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Modern Family, one of the greatest sitcoms ever produced, remains a favorite among viewers even years after its conclusion. The show boasted an incredibly talented cast, with Jesse Tyler Ferguson receiving five consecutive Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Mitchell Pritchett. In a recent interview, Ferguson shared a heartfelt story about a conversation he had with his father regarding his gay roles, and how it ultimately served to strengthen their bond.
The sitcom “Modern Family,” currently available through a Hulu subscription, debuted as early as 2009, preceding widespread marriage equality and extensive discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in media. Recently, on his podcast “Dinner’s On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson,” he shared an insightful story with guest Luke Macfarlane regarding his father’s initial struggle accepting him portraying gay characters, particularly on television. In the actor’s own words:
My family and I navigated our unique journey together, with my being openly gay playing a significant part. During my time on Modern Family, my father expressed confusion about my frequent portrayal of gay characters, saying something along the lines of “I sometimes struggle to comprehend why you have to take on so many gay roles.” This statement sparked a profound discussion between us, leading to a deeper understanding and enhancement of our relationship. I found myself having to articulate to him why these roles were meaningful and important for me personally.
Many queer individuals may find this sentiment familiar. Families of LGBTQ+ people often experience acceptance in stages, particularly when there is a generational divide. In Ferguson’s case, his father’s questions and worries about him portraying Mitch on TV served as a stepping stone for them to have an open and sincere discussion.

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Ferguson has taken on heterosexual roles previously, but he’s also given standout performances as some unforgettable gay characters. For instance, he was part of the original Broadway cast for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” as Carl Dad, and he won a Tony for his role in “Take Me Out“. During the podcast, Ferguson discussed why accepting the role on “Modern Family” held significant importance to him. In his words:
Personally, I yearned to showcase a character who is openly gay on television. I believed it would significantly contribute to the progress of marriage equality, which indeed it did. It wasn’t just about him tolerating my sexuality privately; it was a whole new level when I started playing that role on a prominent network. Acceptance often requires stages, and this was one such stage for both of us.
In my perspective, being part of the remarkable cast of “Modern Family” seemed to not only strengthen the bond between Ferguson and his father but also bring them closer together. As he mentioned, their portrayal of a strong same-sex relationship on the show for such an extended period had a profound impact, helping to shift perspectives and foster understanding in many hearts. It’s truly inspiring to reflect on how this widely beloved sitcom made a tangible difference in our society.
Indeed, during the span of 11 seasons on ‘Modern Family’, both the world and the TV industry underwent significant transformations. Viewers noticed that Mitchell and Cam, as a couple, displayed less open affection compared to their counterparts, leading the show to eventually depict them sharing a kiss. Another significant event was their wedding, which held great significance following the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States.
In full, “Modern Family” can be found streaming on Hulu, while fresh episodes of “Dinner’s On Me” debut every Tuesday. Regrettably, the spinoff featuring Mitch and Cam is no longer in the works.
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2025-05-21 23:41