Even five years after Modern Family wrapped up, Eric Stonestreet, who portrayed the lovable and dramatic Cameron Tucker, is still stopped by fans who want him to recite some of his most iconic lines from the beloved show.
The 53-year-old actor recently shared with PEOPLE that many fans request him to yell out for his character Cameron’s daughter, Lily, or his beloved French Bulldog, Stella. “A lot of people ask me to yell ‘Stella,’ or ‘Lily,’” Stonestreet says, mimicking his famous lines with enthusiasm.
The Memorable “Stella” and “Lily” Moments
Stonestreet’s iconic yelling of “Stella!” (a nod to Marlon Brando’s famous A Streetcar Named Desire line) became a staple of his character, and it’s a request that fans still love hearing.
The other famous line fans often ask for comes from an early Modern Family episode in which Cameron accidentally locks his daughter, Lily, in the car. To get her out, he attempts to break the window using a metal trash can, which quickly became one of the show’s standout comedic moments.
“Oh, the window scene where I’m breaking the window. Lock the baby in the car,” Stonestreet recalls with a laugh. “Those are popular ones for people to ask me about.”
Modern Family’s Enduring Impact
Modern Family, which aired on ABC for 11 seasons from 2009 to 2020, remains one of the most loved sitcoms of the 21st century. The show, which won 22 Primetime Emmy Awards, was praised for its sharp writing, memorable characters, and heartwarming moments.
Stonestreet’s portrayal of Cameron Tucker earned him critical acclaim, including two Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Despite the show’s end in 2020, Stonestreet says the cast remains a tight-knit group. “We all love each other. It was no doubt from the beginning of that,” he says.
“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I have a whole lot of new people that I’m going to grow old with and know for the rest of my life.’” He also notes that the cast stays in touch via a group chat, continuing their strong bond long after the show’s conclusion.
What Made Modern Family So Special?
When reflecting on the show’s success, Stonestreet emphasized that it was more than just one-liners or viral moments that made Modern Family stand out. He credits the success of the show to the chemistry between the cast, which was a key element that contributed to its incredible run.
“I feel our love for each other dictated how great the show was,” he shared, adding that it wasn’t just about funny lines or memorable scenes, but about the genuine love and respect they had for each other.
Stonestreet continued, “But there’s no way that show is successful, as successful as it was, without us being individually great people and then collaborating with great people as well.”
What’s Next for Eric Stonestreet?
Stonestreet has kept busy since Modern Family wrapped up, with his latest project being Dexter: Resurrection. The series, which premiered on July 11 on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, is a continuation of the popular Dexter series.
Stonestreet stars alongside the iconic Michael C. Hall. The first episode debuted on streaming, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Sundays.
Modern Family Streaming Success
For fans looking to relive the iconic moments from Modern Family, all 11 seasons are available for streaming on Hulu and Peacock. Whether it’s Cameron’s over-the-top “Stella!” shout or his quirky parenting moments, the show’s enduring popularity continues to shine through in the hearts of fans.
