Dinner’s On Me: Martha Plimpton Joins Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast Dinner’s On Me landed in London this week with a special guest: his Here We Are co-star and stage wife, Martha Plimpton. The pair met at Forza Wine, a chic spot tucked beneath the National Theatre on the South Bank, where pork chops and braised beans paved the way for some of the evening’s most memorable moments.

London’s Wine Backdrop

The episode, recorded in front of the National Theatre’s glass facade, captures the buzz of London’s theater district. Ferguson posted a carousel of images on Instagram (@jessetyler), showing the two actors seated at a high-top table, glasses raised to the string lights overhead. Here We Are, the stage work that brought Ferguson to London, pairs him with Plimpton in a play exploring family ties—and this off-stage dinner served as a relaxed extension of their on-stage chemistry.

Menu And Mishaps

Over tender pork chops and creamy braised beans, Ferguson kicked off the conversation by owning up to an accidentally sent text. “I thought I was messaging you,” he laughed, “but it went straight to your mum instead.” Plimpton, clearly amused, recounted how her mother responded before she even saw it—setting a lighthearted tone for the rest of the meal.

Martha Plimpton’s Throwback

Plimpton, an award-winning actress whose credits span The Goonies to Broadway’s Coast of Utopia, dug into her pre-fame years. She revealed she nearly launched a babysitting business before landing the breakout role on TV’s Raising Hope. “I had flyers printed and a schedule ready,” she said. “Then acting came calling, and babysitting got a rain check.”

The conversation grew more poignant when Plimpton reflected on her close friendship with the late River Phoenix. She spoke fondly of his generosity—“He was the kindest person I’ve ever known,” she said—and how his untimely passing still resonates decades later.

Behind The Podcast

Launched earlier this year, Dinner’s On Me invites Ferguson to treat fellow performers to dinner while digging into stories that rarely make the headlines. Previous episodes have featured Rico Rodriguez, Eiza González and other Modern Family alums, each pairing Ferguson’s warm hosting with a menu that nods to his guest’s tastes or heritage. The London installment adds an international twist, showcasing a West End backdrop that’s new terrain for the podcast.

Jesse’s London Stage Debut

Ferguson first won global fame as Mitchell Pritchett on ABC’s Modern Family, earning Emmy nominations in both 2011 and 2012. His role on the podcast sees him stepping behind the microphone as producer and host, a natural extension of his storytelling gifts. Off-stage, he’s also known for his activism—he co-founded the Tie The Knot campaign advocating for marriage equality—and his family life with husband Justin Mikita and their two sons.

The London run of Here We Are has been a family affair: Instagram posts show Ferguson’s boys, Beckett and Sullivan, marveling at the Eiffel Tower and racing through Disneyland Paris on their days off. This month’s Dinner’s On Me episode offers fans a deeper look at the camaraderie between Ferguson and Plimpton, blending stage craft with genuine friendship.

Listeners can find the Martha Plimpton episode of Dinner’s On Me on all major podcast platforms or by clicking the link in @jessetyler’s Instagram bio.

Trivia

Jesse Tyler Ferguson has appeared in television commercials, including campaigns for products like Apple and other brands.

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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