Summary
- Working with Ed O'Neill was completely different than Sofia Vergara expected, forming a strong bond on and off-screen.
- Vergara transformed criticisms of Gloria in Modern Family into a personal celebration of her Colombian roots and family upbringing.
- Ed O'Neill believed Modern Family's humor helped tackle sensitive topics and improve viewers' relationships with family and partners.
Sofia Vergara was surprised to find that working with Ed O'Neill was the complete opposite of what she had initially expected. O'Neill, a beloved figure in Hollywood, has earned accolades from his co-stars for his supportive and nurturing presence on set.
Christina Applegate, who played his on-screen daughter in Married... with Children, praised him for teaching her the importance of embracing vulnerability and honesty in her performances. She credited O'Neill and her other on-screen parent, Katey Sagal, for her successes and failures, highlighting how they encouraged her to let go and accept looking foolish if it meant being truthful in her role.
Ed O'Neill Turned Down An Iconic TV Role Before 'Married With Children' He Might Regret
After Ed O'Neill opted for Married With Children, Ted Danson would be the one to snag Sam Malone on Cheers.
Similarly, Nolan Gould, who starred alongside O'Neill in Modern Family, recounted a touching post-show phone call from O'Neill. Gould was thrilled to hear from his older colleague, who checked in on him, showing a side of personal attention and care that went beyond their professional relationship. Sofia Vergara would herself come to discover these same qualities when she worked with O'Neill in Modern Family, but it was not what she initially expected.
Sofia Vergara Feared She Would Be "Stuck With The Old Guy For Hours" Before Working With Ed O'Neill
Sofia Vergara is best known for her portrayal of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the ABC sitcom Modern Family, thanks to which she found herself at the pinnacle of her career. Ed O’Neill played her on-screen husband Jay Pritchett. Before Vergara had the opportunity to meet the Married… with Children star, she harbored concerns about working closely with him. Given O'Neill's seniority, the Colombian actress feared she would be "stuck" with the older actor for long hours on set, leading to boredom.
However, Vergara's apprehensions quickly dissolved once they began working together. She shared her initial worries and the surprising outcome of their collaboration on the Hart to Heart podcast. She recalled her astonishment upon learning she would be married to Ed O’Neill on-screen. Having watched him on television back in her native country, she found it hard to believe she would be paired with someone 20 years her senior.
However, the reality of their working relationship was far from what Vergara had anticipated. The duo formed an incredible friendship, which she described as the “complete opposite of her initial expectations.” This bond they developed off-screen significantly contributed to their on-screen chemistry, making their characters' marriage one of the most beloved aspects of Modern Family.
Sofia Vergara Loved Her Role In Modern Family
From the outset of her portrayal as Gloria Pritchett on Modern Family, Sofia Vergara faced criticism for supposedly reinforcing stereotypes about Latina women. However, the actress’ approach to her character was deeply personal and drawn from her own life experiences. She designed Gloria as a blend of her mother, her aunt, and the vibrant women she grew up with in Colombia. These women, according to Vergara, were “loud, intense, colorful, passionate, and deeply caring”—traits she proudly infused into Gloria.
Sofia Vergara In Modern Family:
- Played the character Gloria María Ramírez Pritchett (formerly Delgado; née Ramírez Jiménez)
- Featured in 250 out of 250 episodes, across 11 seasons between 2009 and 2020
- Nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, and four Primetime Emmy Awards
- For seven years between 2012 and 2018, her salary on Modern Family made her the highest-paid actress on television annually.
Vergara found humor in the accusations of stereotyping.
“I always laughed about it because if Gloria was stereotypical, then that’s just what I am,” she stated in a profile of her run by Variety in 2021, titled: Sofia Vergara: The Businesswoman Behind a Beloved Sitcom Star. She defended Gloria’s character as a celebration of the qualities she admired in the women of her homeland. For Vergara, Gloria’s supposed stereotype was, in fact, a tribute to “a magnificent, multifaceted woman who loved fiercely, cared deeply for her family (both biological and blended), and always sought to help those around her.”
What Does Ed O’Neill Think About Starring In Modern Family?
In a 2014 interview with Capital & Main, Ed O'Neill shared his thoughts on the cultural significance of Modern Family, and its portrayal of the contemporary American family. He emphasized that his intent in joining the show was not explicitly to alter perceptions of American relationships.
However, he acknowledged the undeniable impact the series had, particularly in representing a gay couple, which resonated deeply with audiences.
This storyline, O'Neill noted, received an outpouring of positive feedback from viewers who felt it improved their relationships with family and partners. O'Neill further discussed the power of comedy in addressing sensitive topics. He believed that Modern Family succeeded where other shows might falter because it approached controversial issues with humor, making it easier for audiences to engage with these subjects without immediate resistance.
Drawing a parallel to All in the Family, O'Neill pointed out that comedy has a way of softening the delivery of provocative themes, thereby fostering reflection rather than confrontation. This approach, according to the actor, allowed the show to gently persuade and prompt viewers to think about various societal issues in a new light.
