Modern Family - "Family Portrait" Season Finale Preview 2

Oh no!  Sofia kissed Phil.  Mommy Claire won't be happy with this.  Watch Kobe Bryant on his cameo role.  Enjoy this video from Primetimetvpromos.

(Source: Primetimetvpromos)

Modern Family - "Family Portrait" Promotional Pics

TV.com has these photos of the upcoming episode of "Modern Family" entitled "Family Portrait".  My favorite here is the picture of an inevitable kiss made by Gloria and Phil.  I wonder what Claire has to say about this.  Second favorite is the Mitchell-and-bird photo which I think would be hilarious onscreen.  Can't wait to see the show on Wednesday, May 19 on ABC.   Photo credit: ABC.

(Source: TV.com)

Modern Family - "Family Portrait" Season Finale Preview

Watch this preview from Primetimetvpromos of the season finale of "Modern Family".  See Kobe Bryant as guest cast on Wednesday May 19, on ABC.

(Source: Primetimetvpromos)

Modern Family - Episode 1.24 - "Family Portrait" Press Release

 [Photo: ABC]

Modern Family - Episode 1.24 - Family Portrait - Press Release

MODERN FAMILY
Air Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Time Slot: 9:00 PM-9:30 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: (#1ARG??) "Family Portrait"

[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

SEASON FINALE

IT'S FAMILY PICTURE DAY AND EVERYTHING THAT CAN GO WRONG DOES, ON THE SEASON FINALE OF ABC'S "MODERN FAMILY"

NBA Star of the Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant Makes a Cameo Appearance.

"Family Portrait" - Claire painstakingly plans for a new family portrait to be taken, but it seems like everything and everybody is working against her. Gloria and Manny go with Phil and Alex to a Lakers game* and end up having a very awkward moment on the jumbotron; Luke interviews Jay for a school project, and Cameron gets a gig as a wedding singer while Mitchell is home alone with Lily and a wayward pigeon, on the Season Finale of "Modern Family," WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

*ABC is the exclusive home of The NBA Finals, which are scheduled to begin Thurs., June 3, at 9:00 p.m., ET.

"Modern Family" stars Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett, Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy, Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy, Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy, Nolan Gould as Luke Dunphy, Ariel Winter as Alex Dunphy and Rico Rodriguez as Manny Delgado.

Guest cast include Sean Smith as photographer.

"Family Portrait" was written by Ilana Wernick and directed by Jason Winer. 


(Source: The Futon Critic)

Season Finale Spoiler for "Modern Family"

 

[Photo: ABC]

I bet the season finale is going to be hilarious.  Just look at this picture.  My oh my, don't forget to watch on Wednesday May 19, on ABC.

Any scoop on what's in store for my favorite [MODERN] FAMILY as the season comes to a [tear] end? — Maya

The TV Addict: If this were any other show, we'd tease the fantastic May 19th season ender by revealing that… [cue ominous music]… nothing will ever be the same for America's funniest family thanks to an unexpected intruder in Mitchell and Cam's humble abode and a philandering Phil which culminates in a fight between the Dunphey/Pritchett clan that almost teas them apart. But since this isn't a very special episode of LAW & ORDER, we'll simply say the intruder is a bird, Phil is just being Phil, and America's favorite family ends the season exactly how it started, on a high note.


(Source: TV.com)

"Modern Family" Goes to Hawaii

"Modern Family" goes to Hawaii for Jay's birthday celebration.  Follow them tonight on ABC.  Meanwhile, check out ABC's video with Steven Levitan and the whole cast of the show talking about their unforgettable experience filming the episode "Hawaii".

(Source: TV Guide Magazine)

ABC's Statement on Cam and Mitch not Kissing on "Modern Family"

[Photo: ABC]

 

Michael Jensen of AfterElton.com has an exclusive statement by ABC on why Cam and Mitch are not kissing on "Modern Family".  After some fans created a Facebook page urging ABC to have the gay couple kiss onscreen, ABC addressed this issue and gave a statement regarding this.  I think we should respect the reasons why this particular gay couple is not showing their intimacy onscreen.  It would be unripe and unprepared if they will kiss now.  I'm sure there are some gay couples who do not show their emotion publicly and Cam and Mitchell are that kind of couple.  Let's just hope and not become pushy! Read ABC's statement on the AfterElton site.


(Source: AfterElton.com)

Modern Family - "Hawaii" Preview

Here is the episode preview of "Modern Family" 2nd to the last give "Hawaii".  It's a "Modern Family" treat because not every TV show goes to Hawaii for a vacation.  You shouldn't miss this episode.  Watch it and enjoy this video from Primetimetvpromos.

(Source: Primetimetvpromos)

Modern Family - "Hawaii" Promotional Pics

At long last, the episode "Hawaii", the one viewers have all been waiting for.  Lily is oh, so cute in these pictures.  Very meek and mild. The Banana Land must be hilarious.  Only way to find out is to watch on Wednesday May 12 on ABC.  Photo Credit: ABC.

(Source: TV.com)

Modern Family - "Airport 2010" Preview

Watch this video preview of "Modern Family" episode "Airport 2010".  Mitchel forgot his ID, then his keys.  Oh my, what a way to leave the country for a vacation.  We will see tomorrow Wednesday night, on ABC.

(Source: Primetimetvpromos)

Modern Family - "Airport 2010" Sneak Peek

Watch this sneak peek from "Modern Family" episode "Airport 2010".  Jay was thinking of having solo time with Gloria when he finds out that he will be with the whole family on his birthday celebration in Hawaii.  Nice plan for Gloria, but not for Jay.  Plus, a lot of security breeches, lost ID, and flying phobia comes with it.  But don't worry because they will get to Hawaii for sure.  Excited, everyone?  Thanks to TV Overmind for this video.

(Source: TV Overmind)

Modern Family - "Airport 2010" Promotional Pics

On Wednesday May 5, "Modern Family" is going to take us into a birthday vacation celebration in Hawaii.  Yes, "Modern Family" TV series fans, we are gonna fly to Hawaii on comedy Wednesday, only on ABC.  Well, I guess Claire is the one who has the flying phobia.  Who could be the one who forgot the ID?  My guess is Manny?  Hit the comments for your guesses.  Enjoy these photos from TV Overmind.

(Source: TV Overmind)

Modern Family - Episode 1.23 - "Hawaii" Press Release

Modern Family - Episode 1.23 - Hawaii - Press Release

MODERN FAMILY
Air Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Time Slot: 9:00 PM-9:30 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: (#1ARG??) "Hawaii"

[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

A RELAXING FAMILY VACATION IN HAWAII GETS SLIGHTLY DERAILED WHEN EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN IDEAS OF FUN, ON ABC'S "MODERN FAMILY"

"Hawaii" - Jay could not be more excited to do nothing but indulge and relax in this tropical paradise, but then an unexpected reality check dampens his plans. Meanwhile, Phil is determined to make this trip romantic for Claire, Mitchell and Cameron have opposing views on whether to sightsee or not to sightsee, and the kids get into a little bit of mischief when left to their own devices, on "Modern Family," WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

"Modern Family" stars Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett, Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy, Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy, Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy, Nolan Gould as Luke Dunphy, Ariel Winter as Alex Dunphy and Rico Rodriguez as Manny Delgado.

Guest cast include Christian J. Keau as bus driver, Casey Enovijas as pool attendant, Stephanie arron as Lei Greeter, Jason Sadang as ukulele player and Laki Kaahumanu as Hawaiian officiant.

"Hawaii" was written by Paul Corrigan and Brad Walsh and directed by Steven Levitan.

(Source: The Futon Critic)

Modern Family - "Travels with Scout" Sneak Peeks

Make way for these sneak peeks on tonight's episode on ABC's comedy Wednesday.  Who would ever think that Cameron plays drums?  He is so talented I think there's nothing he can't do.  With his wit, confidence and talent, he is really worthy of becoming a Diva! Fizbo plays the drums!

(Source: TV Overmind)

Modern Family - "Travels with Scout" Preview

Watch this video from Primetimetvpromos featuring the preview of ABC's "Modern Family" episode "Travels with Scout".  What happened to Luke in this video?  I swear, it is really funny and shocking.  The episode airs on April 28, on ABC's comedy Wednesday.

(Source: Primetimetvpromos)

Modern Family - "Travels with Scout" Promotional Pics

Fred Willard joins "Modern Family" in the episode "Travels with Scout" which means Papa Dunphy is back together with a four-legged friend and an RV of course.  The pictures below show that the whole family is having a great time.  I'm sure Cameron has another Cam Show as you can see that he is holding the drumsticks.  Wow, I am really going to watch this episode.  You definitely wouldn't want to miss this.  Thanks to TV Overmind for these wonderful photos. 

(Source: TV Overmind)

Modern Family - Episode 1.22 - "Airport 2010" Press Release

Modern Family - Episode 1.22 - Airport 2010 - Press Release

MODERN FAMILY
Air Date: Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Time Slot: 9:00 PM-9:30 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: (#1ARG??) "Airport 2010"

[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

THERE'S NO GREATER TEST THAN TRAVELING WITH YOUR FAMILY, ON ABC'S "MODERN FAMILY"

"Airport 2010" - For Jay's birthday, Gloria gives him the best surprise -- a romantic birthday getaway to Hawaii -- the only kicker is she invited the whole entire family to come along. Everyone arrives at the airport, and it's a maddening scene with forgotten I.D.'s, security breaches and flying phobias, on "Modern Family," WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

"Modern Family" stars Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett, Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy, Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy, Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy, Nolan Gould as Luke Dunphy, Ariel Winter as Alex Dunphy and Rico Rodriguez as Manny Delgado.

Guest starring are Reid Ewing as Dylan, Tom Wright as Pete, Patrick Stafford as Jeff, Andrew Heffernan as Gate Attendant and Kelly Michaels as Daryl.

"Airport 2010" was written by Dan O'Shannon and Bill Wrubel and directed by Jason Winer.

(Source: The Futon Critic)

Modern Family - Episode 1.21 - "Travels with Scout" Press Release

Modern Family - Episode 1.21 - Travels with Scout - Press Release

MODERN FAMILY
Air Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Time Slot: 9:00 PM-9:30 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: (#1ARG??) "Travels with Scout"

[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

GRANDPA DUNPHY IS IN TOWN AND CAMERON JOINS A ROCK BAND, ON ABC'S "MODERN FAMILY"

Guest Star Fred Willard ("Best in Show," "Waiting for Guffman") Reprises His Role as Frank Dunphy."Travels with Scout" - Claire is caught off guard when Phil's father shows up in an RV with a little four legged friend, and she becomes suspicious that he might be hiding a larger reason for the visit. Meanwhile, when Cameron hears Dylan is down a drummer in his band, he enthusiastically offers to fill in, and Jay and Gloria have to pay the consequences of accidentally taking Manny to see a traumatizing horror movie, on "Modern Family," WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

"Modern Family" stars Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett, Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy, Ty Burrell as Phil
Dunphy, Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy, Nolan Gould as Luke Dunphy, Ariel Winter as Alex Dunphy and Rico Rodriguez as Manny Delgado.

Guest cast include Fred Willard as Phil Dunphy, Reid Ewing as Dylan, Christopher Shea as Ben, Joshua Doswell as Craig, Ben Seaward as Neil, Ben LeJeune as Brian and Libby Mintz as Young Woman.

"Travels with Scout" was written by Paul Corrigan and Brad Walsh and directed by Seth Gordan.

(Source: The Futon Critic)

 

Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet in Gimme A Minute

Jill Martin chats with actors Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet during the halftime of the Knicks-Heat game last April 11. From MSGOnline, here it is:

A Visit to Eric Stonestreet

 [Photo: ABC]

The New York Times paid Eric Stonestreet a visit where "Modern Family" is filming an episode.  Here are the highlights of the visit:


TRAILER PARKED

Stonestreet's call time was 10:45 a.m., a vast improvement over his usual 6 or 7 a.m. He says the show typically shoots two to seven scenes in a day; today they'll shoot five. He's also relieved to be taping on the Fox lot in Century City in Los Angeles, the show's home base. "Locations are the worst," he says. "Last week we shot at LAX for three days."

Though the morning began with a scene involving several cast members, all have been dismissed except for Stonestreet and Ferguson, when the show breaks for lunch. Stonestreet shows off his trailer -- a typical setup, with "Cameron" written on the door. After showing off pictures of his dog, who sometimes joins him on set, Stonestreet reveals that he originally read the pilot for "Modern Family" when a friend asked for help running lines.

"He had an audition for Cameron, and as I read with him, I was really bummed I wasn't getting to go in for it," Stonestreet recalls. "It just hadn't come my direction as far as the physical type yet." Although he hadn't seen a description of the character's appearance, he knew that Ferguson was already cast as Mitchell and the network was looking for someone who matched him. "You just never know," Stonestreet says. "I've been a character actor and a big guy my whole career, and my goal has always been to change people's mind and do justice to the part so that they look past what I look like and see just an actor, rather than a 'big' or a 'heavyset' actor."

Stonestreet's representation persisted, and the show still couldn't find a Cameron. The search began to widen, and eventually Stonestreet was allowed to audition. "I don't remember the exact breakdown, but it was something like 'Passionate, the more dramatic of the two, flamboyant but grounded,'" the actor says. "It was a tricky character to audition for, because you read the script and there's that 'Lion King' moment. So you have to build a character who's not too flamboyant -- yet, on Page 27, he's capable of this."

Stonestreet knew it would be easy to go over the top with the interpretation, which he hoped to avoid. "There were three audition scenes, and the word on the street was a lot of actors went in and were dismissed after the first scene," he reveals. "So my goal was to be able to get through all three." Not only did he get to do all three; he got to do them several times, as he was called back for a screen test and a network test.

Over the course of 10 minutes, four people have popped in to speak to Stonestreet, show him costume changes, or ask questions. A fifth person now appears, telling him he's needed in hair and makeup. As he prepares to depart, he notes, "My getting this part is a great lesson in that you can't guess what people want in a room while you're auditioning. You have to be who you are and true to yourself and what naturally fits you. If they're buying what you're selling, you get the job. I think of auditions as there's a problem that I'm going to solve, and if I get the part, I feel like the problem's been solved. If I don't get the part, then they still have the problem."

THE BIG TEASE
In the makeup trailer, a stylist blow-dries his hair to achieve Cameron's fluffy mane, as the actor reveals how acting thwarted his planned career as a prison warden. "I've always been fascinated by crime and punishment," Stonestreet explains. "Someday I hope to get to be in an organized crime movie."

Born and raised in Kansas City, Kan., Stonestreet earned a track and field scholarship to a junior college. While there, he took a fall, tearing his rotator cuff, breaking his foot, and putting an end to his sports career. He then transferred to Kansas State University.

Though he had studied clowning as a kid (a talent he would later put to use when Cameron reveals his secret past as Fizbo the Clown), Stonestreet had never considered acting as a career, intending instead to become a prison warden. After breaking up with a girlfriend and moping around school, he was challenged by a friend to "change things up" by auditioning for a play. Stonestreet landed the role of Uncle Fred ("the smallest role in the play") in "Prelude to a Kiss" and was instantly hooked. "I just caught the bug," he says. "It was exhilarating."

He moved to Chicago, feeling it was "a safer place to fail than Los Angeles." He studied at Second City and began booking commercials fairly quickly. "You can carve out a good career in Chicago with voiceover and theaters like the Goodman and Steppenwolf," he notes. "Originally I had no intention of moving to Los Angeles. About a year in, I realized I needed to give the big sandbox a try."

Guest parts began coming fairly regularly, from "Malcolm in the Middle" to "ER" and a recurring role on "CSI." Stonestreet learned early on to do his job and stay out of the way. "I remember Gene Hackman saying, 'Your job in that position is to know your lines, hit your mark, be on time, and not screw anything up,'" he recalls. "I think some actors, we feel like we have to impress the producer and make a moment for our character. But the best thing you can do is just be a pro. That is way more appreciated and respected than trying to become the star of a moment."

At this point, Ferguson enters the trailer and notices that his co-star has a guest. "Are you doing an interview?" he asks. "I'm sorry, it's not going to be very good." He then begins mimicking Stonestreet: "It was sooo liberating to go to class and really study." Stonestreet is unfazed, saying, "This is what Jesse does: He makes fun of me."

SPIDER MEN

A few minutes later, the pair is on set, preparing to tape a scene in which Cameron and Mitchell hear a suspicious noise on Lily's baby monitor. Cameron races into the room wielding a baseball bat, followed shortly by Mitchell. They're relieved to realize the monitor was just picking up noise from a neighbor. "But if that had been a spider," Cameron quips, "he would have been in trouble."

The first two takes go smoothly. On the third, Stonestreet draws out the word "trouble," teasing Mitchell. This elicits a laugh from director Kevin Rodney Sullivan, who pops into the room to ask him to do it again on the next take. On the fourth take, Stonestreet draws the word into three syllables: "Tru-huh-ble!" Co-creator Steven Levitan then suggests that Stonestreet raise the bat toward Ferguson when his partner enters the room, as if thinking he's the intruder. The bit goes over well, and Levitan says to keep it. At least three times the director calls for "one more" take before finally stopping at nine.

A little more than an hour has been spent taping a scene that will probably last 20 seconds on screen. "That's pretty standard," Stonestreet says. "And what's so cool about our show -- which was just demonstrated -- is how even when we're shooting it, we're constantly finding new things and evolving it as we go."

DOMESTIC BLISS

Stonestreet returns to the makeup trailer to have his hair done yet again, for a scene he'll be shooting with one of the babies who double as Lily. While there, he recounts how he and Ferguson decided to meet for coffee after learning that Stonestreet had won the role: "I was talking to my dad on the phone, and he said, 'What are you going to do today?' I said, 'Oh, I'm going to meet my husband for coffee.'" It was only midway through the meeting that the two realized they were surrounded by couples -- and had scheduled their meet on Valentine's Day.

Though Stonestreet is straight, he had no qualms about accepting the role, and he takes it as a compliment that many viewers find him so convincing that they assume he's gay in real life. "I love it!" he says. "I love the fans that I have. They're so cool. I'm a guy who's been working as an actor for a long time, and my main goal was always to get a job. Not to get a job on a great show, not to get a job on a great show with a great character, but just to get a job. So for me to be on this show with this cast and this audience support is more than I could have ever imagined. I will take my fans in any shape, size, gender, sexual orientation they come in. I'm just happy to have fans!"

As for his family's reaction, Stonestreet points to the year before he landed "Modern Family," when he played murderers on "The Mentalist," "Pushing Daisies," and "NCIS," as well as an inmate on death row for raping and murdering a girl on a recent episode of "Nip/Tuck." "People will ask me, 'Are your parents okay with you playing a gay character on TV?' And I'm like, 'My mom was more upset that I killed three people on TV last year!'"

Stonestreet shoots his final scene with Lily and wraps his day just before 6 p.m., about an hour later than expected but unusually early for an actor on a weekly series. Though he admits he got restless waiting for his big break when he first moved to L.A., he now feels grateful for the time it took to build experience in front of the camera.

"Eleven years ago, I thought I was ready to be on a sitcom," he says. "Looking back on it, I may have been ready, but there are so many aspects that go into it that I didn't know. Just the technical end of it: 'Yeah, you're going to be funny, but we need you to be funny on this mark, leaning with your weight on the right, and don't get lost behind the doorway. Also, right off-camera, there's a huge light in your face.' There are so many things to work around, you're not even aware."

He also laughs to think just how different his career turned out than he intended. He recalls once reading a pamphlet about what a person can expect in a career in criminal justice. "If your career went the way it was supposed to, by 35 you should have your first junior wardenship," he says. "I always think about the Eric who's living that life out there, who's a junior warden in Terre Haute, Ind. And I'm really glad I got detoured."