Let’s be real for a second—Julie Bowen has had quite the journey over the years. Best known for her iconic role as Claire Dunphy in the beloved sitcom Modern Family, Bowen spent 11 seasons juggling comedy, chaos, and family dynamics on-screen. And if you think that didn’t teach her a thing or two about raising her own three teenagers in real life, think again. The 54-year-old star, who shares kids Oliver, 17, and twins John and Gustav, 15, with her ex-husband Scott Phillips, credits her time as Claire for giving her some unexpected parenting insights. Now, as she gears up for new projects like Peacock’s thriller Hysteria! and the highly anticipated Happy Gilmore 2, Bowen sat down exclusively with Closer’s Fortune Benatar to spill the tea on everything from her parenting wins (and losses) to her return to the small screen.
On-Screen Lessons That Translated to Real Life
So, what exactly did playing Claire Dunphy teach you about raising teenagers?
JB: You know, I was lucky enough to experience the joys and challenges of parenting older kids on-screen before I had to face it in my own life. Watching Nolan Gould, who played my on-screen son Luke, grow up right in front of me was an eye-opening experience. He went through so many phases—experimenting with fashion, music, and personality quirks—and it made me realize something crucial: all those strange behaviors are just phases. As parents, we tend to overreact sometimes, but the truth is, these things usually pass. Nolan taught me not to sweat the small stuff. He’s such a great kid now, and I learned a lot from watching him evolve. Plus, I’ve always been a bit quick to anger, so playing Claire reminded me to take a breath and not let everything get to me.
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The Parenting Challenges That Keep Her Up at Night
What’s keeping you up at night these days when it comes to parenting?
JB: Oh, man, where do I even start? Honestly, it’s the hair. Yes, the hair. My kids have gone full-on rebellious with their hairstyles—think mushroom clouds, alpaca-like manes, and one of them even rocks a flow hawk. I know it’s just a phase, but it’s hard not to laugh (or cry) sometimes. The thing is, when kids are going through phases like this, the best thing you can do is leave them alone. I’ve learned that trying to control every little thing only makes them dig their heels in deeper. Instead, I let them express themselves, and every once in a while, they tone it down—especially when they visit my parents, who are a bit more traditional than I am. It’s all about finding balance, you know?
Coparenting Tips Straight From the Source
What advice would you give to parents navigating coparenting after a split?
JB: First and foremost, get yourself a shared calendar app. Seriously, this is a game-changer. Whether you’re married, divorced, or somewhere in between, having one central place where everyone can see what’s going on is essential. It keeps everyone on the same page and cuts down on confusion. Beyond that, communication is key. My ex-husband and I still talk regularly about the kids because, at the end of the day, they’re the priority. No matter what’s going on in your personal life, you have to put the kids first and make sure they feel supported. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
Do Her Kids Watch Modern Family?
Have your kids seen any of Modern Family yet?
JB: Honestly, they’ve turned watching—or not watching—my work into a bit of a rite of passage. It’s their way of defining themselves as individuals, separate from me. But hey, I’ll take what I can get. I’ve heard whispers that they’ve seen a few episodes of Modern Family, and one of them is actually really excited about Hysteria! I sent him some pictures from the set, and he thought it looked pretty cool. Of course, another one of them was like, “Mom, I don’t know if I want to see you like that.” It’s a mixed bag, but I’ll take the wins where I can find them.
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Inside Hysteria!: A Thrilling New Chapter
Tell us more about your new role in Hysteria!.
JB:Hysteria! is such a unique project—it’s like a blast from the past with a modern twist. It’s set in the ’80s, and it’s all about Satanic Panic, which was such a huge thing back then. The show is a psychological thriller, so it’s not super gory, but it definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. My character is someone who’s dealing with some serious questions about her own sanity, and it was such a fun challenge to dive into that mindset. Honestly, it’s a little intimidating to imagine raising just one kid, let alone the challenges she faces. But it was such a rewarding experience.
Reuniting with Adam Sandler for Happy Gilmore 2
What’s it like working with Adam Sandler again on the Happy Gilmore sequel?
JB: Oh, it’s fantastic! Adam is just as wonderful now as he was when we first worked together. He’s such a joy to be around, and the energy on set is electric. There are so many cameos in this movie—some that people are already buzzing about, but trust me, there are even more surprises in store. We’re also revisiting some fun flashbacks from the original, and I got to recreate my iconic look from back then. It was quite the trip down memory lane. We’re all so excited for fans to see it, and I
