Jesse Tyler Ferguson Explains How Playing a Gay Character onModern FamilyCreated a 'Coat of Armor' in Real Life

Mar. 15, 2025

Jesse Tyler Ferguson.Photo:Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Jesse Tyler Fergusonis crediting one of his most beloved television roles for making people more accepting of his sexuality.

On a recent episode of hisDinner’s on Mepodcast, the actor, 48, recalled how his life changed once he joined the cast ofModern Familyback in 2009. Talking with guestNicole Byer, Ferguson said there was a moment where he saw the shift in the way people looked at him.

“I went to Las Vegas, and I had been in Las Vegas a few years earlier, and I sort of got gay bashed a little bit,” he explained. “It wasn’t anything violent, but it was definitely like, there was negative energy coming at me from a couple that felt uncomfortable around me and my then-boyfriend.”

Jesse Tyler Ferguson.Jason Mendez/Getty

Jason Mendez/Getty

He went on to explain that people’s “initial instinct” was to judge him until they realized he was a beloved star ofModern Family, which felt empowering in a way.

Noting that especially right now, there are areas of the country where queer people feel unsafe, Ferguson said he still gets nervous being recognized in public sometimes.

“Like, how are they gonna respond to someone who looks like me and has my political views?” he questioned.

Justin Mikita (left) and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (right).Kevin Mazur/Getty

Ferguson ismarriedto producerJustin Mikita, who he met at the gym back whenModern Familywas just starting. At the time, Mikita was a law student, but he went on to work on films, musicals and documentaries.

“I was like, ‘Full disclosure: I’m in a relationship, but I’d love to get a drink with you as a friend,'” Mikita recalled. “And he said, ‘I have enough friends,’ which I loved.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In July 2020, they welcomed their first child,Beckett Mercer, and later had a second,Sullivan Louis, in November 2022.

source: people.com