Judy Greer’s Explanation for Not Playing Claire Dunphy on ‘Modern Family’

It’s hard to envision anyone other than Julie Bowen taking on the role of Claire Dunphy in Modern Family, but actress Judy Greer recently revealed that she was once a contender for the part. During a candid discussion with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who portrayed Mitchell Pritchett, on his “Dinner’s on Me” podcast, Greer shared that she opted out of auditioning for the iconic role. At the time, Greer was in her thirties and was concerned about being typecast as a mother.

Although she had come to terms with playing mom roles in films, the idea of portraying a mother of three on a long-running TV show felt like too significant a risk. Greer said, “In a movie, people see it and then they forget. In a TV show, you’re defined as a mom, and that’s that. I thought, ‘I’m not sure I want to audition for this.’ It was a tough decision, but ultimately, I passed. Who knows if I would have even been cast?”

Greer also recalled that, at that stage in her life, she wasn’t interested in having children. However, she has since become a stepmother to her husband Dean E. Johnsen’s two adult children from a previous relationship. Greer enjoyed her freedom as a movie actress, which allowed her to travel, and she found the idea of being tied to a single set quite limiting. “It felt constricting compared to the opportunities I was already enjoying,” she elaborated. “I loved traveling, meeting new people, and working on various film projects.”

While Julie Bowen went on to earn two Primetime Emmys for her portrayal of Claire Dunphy, Greer’s career has flourished as well. Known for her roles as a quirky friend or frenemy in films like 13 Going on 30 and 27 Dresses, she boasts an impressive list of TV and film credits, including a lead role in the holiday film The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Interestingly, Greer did make an appearance in Modern Family; she guest-starred in the first season as Denise, Phil Dunphy’s ex-girlfriend, played by Ty Burrell. As the years go by, it’s fascinating to see how paths diverge and connect in the entertainment industry.