A relative latecomer to the show is stand-up comedian Joe Mande. The walking funny bone portrays Ben, Alex Dunphy’s love interest in season 8 of Modern Family. Whilst he only makes a brief appearance on the show, it’s his real-life that has us interested! Quickly gaining in popularity, the actor-comedian is also a writer, and a huge animal lover!
Together with his wife Kylie Augustine, (as well as their kids!) Joe’s home has become something of a dog shelter – just check out Kylie’s Instagram! So…many…puppies! The couple tied the knot in 2015, and, refreshingly, have decided to keep their private life, well, private! Not only does it give their beautiful family a chance to grow without the pressure and the media spotlight, but also some privacy! That’s no joke! (ha…ha…)
Sarah Hyland & Wells Adams (Dating)
We’ve reached our resident troublemaker/party girl/ make-up artist/ drama queen (watch out Gloria…and Cameron!) Haley Dunphy. Whilst she may not possess even a quarter of the brains her sister Alex has, she certainly has the looks which…in a teenage girl’s world, are totally, like, more important! The eldest of the Dunphy’s, she seems to be only interested in boys and partying – though her family is constantly shaking their heads at her poor dating choices. Love is blind, okay?!
Whilst she seems to have trouble with the opposite sex on the show, in real life, Sarah Hyland doesn’t have a problem at all! The dark-haired beauty is dating reality TV-star Wells Adams. Recently, he’s been in a little hot water over being able to afford a ring for his lady, after radio hosts Bobby Bones, Lunchbox and Amy Brown claimed the 34-year-old couldn’t afford to buy her a ring, and also dissed him for living in her LA home! To be fair…she’s certainly making enough bank to cover the ring AND the wedding. Don’t worry Wells, your baby girl’s got you.
Adam DeVine & Chloe Bridges (Dating)
Sure, Haley Dunphy seems to chew through boyfriends like the dog does her homework, but we think she’ll always have a soft spot for Andy Bailey. Of course, now that you’re looking at his face…you can surely place him! Yep, that’s right, he’s the very sassy Bumper from Pitch Perfect! Whilst he doesn’t exactly have a singing role on Modern Family, he’s definitely made his mark on the show. In real life, he’s something of a comedic genius, what with his work on Pitch Perfect, as well as on the show Workaholics. Quite a talented guy, eh?
But whilst he may play cute and coy on the show, in real life he’s snagged himself a real diamond! His girlfriend, Chloe Bridges, is quite the stunner. The pair, dating since 2015, recently enjoyed a long romantic European holiday. There were rumors spreading he was going to pop the question, as he was booking the honeymoon suites (lucky gal!) but he’s assured the media he has no plans on getting hitched anytime soon!
Fred Willard & Mary Willard (Were Married)
It’s only fitting really that the father of Phil Dunphy would be equally as hysterical as his son! The funny gene runs deep in the Dunphy family, and fans of the show were well in their rights to be introduced to the person from whom Phil gets some of his best dad jokes! Playing Frank Dunphy was Fred Willard. Don’t think this was his first comedic rodeo – oh no, Fred was very well known on the comedy circuit! Best known for his roles in This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration and of course, Anchorman, Fred was a great fit on the show! You have probably also recognized him from his recurring role on Everybody Loves Raymond as Hank MacDougall, Robert Barone’s father-in-law!
They say that looks fade, but humor never does…and that was probably the secret to his and Mary Willard’s 51-year marriage! The pair married in 1968, and, all credit to them, have managed to weather the paparazzi raining down on them (oh yes, as if we wouldn’t put a Dad-worthy pun in there!) as well as the Hollywood spotlight. Sadly, however, both Willard and his beloved wife are no longer with us.
Nathan Lane & Devlin Elliott (Married)
Okay, so we’re having a bit of a moment with this next character. Nathan Lane! Like, Nathan Lane! He’s only appeared in over 45 films, including The Lion King, The Birdcage, Mouse Hunt, and The Producers! The 62-year old plays Sherman “Pepper” Saltzman, one of Mitchell and Cameron’s extravagant gay friends, and, somewhat controversially…he dated Cameron before the series began! Back to Mr. Lane, you’ve seen The Birdcage, you’ll totally understand when we say we feel he’s reprised his role. So, so, fabulous darling! The best part; Pepper’s eccentricity, obnoxiousness and dramatic flair are almost on par with his real-life self!
A renowned Broadway performer, he has impressively won three Tony Awards, as well as six Drama Desk awards, six Outer Critic’s Circle Awards, two Obies…two Golden Globe nominations…a Screen Actor’s Guild Award….AND a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There are more accolades he has accumulated over the years, but we’re exhausted already! And how wonderful that he has a partner (sorry, husband!) that is just as dazzling, and talented! Sharing the highs (and lows, no doubt) of his career with his long-time theatre-producer boyfriend, Devlin Elliott, Nathan Lane has certainly found his life partner. The pair dated for 18 years (!!!) before deciding to make things official. These days the power-couple are still going strong, albeit with an adorable side hobby; launching a children’s book series following the life of a French bulldog, named Mabel. We love it and love him!!