Inside Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Heartfelt Take on Frances Anderson’s Music Career Shift
Zoe Bennett, a seasoned entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience covering Hollywood’s evolving narratives, brings you a well-researched, analytical take on the latest developments in celebrity culture. A journalistic expert providing a well-researched, analytical take with key insights and data.
When Modern Family wrapped its 11-season run in 2020, fans were left wondering what would become of its beloved cast, especially the youngest stars who had grown up under the show’s spotlight. Among them was Aubrey Anderson-Emmons—better known to audiences as Lily Tucker-Pritchett—who has now stepped into a new chapter of her life under a different name and creative pursuit. The actor, now 18, recently announced she is focusing on a music career under the moniker Frances Anderson, a decision that has drawn both curiosity and admiration from fans and co-stars alike.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who played her onscreen father Mitchell Pritchett, recently shared his thoughts on this transition during an exclusive interview at the Twelfth Night red carpet premiere in New York City on August 21. “I’m so proud of her,” Ferguson told E! News, expressing genuine enthusiasm for Anderson-Emmons’ artistic evolution. “Frances is doing an incredible job as well. She’s been such a supporter of my career on stage, and I love going to see her on stage as well.”
The bond between the two goes beyond their fictional family ties. Ferguson, who currently stars as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Shakespeare in the Park’s production of *Twelfth Night*, revealed how their mutual passion for theater began early. “It’s something we bonded over very early on in her life, when she was 6, 7 years old,” he said. “She loved musical theater, and that’s something we bonded over.” This shared appreciation for performance arts has clearly endured, even as Frances shifts focus from acting to music.
Anderson-Emmons explained her decision to go by Frances as both practical and symbolic. “It’s after my mom’s old family friend,” she told E! earlier this month. “I thought, one, it was a bit shorter than ‘Aubrey Anderson-Emmons.’ I do have a long, hyphenated last name.” More importantly, the name change marked a fresh start. “I wanted to switch it up and create a space specifically just for music,” she added.
For many viewers, Frances will always be the precocious Lily, whose witty remarks and unique personality made her a fan favorite across ten seasons. But the young artist has been clear about her need to step away from acting for now. “I was homeschooled while filming Modern Family, which ended when I was 12,” she explained. “I decided to take time off from acting to go to school, be with kids my age, and find myself.” Though she plans to return to acting eventually, her current focus is firmly on music. “A lot of my music is inspired by stuff when I was younger, when I was a kid,” she said. “A lot about what my experiences were like in high school, and I hope that people find it relatable.”
Ferguson’s pride in Frances isn’t just paternal—it’s professional. As someone deeply rooted in theater and performance, he appreciates the courage it takes to pivot creatively. His role in *Twelfth Night* not only keeps him connected to the stage but also allows him to share that world with Frances, who is now exploring her own artistic voice through songwriting and performance.
Meanwhile, other members of the Modern Family ensemble continue to evolve in their own ways. Sarah Hyland, who played Haley Dunphy, has embraced hosting gigs, including two seasons of *Love Island USA*, and continues to balance acting with personal milestones. Ariel Winter, once known for voicing Disney’s Sofia, has found purpose in activism and voice-over work, while Nolan Gould (Luke Dunphy) has taken a more private path, occasionally offering glimpses into his post-show life via social media.
What makes Frances’ journey particularly compelling is the way it mirrors broader trends among child actors seeking autonomy in adulthood. Her choice to redefine her identity and craft a new artistic persona speaks volumes about the importance of self-discovery in the public eye. And with Ferguson cheering her on, it’s clear that the legacy of Modern Family lives on—not just in reruns, but in the ongoing growth of its stars.
Stay tuned for more updates on Frances Anderson’s musical debut and the continued journeys of the Modern Family cast.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News
Generated by AI
