Meet Julie Bowen: The Mom Behind Modern Family's Claire Dunphy

By Ridenour

17 Apr 2025

Let’s talk about Julie Bowen, the woman who brought us the unforgettable Claire Dunphy on Modern Family. Beyond the sitcom, she’s also a mom to three amazing sons: Oliver, John, and Gustav. Julie isn’t shy about sharing glimpses of her family life on Instagram, often celebrating her boys in heartfelt posts. In a recent Instagram carousel, she captioned, “Every day is ‘Son’s Day’ at my house,” giving fans a peek into her world as a proud mother.

Is Julie Bowen Still Married?

Julie Bowen, a two-time Emmy Award-winning actress, tied the knot with real estate investor and software developer Scott Phillips in September 2004. For years, the couple seemed like the perfect match, navigating the ups and downs of parenting together. However, in February 2018, Julie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The split was finalized on September 13, 2018. While it was certainly a chapter closed, Julie remains grateful for the time they shared, especially the beautiful children they raised together.

Reflecting on her marriage, Julie once joked to People, “Honestly, I only remember up until we had the kids. Then you’re like, ‘What?’ Twelve years. We’ve had children for nine. So I remember the first three years, the rest of it is like a blackout.” It’s clear that motherhood has been a defining chapter in her life, one she cherishes deeply.

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    Before her divorce from Scott Phillips, Julie welcomed three wonderful children into her life. Her firstborn, Oliver, arrived in April 2007, bringing joy and chaos to their home. Two years later, in May 2009, she gave birth to twin boys, John and Gustav. Being the mom of three boys is no small feat, and Julie often shares her humorous take on the experience. In a candid interview with Today in 2021, she joked, “On TV shows, people talk to each other. When you have three boys, it’s more like grunting. And you identify their mood kind of by their smell. It’s like living with wild animals.”

    Despite the challenges, Julie wouldn’t trade it for anything. “It’s hairy, it’s smelly, and I love them. They own me,” she added with a smile. Her love for her boys is evident in every word she speaks and every photo she shares.

    Julie Bowen with sons Oliver, Gustav and John
    Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images For P.S. ARTS

    In September 2024, Julie opened up during an appearance on Today With Hoda & Jenna about balancing her career and motherhood. With her boys growing up and her work taking her to the East Coast while they remain in L.A., communication has shifted. “Luckily, they’ve all grown and at different times have all gone into that heavy sleep cycle,” she shared. “Right now, because I’m working on the East Coast and they live in L.A., the only way I communicate with them is through Snapchat. It’s our go-to method of staying connected.”

    Was Julie Bowen Pregnant During ‘Modern Family’?

    For over a decade, Julie brought Claire Dunphy to life on the beloved ABC sitcom Modern Family, a role that earned her widespread acclaim. But did you know she was pregnant when she auditioned for the part? “I was pregnant with twins, and I kept thinking they weren’t going to hire me,” she confessed to People in 2015. “They kept bringing me in over and over and sort of staring at my humungous belly, and I thought, ‘I’m never getting this job.’”

    Despite her doubts, Julie not only landed the role but was also pregnant during the filming of the pilot episode, which aired in September 2009. Interestingly, two of her three boys made their "appearance" on the show, though in a different way. In a January 2023 interview with People, Julie revealed her kids’ indifference toward the series. She shared, “I said to my twins, ‘You’re in my stomach right there. You’re in this episode.’ Because I was pregnant with them on the pilot. They thought that was pretty funny and they watched some of it. But in front of me, they will not watch it.” It’s clear that while the show may be a big part of her legacy, her boys see their mom as more than just Claire Dunphy.

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