Even in a time when TV ratings seem to be on a steep, steep decline, there is one show that still stands out among the rest: Modern Family.
It is constantly among the top-rated TV shows across all networks. The cast meshes so effortlessly, and they really do come across as a big, wacky family.
No family is perfect, and Modern Family proves that it's absolutely wonderful to be anything but typical or "normal." Through all the issues they are pitted against, the family in this show has so much fun together and so much love and support for one another.
Even if Modern Family is your favorite TV show, I bet there are still some things you don't know about it — or its cast of characters. There are always a few well-kept secrets behind all of the best TV shows, and it's so fun to be in the know!
Did you already know any of these 10 facts about Modern Family?
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1. Luke Is Actually A Genius
Nolan Gould, who plays Luke Dunphy, may play a very convincing dunce on the show, but he's actually a certified genius. Nolan has been a member of Mensa since he was just 4 years old.
2. It Was Almost An Animated Series
Creators originally worried that the show wouldn't appeal to children and considered it as an animated series for a moment in time. Thankfully, they didn't take that route!
3. There's Only One Recurring, Non-Family Member
Dylan, Haley's on-again, off-again boyfriend, is the only character not related to the family to appear in every season of the show so far.
4. Claire Is Older Than Her Stepmother
Julie Bowen and her character Claire are both older than Sofía Vergara — and her character, Gloria — making Claire older than her very own stepmother. Modern family, indeed!
5. Julie Got The Role With Twins Onboard
That's right! When Julie landed the part of Claire, she was super-pregnant with her twins. She was so worried that she was going to miss out on the chance of a lifetime because of her big belly.
However, producers were able to look past her maternal state. When it came time to shoot the pilot, she still hadn't reached her due date and had to hide her belly with strategically placed props.
6. Lily Was Once Played By Twins
The original twins who played Lily were just tiny babies when they started. Their parents, a carpenter and stay-at-home mom, saw a casting ad on Craigslist and decided to send a picture in. Their twins Ella and Jaden were cast in the hit show, each making $200 an episode. Every penny went to their college funds.
However, their parents saw that their girls were not enjoying their time on set during season two. They told producers that they would not be returning, despite increasingly tempting offers — reportedly reaching $34,000 per episode. This was lucky for Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (pictured above), who was cast as the replacement.
7. The Dunphy House Was Empty
The house used for exterior shots is located in LA, and for the first few seasons it was uninhabited. Now that the home has been sold, the studio pays a fee to the owners every time they need an exterior shot.
Before it was sold, though? It was totally empty. All of the interior shots were and continue to be filmed on a soundstage.
8. The Cast Gets To Help Out With The Script
Eric Stonestreet, who plays Cam, is a very proud Kansas City Native, and writers often come to him to make sure that the jokes about small-town living are correct.
The writers also sometimes encourage the cast to contribute little bits and bobs to the script. For example, Eric has written in a shout-out to the man living across the street from his parents in a Valentine's Day episode.
9. The Cast Decided There Was No Lead Actor Or Actress
Since season one, the actors all have had a pact that they would never view themselves as a lead in the show, but, instead, always as a supporting role.
This mentality really does help the dynamic of the show, don't you think?
10. Craig T. Nelson Almost Played Jay Pritchett
Craig was offered the role of Jay, but he turned it down. Thank goodness, because Ed O'Neill is so incredibly perfect for the part!
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