Check Out the Cast of Modern Family Before They Were Stars

Nolan Gould (Luke Dunphy)

Then: Acting since the age of 3, Gould has appeared in multiple commercials, made-for-TV movies like Sweet Nothing in My Ear, and films like this summer’s hit Friends with Benefits.

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Nolan Gould (Luke Dunphy)

Now: Although his character Luke is often made fun of for not being the brightest member of the family, Gould is actually a certified member of Mensa, an international organization open to those whose IQ scores are in the 98th percentile or higher. Gould was recently in the TV movie Ghoul and the film The To Do List.

Ariel Winter (Alex Dunphy)

Then: Winter is no stranger to the small screen. Her credits go back to 2005, and in addition to bit roles on multiple hit shows, she landed multi-episode arcs on both So NoTORIous and ER. She has also done voice-over work for many movies and animated TV shows, including the role of Gretchen on the very popular kids’ show Phineas and Ferb.

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Ariel Winter (Alex Dunphy)

Now: As Alex Dunphy, Winter plays the role of the put-upon middle child perfectly. The smartest of the Dunphy kids, Alex enjoys nothing more than putting her brother and sister down with a sarcastic remark. But deep down, Alex is vulnerable and insecure and longs for everyone’s approval.

Sarah Hyland (Haley Dunphy)

Then: Hyland’s first big break came when she was cast as Rain Wolf on the soap opera Another World. She followed that by playing a young Audrey Hepburn in The Audrey Hepburn Story, Molly in the remake of Annie, multiple guest spots on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and a recurring role on Lipstick Jungle.

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Sarah Hyland (Haley Dunphy)

Now: As the beautiful and self-absorbed Haley, Hyland has perfected the eye roll and hair flip that drive the boys (and her mother) crazy. Although she makes a big show of not wanting anything to do with nerdy sister Alex, from time to time Haley will go out of her way to make sure Alex is accepted—and, of course, that Alex doesn’t embarrass her.

Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy)

Then: Prior to landing his spot on Modern Family, Burrell made a name for himself in movies such as In Good Company, Black Hawk Down, and National Treasure: Book of Secrets. He also costarred with Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton on Back to You.

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Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy)

Now: As lovable doofus Phil Dunphy, Burrell gets to show off his talents for comedy and pratfalls. Whether he’s seducing her as his suave alter ego Clyde Bixby or making sure her Halloween party goes off without a hitch, he’s a devoted husband to neurotic Claire—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Julie Bowen (Claire Dunphy)

Then: Although the Brown University alumna starred on such hit television shows such as Ed and Boston Legal and had recurring roles on ER and Weeds, she’s probably best known for her starring role alongside Adam Sandler in the cult comedy Happy Gilmore.

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Julie Bowen (Claire Dunphy)

Now: Bowen shines as high-strung Claire, who is driven to exasperation by her husband and three kids. Although everyone and everything seems to drive Claire crazy, she’s really just a woman who fiercely loves her family. And Bowen plays her brilliantly.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell Pritchett)

Then: Broadway star Ferguson originated the role of Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and starred in the short-lived TV series The Class. You may also recognize him from his role as America Ferrara’s dentist on Ugly Betty.

RICHARD FOREMAN/ABC

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell Pritchett)

Now: Like sister Claire, Mitchell is as high-strung as they come. Despite their many disagreements, Mitchell and partner Cam are happily raising adopted daughter Lily.

Eric Stonestreet (Cameron Tucker)

Then: Seen here proudly sporting the school colors of his alma mater, Kansas State, back in the mid-'90s, Stonestreet became an accomplished actor on the Los Angeles and Chicago improv scenes. He began with bit roles in films such as Almost Famous and shows like ER and Bones before landing a recurring role on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

PETER "HOPPER" STONE/ABC

Eric Stonestreet (Cameron Tucker)

Now: Stonestreet won an Emmy for his portrayal of the flamboyant Cam, a character he models after his own mother. Cam has a flair for the dramatic, but he’s also one of the emotional centers of this unconventional family.

Ed O’Neill (Jay Pritchett)

Then: O’Neill had been acting for almost 20 years before landing his most famous role: the cantankerous and uncouth Ed Bundy on Married . . . with Children. He also found his way into our living rooms on The West Wing, Big Apple, and John from Cincinnati.

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Ed O’Neill (Jay Pritchett)

Now: As Jay, the patriarch of the Pritchett family, O’Neill deftly portrays the emotional intricacies of blending families and adjusting to a life of chaos and hilarity. Jay tries to be everything to everybody, but we all know that he just wants some peace and quiet now and then.

Sofia Vergara (Gloria Delgado-Pritchett)

Then: Colombian bombshell Vergara was an established Spanish-language soap opera star before making her way in American shows like Dirty Sexy Money and Knights of Prosperity.

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Sofia Vergara (Gloria Delgado-Pritchett)

Now: Vergara brings constant laughs to the show as Gloria, Jay’s second wife. She smothers her son Manny, clashes with stepdaughter Claire, and gets her husband’s attention by shrieking “Jay!” as loud as she possibly can. Vergara’s comedic delivery more than stands up to the formidable talents of her costars.

Rico Rodriguez (Manny Delgado)

Then: Rodriguez had small roles on Jimmy Kimmel Live, My Name Is Earl, and iCarly before landing his breakthrough role as precocious Manny.

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Rico Rodriguez (Manny Delgado)

Now: Manny is beyond mature, shaking his head in utter confusion over the antics of kids his age while he tries to impress the ladies with his knowledge of art and literature. Let’s see if he can set aside the espresso and get in touch with his immature side. Who are we kidding? He doesn’t have one, and that’s why we love him!