Sarah Hyland, widely recognized for her role as Haley Dunphy in the hit sitcom Modern Family, has captivated audiences worldwide. Born into a family of actors, Hyland’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, leading her to become a prominent figure in television comedy. Her portrayal of the witty and fashionable Haley Dunphy not only solidified her place in pop culture but also earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Born and raised in New York City, Sarah Hyland is the daughter of actors Melissa D. Canaday and Edward James Hyland. Her early exposure to the world of acting came naturally, and she started her career at the tender age of four. Initially, her work focused on commercials and voice-overs, providing a foundation for her future on-screen roles. Her first foray into film was in Private Parts (1997), marking the beginning of a steady stream of acting opportunities. She continued to build her resume with roles in Liebe in jeder Beziehung (1998) and a recurring part in the soap opera Another World (1964), where she played Rain Wolfe, a child taken in by the characters Josie and Gary. Interestingly, her time on Another World led to repeated collaborations with actress Amy Carlson, who played Josie, in projects like Falcone (2000), Law & Order (1990), and Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005).
Further showcasing her versatility as a young actress, Hyland was selected to portray one of the young Audrey Hepburns in The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000), starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. That same year was particularly busy as she also took on the role of Molly in ABC’s Annie (1999), a made-for-television movie featuring a star-studded cast including Kathy Bates and Alan Cumming. Her filmography expanded with roles in Joe Gould’s Secret (2000) and Falcone (2000), demonstrating her consistent presence in both film and television during her early career. Beyond acting, Sarah dedicated herself to performing arts training, studying voice, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and theatre dance. She even performed at Lincoln Center with her tap and Theatre dance classes, showcasing her commitment to a wide range of performance skills.
Growing up in New York, Sarah balanced her burgeoning acting career with her education. Homeschooled by her mother until the second grade, she later attended public school before being accepted into the prestigious Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) in the 6th grade. She remained at PPAS until her graduation in 2008. At the age of 18, a pivotal moment arrived when Sarah moved to Los Angeles. Within a remarkably short period of two weeks, she landed a pilot for a show initially titled “My American Family,” which would later become the globally successful Modern Family (2009). This role as Haley Dunphy proved to be her breakthrough, catapulting her to mainstream fame and recognition. Modern Family became a critically acclaimed and award-winning series, consistently earning accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, further cementing Sarah Hyland’s status as a leading comedic actress.
Before her move to Los Angeles and her iconic role in Modern Family, Sarah Hyland had already established herself as a stage performer. At 11 and a half, she made her stage debut at the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, taking on the lead role of Annie. This marked the beginning of her impressive stage career, with subsequent roles in productions like “Bad Girls,” “Dark Part of the Forest,” and both Broadway and off-Broadway productions of “Grey Gardens,” where she played Jackie Bouvier. “Grey Gardens” received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical, and several cast members won Tony Awards for their performances, highlighting the high caliber of productions Sarah was involved in. Furthermore, she participated in development workshops for musicals such as “A Little Princess,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and “Shrek, the Musical,” indicating her continuous engagement with musical theatre. Throughout her career, Sarah has had the opportunity to work alongside renowned actors such as Tim Robbins, Stanley Tucci, and Brooke Shields, among many others, enriching her experience and showcasing her talent across various platforms of acting.
Sarah Hyland’s role as Haley Dunphy in Modern Family remains her most defining and celebrated work. Her portrayal of the eldest Dunphy child resonated with audiences due to its comedic timing, relatable character flaws, and growth throughout the series’ eleven seasons. The character of Haley, known for her fashion sense and evolving ambitions, allowed Hyland to showcase her range as a comedic actress. Modern Family‘s enduring popularity has solidified Sarah Hyland’s position as a beloved figure in television, and she continues to be recognized and admired for her contributions to the show and the entertainment industry as a whole. Her journey from a child actor in New York to a star in a globally acclaimed sitcom is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the lasting impact of her role in Modern Family.
