Modern Family's Aubrey Anderson-Emmons Got The Role Of Lily Very Quickly
For the first two seasons of "Modern Family," various child actors were employed to portray Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell Pritchett's (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) daughter. However, with the character's transformation into a sassy toddler in Season 3, it was clear that not just anyone could play Lily Tucker-Pritchett (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons).
Anderson-Emmons spoke about her audition for "Modern Family" in a 2021 interview with Girls' Life, revealing not only that it was her first ever but also that she nailed it. "My mom wasn't trying to get me into the business, but her agent was saying how I'd be perfect for it and I really had a chance. And my mom was torn because she didn't want me to be disappointed if I didn't book it. Ten days later we were signing a contract!" she said.
Just 4 years old, Anderson-Emmons had no idea how quickly and drastically her life would change — given Lily's hilariously adorable f-bombs and knack for saying whatever is on her mind, she quickly became a beloved character on "Modern Family" until its finale in 2020. While this was an exciting time for the actor, however, it was somewhat stressful for her mom.
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons' career brought her closer to her mom
When Aubrey Anderson-Emmons secured the role of Lily on "Modern Family," her mom, Amy Anderson, was both thrilled and overwhelmed. In an article written for Yahoo Parenting, she said, "It was exciting in the beginning. Ten days after we decided that Aubrey was going to audition for Modern Family, she was signing a contract. It was such a whirlwind, that we just ran with it. She was so little, I had to be there — she couldn't cut her own food or put on her shoes when she started the show."
As a single mom and working comedian, balancing two entertainment careers proved to be tricky. In fact, Anderson put her own on the back burner to focus on her daughter's. But all those hours spent together on set brought her and her daughter closer, which made the long days and sacrifices worth it. "Every kid is good at something and for parents, there is no greater story than watching their kid work hard at a project and executing it with joy. I see that with her, and to be in it with her, that has been wonderful," Anderson said.
It turns out, the "Modern Family" star has also grown close to her on-screen dads, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, telling KTLA 5 in 2018, "We're good friends." Anderson-Emmons even had a mini-reunion with Ferguson in January 2022 for a "father-daughter date night" to see "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, California.