Actor Biography

Starring in the critically acclaimed hit ABC comedy Modern Family as Claire Dunphy, two-time Emmy® Award winner Julie Bowen currently enjoys a successful career on both television and the big screen. Like Bowen, the series is a multiple Emmy winner. The show has also won a Golden Globe® and multiple SAG Awards for its talented ensemble cast.

Bowen has appeared in the hit comedy features Life of the Party with Melissa McCarthy and Horrible Bosses, opposite Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day. She lent her vocal talents to the rambunctious Lil' Dipper in the animated feature Planes: Fire and Rescue, and her previous film credits include Multiplicity with Michael Keaton, Crazy on the Outside with Tim Allen and the modern comedy classic Happy Gilmore, opposite Adam Sandler.

Before Modern Family, Bowen spent four seasons as Carol Vessey, the dream girl of former classmate-turned-lawyer Ed Stevens, on the charming NBC series Ed. Bowen then joined James Spader and William Shatner for two seasons on ABC's Boston Legal. Other television credits include a recurring roles on the hit ABC series Lost and the darkly comedic Showtime series, Weeds.

Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Bowen caught the acting bug as a child while putting on plays with her two sisters in their backyard. She attended Brown University, where she earned her degree in Italian Renaissance studies and became fluent in Italian.

Bowen currently serves on the board of directors for Baby2Baby, a charity which supplies families in need with essential baby gear and clothing for their children. She has also lent her time and support to the charitable efforts of Stand Up To Cancer, Maxwell House and March of Dimes, as well as Step Up Women's Network and P.S. Arts.