Entertainment
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
On ABCs new mockumentary comedy Modern Family, redheaded cutie Jesse Tyler Ferguson plays Mitchell, a self-serious gay man whos adopted a Chinese infant named Lily with his flamboyant, zaftig partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet). The new family lives in suburbia, with similarly harried relatives (played by TV vets Ed ONeil and Julie Bowen) nearby. In real life, the gay 33-year-old is living the bachelor life. He spoke to Out about Shelley Long, his gay-for-pay costar, and why they wont be making out on screen.
Out: Whats in store for Cameron, Mitchell, and baby Lily this season?
Were focusing less on the fact that theyre gay, more on the fact that theyre raising this child together and learning to be dads. A lot of the comedy is mined from that. We take our baby to a Mommy and Me class, which is hilarious: Im trying to blend in for the sake of our daughter -- just fall back with the other mothers. But Cameron, my partner, wants to be fabulous and over the top. Then everything blows up in our face when a more fabulous gay couple walks in with their little African baby. That was a very fun episode to shoot. We also meet Shelley Long, who plays my estranged mother.
Oooh! Whats it like working with Shelley Long?
The moment she opens her mouth, she has that cadence that makes you think of Diane [from Cheers]. There was a dog on the lot whose name was Sam. She called out for it -- it was the most surreal moment Ive ever had. She is absolutely genius.
How did you and Eric Stonestreet work on your romantic chemistry?
Eric is straight. I call him gay-for-pay. He is so game for this character. We just clicked. We hang out a lot. Ironically, after he got the role, we decided to meet up for coffee. Were having coffee in the middle of the afternoon -- and we realize its Valentines Day! Just two guys, hangin out, having coffee. No big deal.
The pilot didnt have much PDA. Will you get more affectionate in future episodes?
Youre not going to see us in bed anytime soon. But honestly, none of the other couples show much affection. Its network TV. But Eric and I are the most traditional couple, in a weird way. Were squabbling parents. I think their normality is what makes them interesting.
The way Cameron and Mitchell are matched physically reminded me of King of Queens -- the big guy and a slimmer, more conventionally attractive partner, i.e. you. Did you guys talk about that dynamic?
We didnt really discuss it. I think its a very real relationship. I know a lot of couples that youre like how did they end up together? I read with all different types of guys -- different ethnicities and different sizes. Really, the chemistry is what dictated how the relationship was. Im certainly falling in love with Eric Stonestreet more and more each day!
What was your family like growing up?
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I had a lot of passion for the arts and not much of an outlet. I didnt grow into myself until I moved to New York after I graduated high school. Im from a very traditional family, one of three kids. I wish my family history was more colorful and elaborate, because I feel like all these great artists come from these tortured pasts.
What was your coming-out process like?
Not to rat on my Dad, but I had to come out four times to him. He kept forgetting and would ask about girlfriends. Id be like Dad, we talked about this! I certainly dont have the horror stories that some teens unfortunately have. Its a process and theyre still learning -- but theyre nothing but supportive. They certainly have never turned down the love dial with me.
How old were you when you came out?
I was six. [Laughs.] No, no. I was about 21. My mom actually was the one that broached the subject. She said I think youre gay
Your mom took you out of the closet?
Sort of. She definitely opened the door.
Modern Family airs on ABC on Wednesday nights. Check local listings for channels and times.
Send a letter to the editor about this article.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
38 Male Celebs Who Did Full Frontal Scenes
November 17 2023 5:18 PM
These are all the celebrities Who came out as LGBTQ+ in 2023
December 31 2023 12:19 PM
These Pics Prove Maluma Has Always Been a Certified Daddy
October 20 2023 1:13 PM
32 LGBTQ+ Celebs You Can Follow on OnlyFans
October 25 2023 3:15 PM
26 actors who showed bare ass in movies & TV shows
February 28 2024 1:50 PM
16 Times Celebrity Men Had to Say They Weren't Gay
February 29 2024 1:19 PM
15 Unforgettable Gay Kissing Scenes From TV & Movies
February 14 2024 10:20 AM
13 Queens Who Quit or Retired From Drag After 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
November 24 2023 10:11 AM
40 steamy celebrity Calvin Klein ads we'll always be thirsty for
January 04 2024 10:54 AM
The 15 Best LGBTQ+ Movies of 2023
December 04 2023 10:32 AM
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
Kristen Stewart turns Seth Meyers into a 'lesbian icon' in this hilarious video
March 28 2024 10:41 AM
Meet the reality TV baddies competing on 'House of Villains' season 2
March 27 2024 3:48 PM
Meet Kristen Kish, the new out host of 'Top Chef'
March 27 2024 3:36 PM
24 albums that turn 10 years old in 2024
March 27 2024 2:43 PM
Breaking boundaries in gender-free fashion with Stuzo Clothing
March 27 2024 2:15 PM
Meet Phillip Davis, Johnny Sibilly's new BF who he just hard-launched
March 27 2024 12:49 PM
Meet Ricky & Cesar, 'Amazing Race 36's loveable gay underdog couple
March 27 2024 12:09 PM
March 27, 2024
March 27 2024 12:07 PM
Yvonne & Melissa weren't 'U-Haul lesbians' before 'Amazing Race 36'
March 27 2024 11:38 AM
Iconic comedy 'John Tucker Must Die' is getting a sequel, making Millennial gays very happy
March 27 2024 10:50 AM
'Barbie' star Hari Nef is starring in a biopic about this trans legend
March 26 2024 7:02 PM