Julie Bowen of Modern Family Discusses the Current State of Cast Friendships
Even though it’s been over six years since Modern Family ended, Julie Bowen maintains a strong connection with her former co-stars.
“You think about spending 11 years with a group of people and then not being together,” Bowen, 56, shared exclusively with Us at the Rape Treatment Center and Stuart House at UCLA Health’s annual brunch on Sunday, September 27. “I truly love them.”
Bowen portrayed Claire Dunphy in the iconic sitcom, which portrayed the everyday challenges of a close-knit extended family in suburban California. Since the series concluded in 2020 after 11 successful seasons, Bowen revealed that she and her co-stars continue to support each other.
“Oh my gosh, Jesse [Tyler Ferguson] just texted me this morning with his new look for Tru in London, and I’ve never missed any of his performances. I might actually need to fly to London,” she told Us at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, referring to his role as Truman Capote in the revival of Jay Presson Allen’s solo play. “Actually, that’s not true. Why did I just say that? I’ve missed some of his shows. I have to come clean. I was supposed to go to Shakespeare in the Park, and I forgot. I forgot! He’s so busy; it’s tough to keep track of everything Jesse does.”
Bowen’s on-screen stepmother, Sofía Vergara, has ventured into reality TV with America’s Got Talent, which she humorously claims is the best gig around.
“We’re always like, ‘No, Modern Family was the best job.’ And she’s like, ‘Hmm,’” Bowen laughed while recounting her conversations with Us. “I mean, they’re totally different gigs. I’m like, ‘Sofía, we’re your family.’ She’s like, ‘Yeah.’”
While she’s navigating her ongoing support for her former Modern Family co-stars, Bowen also dedicates time to the Rape Treatment Center and Stuart House at UCLA Health’s annual brunch.
“Honestly, it’s right there in the title,” Bowen explained to Us when asked why she agreed to attend the event. “It’s a rape treatment center, and I’m not going to ask you, or your neighbor, or anyone else here, but I know that you know someone, or you will know someone, who has unfortunately faced bodily violation, and these incredible people are dedicated to supporting those victims.”
She added, “I visited The Rape Treatment Center, and their focus is on helping victims feel in control. If you don’t want to provide your name, that’s fine. If you don’t want to undergo a sample kit, that’s okay too. The choice is yours. It’s a wonderful way to start the journey of regaining bodily autonomy.”
