Ariel Winter Reflects on Challenges and Support from Sofia Vergara
Ariel Winter, best known for her role as Alex Dunphy on the acclaimed sitcom Modern Family, has opened up about her struggles with public perception and body image during her childhood and teenage years. Since the show concluded its run in 2020 after eleven seasons, Winter has shared insights into how her co-stars, particularly Sofia Vergara, provided crucial support during difficult times.
Winter, who began her role on Modern Family at the age of eleven, faced significant challenges beyond the comedic scenes depicted on screen. In a recent interview with People, she revealed that she received “inappropriate messages” from older men while still a minor and dealt with hurtful comments regarding her appearance. Despite these adversities, Winter expressed gratitude for the support she received from her castmates, especially Vergara.
Impact of Co-Stars on Winter’s Journey
Reflecting on her time with the Modern Family cast, Winter noted, “I went through a lot of things and they were there for me through a lot of that.” She highlighted Vergara’s encouragement, saying, “It’s like, rock it — and here’s the ways to feel confident about it.” This mentorship helped Winter navigate the complicated feelings surrounding her body image, emphasizing that Vergara’s own experiences resonated with her.
While Alex and Gloria may not have shared many scenes together, the bond they formed behind the scenes was significant for Winter. She acknowledged that having a figure like Vergara to look up to during her formative years was invaluable. Winter clarified, “I’m not at all comparing myself to her body,” but recognized that Vergara’s early development offered both comfort and inspiration.
A Journey of Self-Acceptance
Despite the support from her co-stars, Winter’s journey to self-acceptance was not instantaneous. The body-shaming she experienced did not cease overnight, and she described her path to healing as a gradual process. Winter also credited Ed O’Neill, who portrayed Jay Pritchett, for providing her with valuable acting advice throughout her time on the show.
Today, Winter is exploring roles that significantly differ from her character on Modern Family. Following her long tenure on the show, she has taken on challenging parts, including a role on Law & Order: SVU. As she continues to evolve as an actress, Winter remains open about her past, highlighting how those experiences have shaped her into the person she is today.
Making the decision to leave Hollywood for Nashville, Tennessee, has also contributed to Winter’s well-being. She described Los Angeles as not being her “vibe,” and relocating has been a transformative choice. Despite the challenges she faced in the public eye, Winter cherishes the memories from her time on Modern Family. She maintains close friendships with co-stars, including Nolan Gould, who played her younger brother, Luke.
As Winter continues to navigate her adult life, her willingness to discuss her past struggles is commendable. Having portrayed Alex Dunphy for a remarkable 250 episodes, she has experienced the weight of fame from a young age. Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of support and resilience in the face of adversity.
