Back in April 2020, Modern Family fans were left with heavy hearts as the sitcom wrapped up after an impressive 11 seasons. The show was a cultural phenomenon, and one of its shining stars, Julie Bowen, became a household name. Playing the role of Claire Dunphy, Julie's comedic timing and emotional depth made her a fan favorite. Now, years after the show's finale, many are wondering what happened to this talented actress and where she is today.
Julie Bowen's Journey in Hollywood
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore how Julie Bowen carved out her remarkable career in the entertainment world. Her journey began in the early '90s, a time when she started making waves with roles in shows like Loving, Extreme, and the iconic Happy Gilmore. Born and raised in Maryland, Julie quickly established herself as a versatile actress capable of tackling both drama and comedy.
From 1998 to 1999, Julie portrayed the character Roxanne Please on the critically acclaimed series ER. Fans of medical dramas might remember her as someone who brought both gravitas and charm to the screen. She also starred in Three from 1998 to 2000, further cementing her reputation as a dynamic performer.
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In 2000, Julie took on the role of Carol Vessey in the comedy-drama Ed. This character showcased her ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments, a skill that would later define her career. Over the years, she continued to build her resume with notable appearances in Lost, Boston Legal, and Weeds. Each role added a new dimension to her acting repertoire.
Then came Modern Family in 2009, a show that would change her life forever. Julie portrayed Claire Dunphy alongside an ensemble cast that included Ed O’Neill, Sofía Vergara, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, Rico Rodriguez, and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons. Her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, a testament to her incredible talent.
When the curtain fell on Modern Family after 11 years, Julie admitted it was bittersweet to say goodbye to the castmates who had become her family. “There was something weird about the timing of that day,” she recalled in an interview with People. “It was really considered a half day, and so we took this extra-long lunch hour and there were people popping champagne. These two crew members had lost a fantasy football bet and because they lost, they had to stand in front of the whole cast and everybody and sing a song. Well, the first thing they sang was a Beatles song. And then all of a sudden it turned into this really incredibly touching rendition of [Green Day’s] ‘Time of Your Life.’”
“And there was just general sobbing and Sofia had never even heard the song and was like, ‘I don’t know what it is, but it’s making me so sad,’” she added. “And it was really ridiculously on the nose and perfect. I was like, ‘This is sort of cheesy. Exactly right, and I love these people very much.’ And it was all started by two grips who lost a bet and ended up delivering us this incredibly lovely moment. Started with comedy and ended with tears. That’s all you need to know.”
Julie Bowen's Personal Life: Divorce and Family
While Julie was busy making us laugh on Modern Family, her personal life took a turn. She went through a split from her husband, Scott Phillips, with whom she had been married since 2004. The couple, who share three children—son Oliver and twin boys John and Gustav—filed for divorce in 2018.
Despite the challenges, Julie has always been candid about her experiences. In an interview with Us Weekly in November 2018, she shared, “The beauty of having three children is they don’t give you much time for thinking. They’re like a crash course in being in the now.” Her words reflect her resilience and ability to find joy even in difficult times.
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What's Next for Julie Bowen?
After saying goodbye to Modern Family, Julie didn't slow down. She continued to work in the industry, taking on voiceover roles in projects like Hubie Halloween, DuckTales, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and American Dad! Most recently, she lent her voice to the character Patricia Banks in the animated TV series Hailey’s on It!
In August 2024, an insider revealed to Closer that Julie has been on a mission to find her "post-Modern moment" after witnessing Sofía Vergara's success with Griselda. “It’s definitely been frustrating for Julie to see Sofía put her keen instincts to work in the years since Modern Family ended,” the source explained. “Julie has never been able to generate that same kind of heat for herself, because it’s hard for her to think years and years in advance the way Sofía can.”
Regardless, Julie continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood, and her fans eagerly await her next big project. Whether she decides to return to the small screen, venture into film, or explore new creative avenues, one thing
