Aubrey Anderson-Emmons Reveals the Untold Truth About Child Stardom and Life After Modern Family

Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, who charmed audiences as Lily Tucker-Pritchett on the hit sitcom Modern Family, is opening up about her experiences growing up in the spotlight. Cast at just four years old, the actress, now 17, has reflected on the highs and lows of being a child star and why she believes kids should prioritize a more traditional childhood over early careers in Hollywood.

In a candid interview on the Just Trish podcast with Trisha Paytas, Anderson-Emmons shared heartfelt insights about her journey, offering both gratitude for her success and caution about the impact of stardom at a young age.

Sofia Vergar and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons on ‘Modern Family’ in 2012.PHOTO: Peter “Hopper” Stone/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

The Blessings—and Burdens—of Fame

“Modern Family has brought me so many blessings, and I’m forever grateful,” Anderson-Emmons said. However, she explained that being in the entertainment industry as a child isn’t always the dream it seems. “I think kids need to have a normal experience, and I don’t know if acting is the way to do it. I definitely felt more troubled as I got older because of the show.”

The ABC sitcom, which ended in 2020, gave Anderson-Emmons a life filled with unique opportunities. But when the cameras stopped rolling, the actress, then just 12, faced an unexpected challenge: figuring out who she was outside of her role.

From left: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons on ‘Modern Family’ in 2020. PHOTO: Eric McCandless via Getty

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after the show,” she admitted. “Figuring out your hobbies and experiences for yourself is important—not having your parents choose for you. How do you choose what you want to do for eight years when you’re four years old?”

Taking a Step Back

After Modern Family, Anderson-Emmons decided to take a break from acting, particularly after the stress of self-taped auditions during the pandemic left her feeling anxious. “I told my mom I wanted to quit,” she recalled. Instead, she returned to full-time school, where she discovered a love for theater through her high school’s drama program.

It was this return to her roots—away from the pressures of Hollywood—that reignited her passion for performing. Now, with a large following on TikTok, she shares stories from her Modern Family days while exploring her future in entertainment on her own terms.

A Balanced Perspective on Child Stardom

Anderson-Emmons’ mother, Amy Anderson, who has a background in acting and music, joined the podcast to share her perspective on raising a child star. Dispelling some of the stereotypes surrounding young actors, Amy noted that most child stars turn out just fine.

“My belief is that the majority of kids in this industry turn out great,” Amy said. “A lot of adult actors were child actors and are thriving in their careers. Others go on to do completely different things, but we tend to only hear about the troubled ones.”

She also highlighted the supportive environment on Modern Family, where the show’s ensemble cast meant Aubrey didn’t have to shoulder the workload alone. “It was the best show to be on,” Anderson-Emmons added, contrasting her experience with those of Disney and Nickelodeon stars who often lead entire series.

Advice for Parents of Aspiring Child Stars

For parents considering introducing their kids to acting, Anderson-Emmons has simple advice: wait. “Let them figure out what they want to do,” she urged. She emphasized the importance of kids exploring their own interests instead of being pushed into a demanding industry before they’re ready.

Her story resonates with many parents and young performers grappling with the pressures of early fame. While Anderson-Emmons cherishes her time on Modern Family, her experiences underline the importance of balance, personal growth, and giving children the chance to have a normal childhood.

From Hollywood to High School

Now, as she transitions into adulthood, Anderson-Emmons is focused on carving her own path. With her reawakened love for acting and a strong online presence, she’s taking her time to decide what comes next. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for families navigating the complexities of childhood fame.

For those who’ve grown up watching her as Lily, Anderson-Emmons’ journey is a reminder that behind every on-screen success is a young person learning, growing, and striving to find their place in the world.

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