Sofía Vergara has recently expressed her deep fondness for her former co-star, Ed O’Neill, harking back to their time spent on the beloved television series, Modern Family. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the actress, who is actively promoting the Detect the SOS campaign by Boehringer Ingelheim, shared warm reflections on her relationship with O’Neill and the rest of the show’s cast.
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“I miss Ed O’Neill so much,” the 53-year-old actress admitted. Vergara noted that while she cherishes memories of all her Modern Family colleagues, her moments with O’Neill, who portrayed her husband on the show, are particularly significant. “I spent most of the 11 years with him. He was such a great friend and a pillar of support for me during my first major acting role,” she said, underscoring the importance of O’Neill in her early career.
The actress remarked on the lasting bond they formed during their time together, conveying her longing for the camaraderie they shared. “To have someone like Ed guiding you through a show like Modern Family was a dream. I could not have done it without him,” she added. Despite the series wrapping up six years ago, Vergara expressed a desire for more frequent reunions with her former castmates. “We see each other but not as much as we should. I miss everybody,” she lamented.
Reflecting on her ongoing connection with the Modern Family family, Vergara revealed that the cast remains in touch through a WhatsApp group chat. However, she recounted the humorous challenge posed by O’Neill’s delayed responses, saying, “Ed answers like five days later about something, and then we have no clue what he’s answering about. So it’s pretty cool.”
Earlier in 2023, Vergara organised a reunion with her co-stars, including O’Neill, Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, and others. She recalled that it was a heartwarming experience, especially since it marked the first time the cast had all gathered in nearly four years. “It was very special,” she shared, adding that despite the time apart, their reunion felt seamless, as if they had just left the set.
Modern Family, which aired for a total of 11 seasons from 2009 to 2020, remains a cherished memory for both fans and participants alike. The show’s impact and the connections forged among the cast continue to resonate deeply with Vergara.
In addition to reminiscing about her time on Modern Family, Vergara has been focused on health advocacy, particularly aimed at the Latino community. As part of her role in the Detect the SOS campaign, she has partnered with fellow actress Octavia Spencer to raise awareness about conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. “As a Latin woman, there are millions of Latin people who suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes, which can lead to severe health issues,” she stated, emphasising the critical nature of this public health message.
During a recent ad, which aired during the Super Bowl, Vergara highlighted the importance of uACR screening for early detection of kidney damage, stressing its significance for preventing heart attacks and strokes. “We have a mission! We’re gonna save the world now,” she proclaimed, while her dedication to the cause continued to shine through.
Vergara acknowledged her personal connection to the topic, revealing her mother’s longstanding battle with high blood pressure. “I don’t have diabetes or high blood pressure, but my mum has had high blood pressure for many years, and it’s been very hard,” she shared. This personal experience fuels her commitment to the campaign and underscores the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their health.
As the World Cup approaches, Vergara’s enthusiasm is palpable. She mentioned her plans to attend several matches, including the final in New York, and her eagerness to celebrate the tournament, which she believes brings people together. “It’s food, it’s drinking a little bit, and dancing. That’s a World Cup,” she remarked, capturing the festive spirit associated with the event.
Through her work and her participation in the World Cup, Vergara aims to harness the power of community and shared experiences to create positive change in health awareness, making her contributions not only significant within the entertainment realm but also impactful on a broader scale. Modern Family fans can still enjoy the show’s episodes on streaming platforms like Peacock and Hulu, keeping the cherished memories alive even as the cast pursue individual paths.