Eric Stonestreet Shares Fond Father’s Day Throwback

Eric Stonestreet marked this Father’s Day with a heartfelt Instagram post, unveiling a long-lost snapshot taken on August 27, 2010. The Modern Family star paired the vintage photo with a sentimental caption, recalling how just two days later he would win his first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series—an honor he says he “would have never gotten without [his dad’s] unwavering support.” In minutes, the tribute flooded with fan comments, sharing their own memories of fathers who cheered them on.

Photo Flashback

In the throwback image, a 36-year-old Stonestreet and his father stand side by side, dressed to the nines for a red-carpet event. Eric had just earned his first Emmy nomination for portraying Cameron Tucker on ABC’s hit sitcom Modern Family—a role that would later bring him two Emmy wins in 2010 and 2012. The candid shot captures the excitement before the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on August 29, 2010, when Modern Family was at the height of its critical acclaim.

A Night At The Emmys

Stonestreet’s caption transports fans back to that evening, describing the Emmy party as a world far removed from his dad’s usual surroundings. “He never met a stranger,” the actor wrote, explaining how his father charmed guests over hors d’œuvres. Between passing trays and sparkling conversation, the elder Stonestreet absorbed the electric atmosphere of TV’s biggest night. Two days later, Eric clinched the trophy, a milestone that not only recognized his comic brilliance but also symbolized the fruits of his father’s early encouragement.

Dad’s Celebrity Curiosity

What ensues in the post is a delightful series of celebrity ‘meet-cutes.’ Eric recalls his dad peering across a canapé table and whispering, “Now Eric, were they famous?” After a polite introduction to Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner, he wondered aloud, “What’s MadMEN about? The guy I was just talking to said he created it.” Later, an accidental bathroom encounter led dad to ask, “What do I know that guy from?” prompting the reveal: “That’s Bryan Cranston.” Over sushi, he quipped, “He just ate a piece of RAW tuna with that guy over there.” “You mean John Goodman?” Eric teased. “That’s John Goodman, Dad.”

Honoring Fatherhood

This sprawling anecdote pays homage to the rock-solid role fathers play behind the scenes. Stonestreet raised his glass with a toast: “So cheers to all you dads out there for being the steady, pen carrying rock of support for your kids no matter where their dreams take them.” The actor admitted that his father’s steadfast faith in his talents often gave him the courage to pursue acting, from early auditions to industry galas. “I miss my dad and think about him every day,” he added, “like any of you that have lost yours do too, I’m sure.”

Family Influence Beyond The Screen

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised on a farm near Ottawa, Kansas, Stonestreet credits his Midwestern upbringing with shaping his work ethic. After graduating from Kansas State University in 1996, he honed his craft in improv troupes before relocating to Los Angeles. In a recent episode of Andy Richter’s Three Questions podcast, he reflected on how family celebrations and farm-to-table dinners taught him the importance of community—a theme he often revisits in interviews and charity work.

A Growing Career And Ongoing Projects

Since Modern Family wrapped in 2020 after eleven seasons, Stonestreet has taken on diverse roles in films such as Identity Thief and voiced characters in animated features. He also joins the cast of the upcoming Dexter: Resurrection series, stepping into a dramatic thriller alongside Michael C. Hall. Yet through every turn, he keeps his father’s lessons close, whether navigating auditions or press junkets.

Stonestreet’s Father’s Day tribute underscores that real-life moments often outshine the Hollywood spotlight. In a world enamored with red carpets, it’s a father’s curiosity, humor, and belief that make the biggest impact—reminding fans that behind every award, there’s a story of family love and devotion.

Trivia

Eric Stonestreet has a large following on social media, where he engages with fans and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work.

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Poulami Nag

 

Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

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