How the cast of 'Modern Family' said goodbye

Kelsey Weekman

After sharing a screen as relatives for the past 11 years, the stars of “Modern Family” finally said goodbye — and their off-screen farewell messages were just as emotional as the scripted ones.

Here are some of the most emotional tributes from the actors:

1. Ariel Winter, a.k.a. Alex Dunphy, shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos taken throughout the years.

View this post on Instagram

It’s been an amazing journey with my #ModernFamily ❤️ It’s hard to type this because it still doesn’t feel real...our 2 hour series finale event is tomorrow night at 8/7c on @abcnetwork @abcmodernfam 🥺 We are all so grateful for the love we’ve received over the course of this 11 year journey. To know our fans love our family just as much as we do is the most amazing gift. Also...WE HAVE/HAD🥺THE BEST CREW IN THE WORLD. They are a HUGE, insanely important part of our Modern Family ❤️ Even though you only see us on your screens, we have just as wonderful people working behind the camera that I will miss seeing all the time. We have been so lucky. ❤️ #ModernFamily #SeriesFinale

A post shared by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Apr 7, 2020 at 4:00pm PDT

2. Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, the sassy and sweet Lily Tucker-Pritchett, shared an adorable video to wish her TV family goodbye.

View this post on Instagram

Tonight is finally here. We’re not fully ready to say goodbye but we are feeling the love from all of the fans from around the world and that makes it a little easier. A show is nothing without its fans. Thank you for making this experience so special 🧡 #goodbyelilytuckerpritchett #modernfamily @abcmodernfam #modernfarewell

A post shared by Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (@aubreyandersonemmons) on Apr 8, 2020 at 3:48pm PDT

3. Rico Rodriguez, known for playing Manny Delgado, posted an all-star selfie with the cast.

View this post on Instagram

When I was 9 years old, I started work on a pilot called “My American Family”. As an actor, you go through a long process for a job. Class after class, audition after audition, just hoping to get that right opportunity in front of the right casting director so you can show them your skills. Filming the pilot, then all of season one of what we now know as “Modern Family”, I knew we were working on something special. I could feel it. Coming to work every day with my cast and crew never actually felt like work, it felt more like hanging out with my extended family. 11 years later and here we are airing our final episodes tonight. Words cannot even begin to describe the life changing experience I have had on this show. I have, quite literally, grown up right before everyone’s eyes. Starting @abcmodernfam, Manny was someone who was very opposite to myself, but overtime our personalities have rubbed off on each other. Our fan base here and around the world is something I appreciate so much. A big reason why I loved working on this show, was the family atmosphere on and off the camera. We are showcasing something that will forever be relatable, family. When fans come up to me and say “can I hug you? I feel like you’re my son, or nephew, or cousin.” It makes me laugh, because that’s what our show’s true message has always been. Family. No matter what type of day you have, you can turn on the tv on Wednesday nights and get a laugh or two from your tv family. Thank you Chris Lloyd & @stevelevitan for creating Manny. Thank you @jeffgreenbergcd for believing I was the best choice. Thank you Jeff Morton for always keeping the ship sailing. Thank you to all of our writers for writing the funny, emotional & relatable moments, week after week. Thank you to ABC and 20th Century for this opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you to my Team Rodriguez for always believing in me. Thank you to my parents, my siblings, & all of my family & friends for always being by my side throughout my acting journey. But especially thank you to our fans, who have continued to watch our show for the past 11 seasons. I hope you all tune in tonight at 8/7c on ABC & celebrate with us one final time. ❤

A post shared by Rico Rodriguez (@starringrico) on Apr 8, 2020 at 5:05pm PDT

4. Sarah Hyland shared an adorable photo of the full cast, stealing the scene as only Haley Dunphy could.

View this post on Instagram

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. To put it in Bachelor terms, I’ve had an incredible journey with this show. Our cast and crew were always phenomenal and we very quickly grew to be a real life #modernfamily I will miss these people tremendously but am so grateful I was lucky enough to work with them. So get your tissues ready... The end of 11 years with @abcmodernfam airs tonight on @abcnetwork 8/7c pm. Thank you all for being there every step of the way. We love you 💕

A post shared by Sarah Hyland (@sarahhyland) on Apr 8, 2020 at 8:56am PDT

5. Julie Bowen, famous for her role as eccentric matriarch Claire Dunphy, wished her “fake family” goodbye with a photo of a video call, giving us hope the cast will stay in touch.

View this post on Instagram

Thank you to my fake family. I love you.

A post shared by Julie Bowen (@itsjuliebowen) on Apr 8, 2020 at 11:35pm PDT

Though the finale saw the members of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family scattered in all different directions, the cast will always share the bond that comes with filming over 200 wonderful episodes together — and winning 22 Emmy awards.

If you enjoyed this story, you might also like reading about the ‘oddly iconic’ prop this ‘Modern Family’ star stole from the set.

More from In The Know:

These Native American girls did the “Don’t Rush” challenge, and it’s epic

This $20 tool allows you to use your laptop while sitting or standing

This handy kitchen towel is printed with measurement conversions

This vegan skincare line can help you achieve clearer skin

Advertisement