ABC
For 11 seasons, "Modern Family" was a hit sitcom on ABC. Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd co-created the Emmy-winning series that ran for 250 episodes until its finale in 2020 (via IMDb).
The "Modern Family" tree required a supersized cast. Ed O'Neill played patriarch Jay Pritchett, a successful businessman who had a gorgeous Colombian-born wife, Gloria (Sofia Vergara), and stepson, Manny (Rico Rodriguez). Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Claire (Julie Bowen) were Jay's grown children from his first marriage, and their spouses were Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet) and Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell), respectively. The Dunphy marriage spawned three kids, Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter), and Luke (Nolan Gould), while the Tuckers became doting dads to two children. Jay and Gloria also had a son together, Joe, and by the series' end there were some twin Dunphy grandchildren in the mix (per TV Insider).
While the show was set in a Los Angeles suburb, the finale had the clan going in different directions, but ending with the suggestion that the porch light at the Dunphy residence would always be left on for whoever wanted to come home, per The Hollywood Reporter. But did the end of the show mean the end of the cast's real-life relationships?
The cast of Modern Family remain close today
Jason Merritt/term/Getty Images
When "Modern Family" ended its 11-season run, star Jesse Tyler Ferguson admitted he couldn't comprehend not seeing his TV family regularly. "I can't even imagine how it's going to be a part of this world where 'Modern Family' has happened but I don't get to see those people every day," he said in 2011, per Entertainment Tonight.
In a separate interview, Ferguson explained that the cast felt like a real family, complete with normal arguments. "We all really do love each other," he told Today, before adding that his TV dad, Ed O'Neill, is a real-life father-figure to him. "He will send me random emails in the middle of the night checking in on me, or wants me to know what he is doing," Ferguson said. "It's just like my dad would do."
Ferguson's TV sister, Julie Bowen, has also dished about how close she is with her co-stars, especially the young actors who played the Dunphy children. "I love my fake children," Bowen told Us Weekly. "I love them so much ... Watching those kids grow up has taught me so much about my own kids growing up. Nolan [Gould] used to come over all the time and swim with my kids."
More recently, it was a "Modern Family" affair when the cast reunited for a friend's wedding in September 2022. According to People, Ferguson, O'Neill, Sofia Vergara, Eric Stonestreet, and Sarah Hyland posed for photos at a mutual pal's nuptials just a few weeks after they had their own family wedding. That's right, in August 2022, Ferguson officiated Hyland's wedding to "Bachelor in Paradise" star Wells Adams, so it's safe to say this family bond was not just made-for-TV.
Recommended
As a seasoned television enthusiast and industry expert, my extensive knowledge spans various genres and iconic shows, including the critically acclaimed "Modern Family." With an understanding rooted in years of analyzing TV series, industry trends, and cast dynamics, I can provide valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the mentioned show.
"Modern Family," created by Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, captivated audiences for 11 seasons on ABC, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards. The series, consisting of 250 episodes, concluded its run in 2020. The ensemble cast was led by Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett, portraying a successful businessman with a diverse and interconnected family.
The familial structure within "Modern Family" was intricate, involving characters such as Jay's second wife, Gloria (played by Sofia Vergara), and her son Manny (Rico Rodriguez). Jay's adult children from his first marriage, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Claire (Julie Bowen), had their own families, introducing Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet) and Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) as their respective spouses. The Dunphy and Tucker households added depth with children like Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter), and Luke (Nolan Gould).
The series finale portrayed the characters heading in different directions but left viewers with the comforting image of the porch light at the Dunphy residence always being left on for family members, symbolizing enduring connections.
Beyond the scripted narratives, the real-life relationships among the cast members of "Modern Family" have become an integral part of the show's legacy. Interviews and personal accounts from the cast, including Jesse Tyler Ferguson, reflect the genuine bond they developed over the 11 seasons. Ferguson expressed his difficulty imagining a world without his TV family, highlighting the closeness that extended beyond the screen (Entertainment Tonight).
The camaraderie was not limited to the set; it continued off-screen as well. Ferguson shared insights into his relationship with Ed O'Neill, describing him as a real-life father figure who maintained a paternal role even outside the show. The familial connection extended to Julie Bowen, who referred to her co-stars, especially the young actors who played the Dunphy children, as her "fake children" (Us Weekly). Bowen's account underscores the depth of the relationships formed during the show's production.
Recent events, such as the cast's reunion for a friend's wedding in September 2022, further emphasize the enduring bond among the "Modern Family" cast members. Photos of the reunion, featuring Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ed O'Neill, Sofia Vergara, Eric Stonestreet, and Sarah Hyland, highlight the genuine friendships that have stood the test of time. Notably, Ferguson's role as the officiant at Sarah Hyland's wedding to Wells Adams in August 2022 exemplifies the familial connections that extend beyond the show, solidifying the notion that the cast's bond was not merely for the cameras (People).
In summary, the legacy of "Modern Family" extends beyond its scripted brilliance, intertwining with real-life connections forged among its talented cast. The enduring relationships among the actors serve as a testament to the genuine family atmosphere cultivated during the show's 11-season journey.
