Sofia Vergara 'not doing anything to help' frustrated Julie Bowen after 'Modern Family'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: When asked about Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen always has glowing remarks for her former 'Modern Family' co-star. However, behind the scenes, the story is quite different.
A source close to both actresses reveals to 'Closer' that the friction and rivalry between them has been brewing for years and shows no signs of fading.
Real-life differences between 'Modern Family' stars Sofia Vergara and Julie Bowen
'Modern Family' aired for 11 seasons from September 23, 2009 to April 8, 2020. The series consisted of 250 episodes and followed the lives of three interrelated families living in suburban Los Angeles.
Sofia Vergara and Julie Bowen portrayed characters Claire Dunphy and Gloria Pritchett, respectively, Vergara playing the role of Bowen's stepmother, sharing a loving relationship in the series.
However, beyond their reel life, the insider shared, “The amazing thing about Sofía and Julie is how much work they've actually been able to do together given how radically different their personalities are – they are total opposites in every way.”
The source elaborated, “Julie is spontaneous, frazzled, and free-spirited. Sofia is a cold, calculating long-term planner who relishes getting into the details of a complex business deal.”
Vergara, 52, has made a name for herself in the industry with her sharp business acumen, which has undoubtedly played a role in her successful transition beyond sitcoms.
Even before 'Modern Family' ended in 2020, Sofía was already preparing for life beyond the show, setting the stage for a thriving career.
Sofia Vergara's strategic career moves 'frustrate' Julie Bowen
The Colombian-born star has made a splash on the big screen, taking on roles in films like 'Hot Pursuit' (2014) with Reese Witherspoon, 'Wild Card' (2015) opposite Jason Statham, and lending her voice to 'The Smurfs' movie in 2011.
“It's definitely been frustrating for Julie to see Sofía put her keen instincts to work in the years since Modern Family ended,” the insider reveals.
With Sofia’s strategic mindset, she has skillfully navigated her career after 'Modern Family.' She’s found new avenues for success, including joining 'America’s Got Talent' as a judge in 2020, starting with Season 15.
The SAG award-winning actress also added another animation credit to her resume, voicing a character alongside Steve Carell in 'Despicable Me 4.'
The source continues, “Julie has never been able to generate that same kind of heat for herself, because it's hard for her to think years and years in advance the way Sofía can.”
Sofía’s career truly soared after her breakout role on 'Modern Family,' most notably when she landed the titular role in Netflix’s mini-series 'Griselda,' where she portrays the infamous Colombian drug trafficker, Griselda Blanco.
“With Sofía poised to make a splash at the Emmys this year, because of her amazing hit for Netflix's 'Griselda' the source said, “I wonder how many of her old 'Modern Family' costars will be there to cheer her on, since she has now decisively emerged as the star with the biggest long-term future out of that entire cast.”
Bowen, 54, hasn’t been as lucky in landing a significant role since her time as Claire Dunphy which enjoyed an 11-season run from 2009 to 2020.
“But Julie wants her own post-Modern moment and it's been a real struggle for her to find it,” the insider shared.
“Sofia's not exactly doing anything to help!” she added.
