Former *Modern Family* Costars Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sofía Vergara Reunite in NYC
NEW YORK CITY – The bonds forged on the set of the hit sitcom Modern Family proved stronger than ever as acclaimed actress Sofía Vergara, 53, journeyed to New York City to support her former costar, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, 49, during his performance in the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park production of Twelfth Night. The unexpected visit underscored a deep, enduring friendship that captivated fans.
Ferguson, who portrays the role of Malvolio in the comedic play, revealed to PEOPLE that Vergara’s visit was a spontaneous gesture. “She texted me out of the blue, saying, ‘I think I’m going to be in New York, can I get a ticket?’ Of course, I helped her,” Ferguson recounted, highlighting the casual yet significant nature of their connection.
Vergara, known for her role as Gloria Pritchett in Modern Family (which ran for 11 seasons from 2009 to 2020), attended a preview showing of Twelfth Night on August 16, just five days before the play’s official opening night on August 21 at Central Park’s iconic Delacorte Theater. She was accompanied by Ferguson’s husband, Justin Mikita, and their 5-year-old son, Beckett Mercer.
The outing presented a comically challenging scene, as both Vergara and Mikita were navigating recent injuries.
“My husband just broke his foot and Sofía just had knee surgery,” Ferguson shared, adding a touch of humor to the situation. Vergara had previously undergone a second knee procedure in July, an update she shared with her followers on Instagram. To ensure their comfort and ease of access to the theater, Ferguson arranged for a golf cart. “The two of them bringing a 5-year-old into the park was hilarious,” he mused, jokingly adding, “Beckett was the one I was the least worried about.”
Despite the physical hurdles, Vergara thoroughly enjoyed the theatrical experience. “She loved the show,” Ferguson confirmed. He initially assumed Vergara was in New York for other commitments, but it became clear her trip was solely dedicated to seeing him perform. “No, she flew in to see this. She’s a good friend,” he stated, emphasizing the depth of their bond. Vergara later echoed her admiration on Instagram, gushing, “You [were] amazing @jessetyler 👏👏 what an amazing show!!”
Ferguson, who also hosts The Dinner’s on Me podcast, commemorated the special evening by posting a photo on Instagram on August 17. The image featured Vergara, himself, and friend Dan Levy backstage at the preview. His caption playfully included a quote from his son, Beckett, who enthusiastically told everyone he met, “Isn’t it crazy my papa is in this show, and he’s my papa?!!”
Ferguson’s Distinguished Theatrical Career
This isn’t Ferguson’s first foray into Shakespeare in the Park. His distinguished theatrical career includes previous appearances in Delacorte productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest. Beyond Shakespeare, Ferguson earned a prestigious Tony Award in 2022 for his performance in the Broadway revival of Take Me Out. He and Mikita are also parents to a younger son, Sullivan “Sully” Louis.
Ferguson also expressed his delight in the Delacorte Theater itself, which recently emerged from a two-year renovation project. “The thing I got most excited about were the new bathrooms. They were so bad earlier. The dressing room had the air of a dungeon. There were cinder block walls and it just wasn’t a nice place to hang out,” he admitted, highlighting the significant improvements to the historic outdoor venue.
About *Twelfth Night*
The current production of Twelfth Night, directed by Saheem Ali, features real-life siblings Junior Nyong’o and Lupita Nyong’o as the twins Sebastian and Viola, respectively. The play follows their journey through “shipwreck, revenge plots, and the trick doors of love.” The star-studded cast also includes acclaimed actors Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, and Daphne Rubin-Vega. Twelfth Night is scheduled to run through September 14, offering audiences a limited opportunity to experience this vibrant Shakespearean revival.
