Thanksgiving is typically a time for family gatherings and festive meals, but for Modern Family stars Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen, this year’s celebration took an unexpected turn. Both actors, who played siblings Mitchell Pritchett and Claire Dunphy on the hit ABC sitcom, found themselves spending the holiday in the emergency room with their children.

Julie Bowen shared her experience on social media, posting a photo of one of her sons standing outside the hospital with a lighthearted caption. Meanwhile, Jesse Tyler Ferguson also posted about his trip to the ER with his son, Sullivan, bringing humor and reassurance to his followers.
Though the hospital visits interrupted their Thanksgiving plans, both actors made it clear that their children were fine. This shared experience only highlighted the close bond between the Modern Family cast, who have remained supportive of each other over the years.
The Modern Family Connection: Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen
Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen’s bond goes beyond the screen. In Modern Family, they played the quirky, lovable siblings Mitchell and Claire, whose dynamic was both hilarious and heartfelt. Their off-screen relationship mirrors their on-screen one in many ways, with both actors showing genuine care for each other. Despite their shared experience of a trip to the ER, neither star let it dampen their spirits.
Bowen’s Thanksgiving ER Experience
Julie Bowen took to Instagram to share her Thanksgiving hospital experience with fans. Posting a picture of one of her sons standing outside the emergency room, she quipped, “It’s not a holiday without a trip to the ER. (He’s fine, by the way.) HAPPY THANKSGIVING.” While Bowen didn’t reveal which of her three sons—Oliver, 17, John, 15, or Gustav, 15—needed medical attention, she reassured her followers that everything was fine.
Bowen’s lighthearted take on the situation quickly garnered attention. The photo showed her son in good spirits despite the unfortunate circumstances, adding a sense of normalcy to the ordeal. It wasn’t long before another Modern Family star shared a similar story.
Ferguson’s Parallel Experience
Not long after Bowen’s post, Jesse Tyler Ferguson followed suit by sharing a photo of his own ER experience. In his post, Ferguson could be seen lying in a hospital bed with his two-year-old son, Sullivan Louis, resting on his chest. With humor, Ferguson wrote, “I have received a lot of parenting wisdom from @itsjuliebowen, so seeing I wasn’t the only one with a kid in the ER on Thanksgiving was comforting. (He’s also fine.) Thank you to the kind folks at Lennox Health. NYC really DOES have the best healthcare.”
Ferguson’s post resonated with fans, especially those who follow the actor’s journey as a father. His message of reassurance and gratitude for the healthcare professionals who helped during the emergency added to the lighthearted yet heartfelt nature of the post. It was clear that despite the situation, Ferguson found solace in the support of friends and family, including Bowen.
A Heartwarming Community of Support
The Modern Family cast has long been known for their close-knit bond, both on and off screen. Over the years, the actors have supported each other through thick and thin, and their Thanksgiving hospital visits only reinforced their tight-knit community. Ferguson’s husband, Justin Mikita, commented on Bowen’s post, writing, “Us too,” further underscoring the mutual experience the actors were going through.
In an era where celebrity relationships are often subject to public scrutiny, the Modern Family cast stands out for their genuine camaraderie. They have consistently shown that their bond extends beyond the confines of the show, and moments like these serve as a reminder of the importance of family and support, even during challenging times.
Health and Safety During the Holiday Season
While Bowen and Ferguson’s hospital visits ended with positive outcomes, the holiday season often brings increased health and safety concerns. The ER visits highlight the unpredictability of family life, especially during the busy holiday season when accidents or emergencies can happen at any time. It’s essential to remain prepared and vigilant during these times to ensure the safety of loved ones.
For parents, the holiday season can be particularly stressful as they juggle festive activities with the responsibility of keeping their children safe. Bowen and Ferguson’s experiences serve as a reminder that health and safety should always be a priority, no matter the time of year.
Behind the Scenes: Supporting Co-Stars Through Difficult Times
The support Bowen and Ferguson have shown each other is just one example of the deep friendships forged during their years of filming Modern Family. The show, which ran from 2009 to 2020, was a success not only because of its writing and performances but also because of the authentic relationships between the cast members.
In one memorable instance, Bowen helped her co-star Sarah Hyland (who played her daughter, Haley Dunphy) navigate a toxic relationship in 2014. Bowen’s quick actions during that time demonstrated her care for her co-stars, and Hyland later spoke publicly about the love and support she received from her Modern Family family.
Julie Bowen’s Role as a Supportive Friend
Julie Bowen’s kindness extends far beyond her on-screen role as Claire Dunphy. The actress has always been quick to lend a hand to those in need, and her friendship with Sarah Hyland is a perfect example of this. During a tough time in Hyland’s life, Bowen was there to provide the guidance and comfort Hyland needed, proving that her Modern Family relationships weren’t just for show.
As Bowen explained during an appearance on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast, “I was a responsible adult that happened to be around at the right time.” This humble statement reflects Bowen’s natural inclination to help those she cares about, something she has consistently demonstrated throughout her career.
The Role of Family in the Modern Family Cast’s Lives
The Modern Family cast has always emphasized the importance of family, both in their fictional portrayals and in real life. Whether on-screen or off, the bond shared between the actors has been a constant source of strength. Their mutual support, as seen through their Thanksgiving ER visits, showcases how strong these friendships have become over the years.
The family has always been at the heart of Modern Family. The show’s portrayal of diverse family dynamics, ranging from traditional nuclear families to non-traditional setups, struck a chord with audiences. For the cast, this emphasis on family extends beyond their work together, reflecting the real-life connections they’ve formed over the years.
Modern Family Cast: A Lifelong Support System
As the Modern Family cast continues to grow and evolve, their support for each other remains steadfast. Bowen, Ferguson, Hyland, and the rest of the cast have shown that the friendships they formed during their time on the show continue to thrive in their personal lives. The holidays, which can be a time of reflection and connection, further highlight the importance of these relationships.
Ferguson and Bowen’s Thanksgiving ER experiences, while stressful, only reinforce the strength of the Modern Family cast’s bond. As they navigate life’s challenges together, their deep connections inspire fans everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen on Thanksgiving?
Both actors, who starred as siblings on Modern Family, were unexpectedly hospitalized with their children on Thanksgiving. Despite the unexpected hospital visits, they reassured fans that their kids were fine.
Which of Julie Bowen’s sons was in the ER?
Julie Bowen did not specify which of her three sons—Oliver, 17, John, 15, or Gustav, 15—was treated at the hospital, but she confirmed that he was fine.
What did Jesse Tyler Ferguson post about his Thanksgiving ER visit?
Jesse Tyler Ferguson shared a photo of himself in the hospital with his son, Sullivan, on his chest. He joked about receiving parenting wisdom from Julie Bowen and expressed gratitude for the healthcare team.
Why did both Bowen and Ferguson go to the ER on Thanksgiving?
While the exact reasons for the ER visits were not revealed, both actors shared lighthearted messages about the experiences, focusing on the fact that their children were okay.
How did fans react to the actors’ ER experiences?
Fans expressed sympathy and support for Bowen and Ferguson. Many admired their humorous and positive approach to the unexpected holiday mishap.
Did Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen run into each other in the ER?
Despite both being in the ER with their kids on Thanksgiving, Bowen and Ferguson did not run into each other, though they shared similar experiences.
What is the relationship between Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen?
In Modern Family, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen play the siblings Mitchell and Claire. Off-screen, they share a strong friendship and have supported each other through personal challenges.
Did any other Modern Family cast members comment on their ER visits?
Yes, Sofia Vergara, who played their on-screen stepmother, commented on Ferguson’s post with a concerned, “Oh no!!!!” Additionally, Ferguson’s husband, Justin Mikita, commented on Bowen’s post, saying, “Us too.”
How has the Modern Family cast supported each other over the years?
The cast of Modern Family has long been known for their close relationships, supporting each other both on and off the screen. Bowen, for example, once helped co-star Sarah Hyland during a difficult time in her personal life.
Are Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen still close after Modern Family ended?
Yes, the two actors have maintained a strong friendship after Modern Family concluded in 2020. They continue to support each other in their personal lives and frequently share updates about their families on social media.
Conclusion
While their Thanksgiving holidays may not have gone as planned, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Bowen’s shared experiences in the ER remind us that family and friendship truly matter during the holiday season. Their resilience, humor, and support for each other in the face of adversity offer a heartwarming reminder that no matter the circumstances, love and laughter always prevail.
The Modern Family cast continues to inspire audiences with their genuine relationships, both on-screen and off. Their shared experiences and the support they offer each other are testaments to the show’s lasting impact and the deep friendships forged throughout its run. As fans continue to cherish the beloved sitcom, they also celebrate the real-life bonds that make the Modern Family cast so unique.