summary
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson credits playing Mitchell on Modern Family with giving him the “superpower” to be his authentic self despite past homophobia.
- Ferguson recalls feeling protected from homophobic abuse thanks to his role in the hit sitcom, which also helped normalise same-sex relationships.
- The continued popularity of Modern Family was evident during a recent cast reunion announcement, sparking speculation about a possible spinoff.
Jesse Tyler FergusonHe is best known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the hit ABC sitcom Modern FamilyFerguson believes that being part of the beloved show (or perhaps just being famous) protected him from sexual abuse after a disturbing incident early in his career. Ferguson also speaks candidly about howBeing openly gay gave him the “superpower” to be his true self. And made people more accepting of his sexuality.
In a candid conversation with comedian Nicole Byer On Ferguson Dinner is on me In an episode of The Voice podcast, Ferguson recounted the aforementioned experience from his past. Before his meteoric rise to fame, he and his then-boyfriend took a trip to Las Vegas, which ended in a traumatic incident in which they were “sexually assaulted by gay men.”
“I was in Las Vegas a few years ago. [pre-
Modern Family
]“And I got a lot of flak for being gay. This was before that… It wasn’t violent, but it was definitely like negative energy coming at me from a couple who felt uncomfortable around me and my then-boyfriend.”
The memory contrasts with his current life, where he is happily and publicly married to his longtime partner, Justin Mikita, whom he met at a Los Angeles gym in 2012. Ferguson also recalled that when he returned to Las Vegas years later with Mikita, he recalled initially feeling strange and needing a moment to process how much had changed since then. Modern Family.
“I went” [back to Vegas] “After Modern Family, I remember feeling the same negativity at first. But then, they were seeing who I was, and they were recognizing me by saying, ‘Oh, I’m gay, but I’m also this gay guy from TV and I love that show,’ and there was a change.”
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Ferguson said that at first he felt “disgusted. Let's deal with it.” Feeling comfortable with his feelings and the very different reception he was facing, Ferguson looked at it as a kind of protective shield, saying:
There was this weird superpower, I felt like I was protected by this role that I was playing as well, and it gave me a kind of shield, and I had this protection of being this character that people loved as well. I don't know, it was really weird.
Ferguson's photography of Modern Family Mitchell Pritchett, a nerdy but lovable character, navigates the complexities of family life with humor and emotion. He shares a beautiful, accepting relationship with his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet), and together they raise an adopted daughter, Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons). Modern Family Not only did this success provide Ferguson with a platform to advocate for LGBT rights and normalize same-sex relationships, it also gave him a sense of validation.
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Modern Family was a one-of-a-kind comedy series. While it will be sorely missed by fans, there are fortunately many other shows like it to fill the void it left.
What has the Modern Family cast been up to since it ended?
After 11 healthy seasons, Modern Family The series ended its run in 2020. A landmark in the comedy industry, the series helped propel its star-studded cast to wider fame and new opportunities. Since then, cast members have used the show’s popularity and recognition to advance new dramas. Ty Burrell, who played Phil Dunphy, has transitioned to voice acting; his most notable role was in the animated series DuncanvilleJulie Bowen, known for her role as Claire Dunphy, has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the Implications and Hailey on that!
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Meanwhile, fans have been speculating about a possible Modern Family Obviously nothing has been confirmed, but the cast recently reunited for a WhatsApp ad that has fans excited. The ad features Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson reprising their roles as they find themselves in a humorous situation that highlights the importance of staying connected with your family.
The ad that aired during the 2024 NBA Finals brought back fond memories for viewers. It was a testament to Modern Family The continuing popularity and influence on television. It was not only Modern Family The series has entertained millions of viewers, and has also played a crucial role in promoting inclusivity through its diverse family dynamics and humorous storylines.
