and Rough Night (2017). He also lent his voice to animated projects, including voicing himself on Family Guy and starring in the animated sitcom Duncanville, which ran from 2020 to 2022. While Burrell may have stepped back slightly from the intense spotlight of a long-running series, he remains active in the entertainment industry, carefully selecting roles that align with his personal priorities.
Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy
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Julie Bowen brought to life Claire Dunphy, the fiercely competitive, micro-managing yet deeply compassionate mom of the Dunphy household. Her performance garnered her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. The on-screen family bonds of Modern Family extended into real life, with Bowen maintaining close relationships with her former co-stars, who frequently send her birthday wishes and offer support.
Bowen’s career extends beyond Modern Family with appearances in several films, including Horrible Bosses (2011), Hubie Halloween (2020), The Fallout (2021), and Totally Killer (2023). Venturing behind the camera, she directed two episodes of Modern Family and the 2019 short film Girl Code, starring Jenna Ortega. Looking ahead, Bowen is set to star in the Peacock series Hysteria!, scheduled to premiere in October 2024.
Off-screen, Bowen is a dedicated mother to three sons, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Scott Phillips. She is also actively involved in philanthropy, serving as a board member for Baby2Baby, a non-profit organization that provides essential resources to children in need. Bowen balances her acting career with her family life and commitment to charitable causes.
Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy
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Sarah Hyland became synonymous with Haley Dunphy, the eldest Dunphy child known for her rebellious spirit, social butterfly tendencies, and preference for socializing over academics. While Hyland had prior acting experience, Modern Family catapulted her to fame.
During her time on the show, Hyland bravely shared her personal health journey, revealing she underwent two kidney transplants, one in 2012 and another in 2017. She has been open about the emotional and physical challenges of her recovery process. In a 2018 interview with SELF, Hyland conveyed a message of resilience, stating, “I’m stable. I’m thriving. I’m super happy with life.”
Parallel to her Modern Family role, Hyland appeared in films like Geek Charming (2011), Scary Movie 5 (2013), Vampire Academy (2014), and The Wedding Year (2019). In 2022, she expanded her career into hosting, taking on a two-season stint as the host of Love Island USA. She also joined the Pitch Perfect universe in the Peacock spinoff series Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin. In 2024, Hyland showcased her versatility by joining the Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors.
After numerous postponements due to the pandemic, Hyland married The Bachelorette alum Wells Adams in a beautiful ceremony in August 2022. The wedding served as a mini Modern Family reunion, with her former co-stars celebrating her special day.
Ariel Winter as Alex Dunphy
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Ariel Winter grew up on screen as Alex Dunphy, the intelligent and witty middle child. She began her acting career at a young age, starting with commercials at age four. While acknowledging her love for acting, Winter shared with PEOPLE in 2016, “I love what I do, but I don’t know if it’s a choice I would have made on my own.”
Throughout her portrayal of Alex, Winter also voiced characters in animated series like Phineas and Ferb and Sophia the First. In 2015, she became an emancipated minor and later dated Levi Meaden before their split in 2019. Winter is currently in a relationship with actor Luke Benward.
Winter enrolled at UCLA in 2017 but took a break from her studies six months later to focus on her career and personal life. She expressed her appreciation for education in a 2018 interview with Entertainment Tonight, stating, “I think education’s really important. I love being there. I love learning. I will continue to keep learning.”
In 2022, Winter made a significant life change, moving away from Los Angeles to seek a more private life away from constant paparazzi attention. She continues to act while prioritizing her well-being and personal growth.
Nolan Gould as Luke Dunphy
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Nolan Gould was just 10 years old when Modern Family premiered, embodying Luke Dunphy’s energetic, unfiltered, and somewhat dim-witted personality. In stark contrast to his on-screen persona, Gould is a member of Mensa International, the high IQ society, and earned his GED at the age of 13. He revealed this fact during a 2012 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Following the conclusion of Modern Family, Gould has made appearances on The Celebrity Dating Game (2021), Grey’s Anatomy (2022), and in the film Miranda’s Victim (2023). While perhaps less in the public eye than some of his co-stars, Gould continues to pursue acting opportunities while embracing a more private personal life.
Ed O’Neill as Jay Pritchett
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Ed O’Neill was already a television icon for his role as Al Bundy in Married… with Children before taking on the role of Jay Pritchett, the patriarch of the extended Dunphy-Pritchett family. Jay, initially portrayed as somewhat gruff and traditional, evolved throughout the series, demonstrating growth in accepting his son Mitchell’s homosexuality and his son-in-law Phil’s quirky personality.
Jay’s character arc, marked by increasing tolerance and affection for his family, became a central theme in Modern Family. O’Neill’s portrayal of the often-unwittingly humorous patriarch resonated with audiences.
Beyond Modern Family, O’Neill has lent his voice to animated films, including Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Finding Dory (2016), and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). In 2024, he returned to television in the FX miniseries Clipped, marking his first major TV role since Modern Family ended.
O’Neill has been married to actress Catherine Rusoff since 1986, and they have two daughters together. He maintains a relatively private personal life, continuing to be recognized and celebrated for his iconic television roles.
Sofía Vergara as Gloria Delgado
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Sofía Vergara’s portrayal of Gloria Delgado, Jay’s vivacious and passionate second wife, was a breakout role that made her a global star. Gloria’s character, known for her Colombian heritage, strong family values, and comedic misunderstandings, provided many of Modern Family‘s most memorable moments. Vergara’s performance earned her four Golden Globe nominations and four Primetime Emmy nominations, and in 2017, she was named the highest-paid TV actress.
Vergara maintains close relationships with her former Modern Family castmates, organizing a reunion in 2023, the first time the core cast had been together since the show’s finale. She emphasized the enduring bond with her co-stars, telling PEOPLE, “It’s amazing because we’re always connected. Even though we haven’t seen each other in so long, it felt like we just left the set in 2020.”
Since Modern Family, Vergara has taken on diverse roles. She became a judge on America’s Got Talent, showcasing her charismatic personality to a wider audience. She has continued voice acting in films like Koati (2021), Strays (2023), and Despicable Me 4 (2024). In a departure from comedy, Vergara earned her fifth Emmy nomination for her dramatic portrayal of Griselda Blanco in the 2024 Netflix miniseries Griselda.
Beyond acting, Vergara has ventured into entrepreneurship with a denim line for Walmart and her own Colombian coffee brand, ¡Díos Mio! Coffee. After her divorce from Joe Manganiello in 2023, Vergara is currently dating surgeon Justin Saliman. Her career continues to flourish across various entertainment and business ventures.
Rico Rodriguez as Manny Delgado
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Rico Rodriguez charmed audiences as Manny Delgado, Gloria’s son, known for his old soul, romantic gestures, and sophisticated sensibilities, often juxtaposed with his youthful naiveté. Manny’s interactions with his step-uncle Phil and nephew Luke provided comedic highlights throughout the series.
Since Modern Family, Rodriguez has maintained a lower public profile compared to some of his co-stars. He appeared in the 2015 film Endgame and has made appearances as himself on television shows like The Substitute and Unfiltered. Rodriguez appears to be enjoying a quieter life post-Modern Family, focusing on personal interests while maintaining a presence in the entertainment world.
Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker
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Eric Stonestreet’s portrayal of Cameron Tucker, Mitchell’s flamboyant and dramatic partner, earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Prior to Modern Family, Stonestreet was known for his role as Ronnie Litre on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Cameron’s theatrical personality, love for Lily, and passionate nature made him a fan favorite.
During Modern Family‘s run, Stonestreet appeared in films like Bad Teacher (2011) and Identity Thief (2013). He also shared voice acting work with co-star Ariel Winter in Sophia the First and voices Duke in the Secret Life of Pets film franchise.
After Modern Family, Stonestreet expanded his hosting credits with the Fox competition series Domino Masters and took on the role of Magnus Antas in Disney+’s The Santa Clauses. In his personal life, Stonestreet got engaged to pediatric nurse Lindsay Schweitzer in 2021, whom he began dating in 2017, and they married in 2021. Stonestreet continues to balance his acting career with hosting and personal life milestones.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett
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Jesse Tyler Ferguson, with a background in theater, brought to life Mitchell Pritchett, Cameron’s more reserved and lawyerly partner. Mitchell’s witty banter with sister Claire and his loving but sometimes tumultuous relationship with Cameron were central to the show’s comedic and emotional core. Ferguson’s portrayal earned him five Primetime Emmy nominations.
Ferguson has spoken about how playing Mitchell, an openly gay character, empowered him as an out gay actor. He described it as providing a “coat of armor” against potential backlash. Beyond Modern Family, Ferguson served as a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance, hosted Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and appeared in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and the film Cocaine Bear (2023). In a career highlight, he won a Tony Award in 2022 for his performance in the Broadway revival of Take Me Out.
Ferguson married Justin Mikita in 2013, and they have welcomed two sons, Beckett Mercer and Sullivan Louis, in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Ferguson continues to thrive in both stage and screen roles, while also embracing fatherhood.
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons as Lily Tucker-Pritchett
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Aubrey Anderson-Emmons joined Modern Family at the young age of 3, taking on the role of Lily Tucker-Pritchett, Cameron and Mitchell’s adopted daughter. Lily’s sassy and often deadpan delivery made her a scene-stealer. Anderson-Emmons became the youngest nominee and winner of a Screen Actors Guild Award at age 4.
While Anderson-Emmons has not pursued further on-screen roles since Modern Family concluded, she remains involved in entertainment through high school stage productions. Her former co-stars, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen, have shown their support by attending her performances.
Anderson-Emmons and her mother, Amy Anderson, also run a food review YouTube channel called FoodMania Review, showcasing her ongoing interest in entertainment and content creation. While her future acting path is yet to be determined, Anderson-Emmons remains connected to the Modern Family family and explores her creative passions.
