Jesse Tyler Ferguson Reacts to Frances Anderson's Music Career

Jesse Tyler Ferguson Reveals Why He Said No to ‘Modern Family’ Spinoff With Eric Stonestreet

Jesse Tyler Ferguson still feels that fatherly love.

While his and Frances Anderson's days of playing father and daughter on Modern Family are long behind them, Jesse continues to watch on proudly as Frances—who stepped away from acting at the end of the sitcom—moves into her next chapter as a musical artist.

"I'm so proud of her, she's really come into her own," he told E! News at the 2026 Tony Awards on June 7. "She loves musical theater, actually. That's what we bonded over when you know, even when she was like four or five years old. So the fact that she's still interested in singing is so—I feel like I feel like a dad of hers, and I'm very proud of her."

But Frances—who, now 19, changed her name from Aubrey Anderson-Emmons in August to represent her new musical chapter—isn't the only one of Jesse's costars who could hold their own on a stage.

In fact, Jesse said he'd be happy to share the spotlight with Sarah Hyland—who has also appeared on Broadway—in a heartbeat.

"I would feel the safest on stage with her," Jesse—who attended the Tonys with husband Justin Mitka—said. "Because she's a pro."

"I would be interested in doing something with Eric Stonestreet," the 50-year-old continued of his former onscreen husband. "But I don't know how safe I'd feel with him."

As for why, Jesse explained, "He'd be a lot of nerves. I know Eric pretty well, he'd be very, very nervous, but he would be amazing on stage."

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

Plus, he's got some budding musical theater fans at home, with his and Justin's sons Beckett, 5, and Sullivan, 3, already being exposed to dad's work.

"They have seen me on stage," Jesse—who is participating in a Chicago tribute performance during the Tonys—said. "And I took them to see the revival of Spelling Bee, and they loved it."

And though Beckett and Sullivan are too young to attend the Tonys with their dads, they're still enjoying a fun evening.

"They're actually at the Queens Pride celebration with our niece," Jesse revealed. "So. they're celebrating in their own way today."

As for dad's Chicago tribute, he added, "I'll show them on YouTube."

For more from the Tony red carpet, read on.

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