Tag: Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson Drops His Favorite Los Angeles Eateries in New Apple Maps Guide

Apple Maps has unveiled a fresh edition in its “I Just Love” guide series titled “Where Jesse Tyler Ferguson Eats in L.A. with Friends.” The latest guide, launched on Thursday, July 17th features top picks from actor, writer, producer and podcaster Jesse Tyler Ferguson. In each of the ten selected restaurants, Ferguson shares a personal anecdote from his hit podcast “Dinner’s on Me.” The series opens up candid glimpses of celebrity life, covering topics such as relationships, mental health and personal growth.

In the newly released restaurant guide, Ferguson gives fans a seat at the table. Among his ten featured restaurants is Dante in Beverly Hills, perched atop the Maybourne Hotel. He recalls visiting the venue with Sofia Vergara, describing the evening as a blend of glamour and fun. “We ordered the salmon, perfection, and the pizza Bianca, which Sofia ordered in her signature style,” Ferguson writes. He also highlights Dante’s iconic Garibaldi cocktail, noting he opted for the virgin version. “The whole night was pure fun, from the first sip to the last slice,” he adds.

Ferguson’s connection to each of the featured restaurants goes beyond the meal. His guide offers insight into how great food, spirited conversation and quality company converge. “Dinner’s on Me” invites listeners to tune in as Ferguson shares a meal and meaningful conversation with notable guests including comedians, actors and advocates. The show explores a wide range of topics, from personal struggles to moments of triumph, with food and drink as a catalyst for connection.

Apple’s “I Just Love” series invites tastemakers to curate highly personalized lists of their favorite places in their cities. Other guides include Chance the Rapper’s indie music wonders, Meghan Trainor’s health centric food spots in the Valley and Rita Ora’s wellness hideaways. The guide series is crafted for users who appreciate insider perspectives and want to experience a city through the eyes of beloved public figures.

The new Jesse Tyler Ferguson guide arrives at a time when Apple Maps is strengthening its offerings for food lovers. Users can now discover MICHELIN starred eateries, Green Star rated kitchens committed to sustainable practices and Bib Gourmand selections. The Apple Maps update currently supports these features in the United States, with plans to expand to other regions in the future.

Furthermore people using Apple Maps can craft their own guides with ease. Whether marking local gems in their hometown or highlighting must visit restaurants during a trip, users can create tailored lists and share them with friends. The tools make it simple to track favorite spots, create walking food tours or even leave notes for personal use.

For fans of Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the guide offers both star power and substance. Ferguson rose to prominence in the hit sitcom Modern Family, earning multiple Emmy nominations for his role as Mitchell Pritchett. He came out publicly in 2007 and has since become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness. He also makes headlines through his podcast, which blends humor with heartfelt conversations, and unwavering support for chosen family and acceptance.

“Dinner’s on Me” has become a popular platform, showcasing Ferguson’s warmth, quick laughter and ability to navigate complex topics with care. Recording dinner conversations with guests in bustling restaurants or intimate backdrops gives listeners a sense of place and connection. By sharing memories tied to specific eateries, Ferguson opens pathways into understanding how food and friendship intertwine.

In the new guide, Ferguson includes a mix of restaurant types, from casual local hangouts to elegant destination dining. Each listing features a personal narrative, offering insider access to his experiences. He highlights the sensory aspects of each meal – aromas, textures and ambiance – that frame each visit in memorable ways. Whether describing the comfort of a beloved dish or the radiance of a shared laugh, Ferguson captures the intangible magic of communal dining.

The guide encourages diners to discover new Los Angeles eateries while reflecting on the transformative power of gathering around food. Speakers may laugh over a shared anecdote, lend empathy during hard conversations or simply enjoy the deep sense of belonging that home cooked moments evoke. Ferguson’s guide weaves together culinary exploration with emotional resonance.

Apple’s investment in local curation and celebrity voices supports larger trends in experiential dining. Consumers no longer simply want to eat out—they want to belong to something. They crave authenticity and insider knowledge. By mixing star curation with user empowered recommendations, Apple Maps is positioning itself as more than just a navigation app. It becomes a lifestyle device for discovering culture, community and cuisine.

For members of the LGBTQ community and allies, Ferguson’s prominence in mainstream media adds extra significance. A guide by a gay celebrity who speaks openly about mental health, marriage equality and social justice can feel both personal and politically powerful. Ferguson’s marriage to director and producer Justin Mikita makes each dining recommendation feel like an invitation to participate in the vibrancy of queer life.

The endorsement of sustainable dining and inclusive spaces also aligns with Ferguson’s broader advocacy. Whether discussing composting practices at a Green Star rated restaurant, or noting how a particular venue celebrates queer love through artwork or events, the guide transforms meals into models of progressive values.

Why does the guide matter right now? On the heels of Pride Month and amid ongoing global conversations about food justice, mental health and LGBTQ rights, Ferguson’s new Apple Maps guide arrives as both a signpost and a celebration. It offers escape, joy and solidarity – even satisfying locales – telling readers that the best meals are the ones shared with open hearts and curious minds.

For Los Angeles residents and visitors alike, the guide is a roadmap to belonging – an invitation to eat, laugh and reflect with some of the community’s most vibrant voices. The app integration means there is no searching for reviews or copy pasting addresses. Just tap and go, bringing Ferguson’s curated experiences into real time.

As Apple Maps continues to evolve, users can expect more celebrated voices and even deeper storytelling. Ferguson’s guide sets a high bar. It offers moments of wonder both on the plate and in the heart, proving that great restaurants do more than satisfy hunger—they feed our need for connection, empathy and shared humanity.

Apple Maps users can find the new guide by searching for “I Just Love Jesse Tyler Ferguson” in the app. The entries include addresses, directions and brief personal reflections. As Ferguson writes, “Food is a vehicle for everything I love – conversation, community and a lot of laughter.” With this guide, he invites you to take a seat at the table – and fill that seat with your story too.

July 17, 2025
Tom Daley Credits Dustin Lance Black for Olympic Career: ‘I Was Ready to Quit Diving’

Olympic diver Tom Daley is known for his gravity-defying dives, but in the latest episode of Sony Music Entertainment’s Dinners on Me podcast, he dives even deeper into the emotional highs and lows that have shaped his journey. Hosted by Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the episode was recorded over a pasta meal at Bancone, a bustling Italian restaurant in London’s Covent Garden.

In a vulnerable and heartfelt conversation, Daley opens up about losing his father as a teenager, navigating life in the public eye, finding love with screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, and how becoming a father changed everything. The two also discuss Daley’s unexpected love for knitting and the inspiration behind his return to the Olympic Games.

A Son’s Tribute

Daley begins the conversation by reflecting on the death of his father when he was just 17 years old. His father had been a constant support in his diving career and life.

“My dad lived to make us happy,” Daley says. “He was at his happiest when we were.”

Growing up under the glare of public scrutiny only intensified the loss. “Growing up is difficult anyway, but doing it publicly, trying to figure out what’s right and wrong, made it even harder,” Daley recalls.

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Now a parent himself, Daley finds parallels between his father’s devotion and his own experience raising two children with husband Dustin Lance Black. He says the upcoming BBC documentary about his life was partly made so his kids can one day see what their father accomplished.

A Love That Changed His Life

Ferguson and Daley also revisit the early days of Daley’s relationship with Black. At the time, Daley was not yet publicly out, and their relationship began quietly.

“It’s crazy now looking back, to think I was ever in the closet,” Daley says. “I wish the world was in a place where you didn’t even have to come out.”

He credits Black with helping him through one of the darkest moments in his life, including the period after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“He inspired me to keep going,” Daley says. “I was ready to quit diving.”

Daley admits he was very clear about what he wanted in a relationship from the start. “I asked him right away if he could see himself getting married and having kids,” he says. “Why be in a relationship if you don’t think it’s going to last?”

Childhood Trauma and Resilience

Daley also reflects on his experience making a recent BBC documentary, where he looked back at old footage from his youth.

“I almost feel like I was tortured through a lot of my childhood,” he says.

While he remembers his early years as fun and exciting, Daley acknowledges how his brain has protected him by suppressing painful memories of bullying.

At one point, the bullying became physical. “I was rugby tackled during lunch, and I injured my wrist,” he says. “I couldn’t dive for a week.”

It was the first time that the cruelty he endured at school directly impacted his diving career, and he realized he could no longer keep the two parts of his life separate.

Learning the Value of Losing

One of the most unexpected insights Daley shared was about the importance of failure.

“As an athlete, learning to lose was one of the most valuable lessons,” he says. “It’s easy to win, but it’s incredibly difficult to lose. That’s where you grow.”

Daley explains how early on, he was entered into competitions against adults to toughen him up. “And then I ended up winning those too,” he adds with a smile.

Rio’s Heartbreak

Daley describes the 2016 Rio Olympics as one of the darkest chapters in his life.

“I might even say it was one of the lowest points in my whole life,” he says.

After setting an Olympic record in the preliminaries, Daley failed to make it past the semifinals.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “I had worked so hard for four years, and it all just fell apart.”

The loss left him questioning his future in diving. That’s when Black offered a new perspective.

“Lance said, maybe you weren’t meant to win this time,” Daley recalls. “Maybe your future child is meant to see you win a gold medal.”

Fatherhood and a New Outlook

By the time the Tokyo Olympics arrived, Daley’s life had changed dramatically. He was now a husband and a father, and those roles helped redefine his approach to competition.

“For the first time, I felt like I was more than a diver,” he says. “It freed me from the pressure, and I could finally enjoy the experience.”

Competing in Tokyo during the pandemic meant empty stadiums and an eerie silence.

“They still did the full light show and announcements, but no one was in the seats,” he says. “It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.”

Despite the strangeness, Daley believes the lack of a crowd helped his diving partner, Matty Lee, who was making his Olympic debut. “It made it more focused, less overwhelming,” Daley says.

A Surprise Decision to Return

Daley was not planning to return to the Olympics after Tokyo, but a trip to the Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs changed everything.

After watching a short film about what it takes to be an Olympian, he found himself in tears.

“I just missed it,” Daley says. “I missed the teammates, the feeling of competition.”

Black immediately understood what was happening. Their son Robbie then asked, “What’s the matter, Papa?”

Daley told him, “I miss diving.” Robbie responded, “I want to see you dive at the Olympics.” Daley smiled and replied, “Well, you slept through the last one.”

That moment sealed the decision. Despite just having welcomed their second child, Daley told Black he wanted to make one last Olympic run.

A Knitter’s Peace

In one of the more lighthearted moments of the conversation, Daley shared how knitting became a central part of his recovery and relaxation routine.

His coach encouraged him to find a way to sit still and rest. His husband suggested knitting, which is common on film sets.

“I went on YouTube and taught myself how to knit,” Daley says. “Then I got obsessed.”

Now hosting his own craft series called Made with Love and frequently sharing his creations online, Daley has found a surprising creative outlet that balances the intensity of his athletic life.

A Life in Full Color

Throughout the podcast, Daley displays remarkable openness about pain, love, and growth. With Ferguson guiding the conversation, the episode feels more like a conversation between close friends than a formal interview.

Whether he is describing the roar of an Olympic crowd, the silence of Tokyo’s empty stands, or the click of knitting needles, Daley’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and love.

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July 15, 2025
Jesse Tyler Ferguson Reflects on ‘Modern Family’ Criticism: ‘The Loudest Voices Came From Within the Gay Community’

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is no stranger to praise and scrutiny alike. As one of the most recognizable faces from the long-running ABC sitcom Modern Family, the openly gay actor recently opened up about the complicated legacy of his character, Mitchell Pritchett — and the unexpected places where the sharpest criticism came from.

Ferguson portrayed Mitchell, one-half of the show’s trailblazing gay couple, for 11 seasons from 2009 to 2020. Alongside Eric Stonestreet’s Cameron Tucker, the duo became one of the first married gay couples with a child to be regularly featured on primetime network television. For many viewers, they were a symbol of progress. For others — particularly within the LGBTQ+ community — their portrayal wasn’t enough.

In a candid appearance on the July 8 episode of Dinner’s On Me podcast, Ferguson revealed that the critiques he heard most frequently — and most loudly — didn’t come from conservative media or anti-LGBTQ+ voices, but from queer audiences themselves. “You receive criticism, as you do, with anything you do,” Ferguson said. “But the criticism that I think I heard the loudest was always from the gay community, feeling as if, maybe, I didn’t represent their idea of what a gay relationship was, or a gay man was.”

A Milestone in Representation — With Limits

When Modern Family debuted in 2009, LGBTQ+ representation on network television was limited. Mitchell and Cam’s storyline — which included adopting a daughter, building a life together, and eventually getting married — marked a significant moment in American pop culture. It was one of the few depictions of a same-sex couple that didn’t end in tragedy, stereotypes, or invisibility.

Yet the realism some viewers were hoping for didn’t fully translate on-screen. One year after the show premiered, fans launched a Facebook campaign demanding to see the couple express more physical affection, including something as simple as a kiss.

The movement led to the production of “The Kiss,” a Season 2 episode that addressed the couple’s perceived lack of intimacy. The episode explained Mitchell’s reserved nature as a result of his emotionally distant upbringing — a narrative choice meant to explain, and perhaps justify, the lack of public displays of affection. The episode culminated in a brief, meaningful kiss that, while subtle, marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ storytelling on television.

A Mirror or a Mosaic?

For Ferguson, portraying Mitchell came with its own internal tension — the pressure to be everything to everyone. As an openly gay man playing a fictional version of himself, he often felt that viewers projected their hopes, fears, and ideals onto the character. “I always took [the criticism] with such a grain of salt,” he said. “Because I’m representing one person. I’m in charge of this one character. We can’t be expected to represent every gay person. We can only represent these two people.”

He added: “Mitch is basically a version of me… so I never know how to take it when people say that he is stereotypical.”

That balance — between authenticity and universality — is a recurring theme in conversations around LGBTQ+ visibility. While shows like Modern Family, Will & Grace, and Glee helped pave the way, they were often tasked with representing an entire community within the confines of a few scripted characters.

Ferguson’s admission reveals the emotional burden that often comes with being a “first” — the first gay couple, the first gay parent, the first to break through in middle America. And with that visibility often comes impossible expectations.

The Impact Was Undeniable

Despite critiques, Modern Family undeniably moved the needle in public opinion. A 2012 Hollywood Reporter poll revealed that 27% of Americans said watching gay-inclusive shows like Modern Family and Glee made them more supportive of marriage equality — a significant statistic at a time when LGBTQ+ rights were still being hotly debated across the U.S.

Ferguson and Stonestreet’s on-screen marriage even preceded the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage by several years. Their characters were among the first to show mainstream audiences that queer families existed — and thrived — beyond stereotypes. “It’s a strange paradox,” Ferguson said. “The same people who needed that representation the most were often the ones who were the most critical. But I understand it. When you don’t see yourself reflected accurately for so long, you start looking for perfection. And we were never going to be perfect. We were just Mitch and Cam.”

A More Nuanced Legacy

Since Modern Family ended in 2020, the media landscape has dramatically expanded to include more diverse and complex LGBTQ+ stories. Shows like Heartstopper, Pose, Sex Education, and The Last of Us have introduced gay characters whose lives don’t revolve solely around their sexuality, offering viewers a broader spectrum of queer experiences.

Still, Ferguson believes Modern Family played a foundational role in pushing that door open — even if it didn’t open it all the way. “I hope the show gave people a moment to breathe and say, ‘Okay, we’re getting somewhere.’ We were never trying to be the end-all-be-all of gay representation. We were a start.”Today, Ferguson continues to work in theater and television, while also advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. He and husband Justin Mikita have two children and remain vocal supporters of queer families, both on-screen and off.

Looking back, Ferguson is proud of what Modern Family achieved — even if it came with challenges. “There were moments when the criticism stung. But it also showed me that people cared deeply. They wanted more. They deserved more. And hopefully, we helped make that possible.”

July 9, 2025
Celebrating the Hot Gay Dads Who Are Redefining Fatherhood With Heart and Flair

Father’s Day is here, and while Hallmark might have you thinking it’s all about grills and neckties, we’re here to celebrate a different kind of daddy. That’s right, we’re tipping our hats (and maybe unbuttoning our shirts) to the proud, loving, hot gay dads who are raising kids, breaking stereotypes, and making parenthood look chic as hell.

From pop stars to political figures, these gay dads are doing it all, with style, substance, and a lot of heart. Let’s give it up for the daddies who have redefined what it means to be a father, one fabulous diaper change at a time.

Ricky Martin: Livin’ La Vida Papi

Ricky Martin may have once been the ultimate Latin heartthrob, but today, he’s better known as a devoted father of four. Since coming out in 2010, the singer has spoken candidly about his journey and the complexities of love and identity.

With twin sons Matteo and Valentino, daughter Lucia, and son Renn, shared with ex-husband Jwan Yosef—Martin has built a loving, modern family. Parenting may not come with backup dancers, but Ricky’s clearly still got all the right moves.

Photo: Instagram (@ricky_martin)

Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka: The Dynamic Dad Duo

When Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka became dads in 2010, they didn’t just double the gay dad energy, they multiplied it. With twins Harper and Gideon born via surrogate, the couple shared their story openly, even joking that they have “suspicions” about which child takes after whom.

But in truth, NPH summed it up best: “We are their parents and I love them both implicitly.” It’s less about genes, more about genius parenting.

Photo: Getty Images

Elton John & David Furnish: Rocket Dads

Sir Elton John may have a legacy in music, but his most cherished role is as a dad. With husband David Furnish, he welcomed sons Zachary and Elijah via the same surrogate.

“They’re our primary concern,” John has said. And if you think that’s sweet, just imagine Elton singing lullabies. Swoon.

(L-R) David Furnish, Elijah Furnish-John, Zachary Furnish-John, and Sir Elton John attend the 23rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 22, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images

Matt Bomer & Simon Halls: Hollywood’s Handsome Househusbands

Matt Bomer and husband Simon Halls have three sons: Kit, Walker, and Henry. And in perhaps one of the most wholesome parenting anecdotes ever, Bomer once shared that his eldest “came out” as straight at age 14.

It was a moment of comedic love, and a testament to a home built on love and open dialogue. Hollywood, take notes.

Photo: X (@mattbomer)

Cheyenne Jackson & Jason Landau: Serving Sass and Sandwiches

Actor Cheyenne Jackson and his husband Jason Landau are raising twins Ethan and Willow with humor and heart. During dinner one night, Willow proclaimed, “I don’t think I’m gay,” and Ethan chimed in: “Yeah, I’m not gay either… but I want to go to the parade.”

Not all heroes wear capes. Some just want to support Pride and finish their mac and cheese in peace.

Photo: Instagram (@mrcheyennejackson)

Pete & Chasten Buttigieg: From Cabinet to Crib

America’s first openly gay Cabinet member, Pete Buttigieg, and his husband Chasten became parents in 2021 to twins Gus and Penelope. Parenthood, Pete says, has been full of joy, even in the chaos.

“It’s the most demanding thing I’ve ever done,” he admitted. That’s saying something from a man who’s faced congressional hearings and toddler tantrums.

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Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent: The Design Dads

Design gurus Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are raising daughter Poppy and son Oskar with impeccable taste and profound love. Their emotional journey to parenthood, via surrogacy, remains a powerful example of perseverance and possibility.

When Nate cried in Poppy’s nursery before she arrived, hearts across America melted faster than a candle in a West Elm showroom.

Tan France & Rob France: Queer Eye, Baby’s First Year

Tan France and husband Rob are raising sons Ismail and Isaac, with all the grace and glam you’d expect. Tan has spoken lovingly about giving his children the sibling bond he and Rob each cherished growing up.

Stylish? Yes. Sentimental? Absolutely. Functional diaper bags? Probably monogrammed.

Photo: Instagram (@tanfrance)

Karamo Brown: From Surprise Fatherhood to Super Dad

Queer Eye star Karamo Brown didn’t expect fatherhood, until he discovered he had a 10-year-old son named Jason. He not only embraced the challenge, but went on to adopt Jason’s half-brother, Chris.

Karamo’s advice to other parents? “Do just as much listening as you do talking.” And that, friends, is dad wisdom 101.

Photo: Tasia Wells/Getty Images

Andy Cohen: Bravo, Daddy!

TV host Andy Cohen welcomed Benjamin in 2019 and daughter Lucy in 2022. He’s been refreshingly candid about his journey, admitting he never thought it was possible for a gay man to have a family.

And now? He’s juggling diaper duty and Real Housewives reunions like a pro.

Photo: Instagram (@bravoandy)

Anderson Cooper & Benjamin Maisani: News Anchor, Nurturing Dad

CNN’s silver fox Anderson Cooper shares two sons with ex Benjamin Maisani. And while the nightly news can be bleak, fatherhood, he says, is “an extraordinary blessing.”

Grateful to his surrogates and hopeful for the future, Cooper is proof that journalistic integrity and fatherly warmth aren’t mutually exclusive.

Photo: Instagram (@andersoncooper)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Justin Mikita: Modern Family, Real Life

Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita are raising Beckett and Sullivan. Ferguson jokes that Justin is the real “superpower” in the family—keeping everyone on schedule while he holds down the chaos.

The only thing more impressive than their parenting skills? That they’re still standing.

Photo: Instagram (@jessetyler)

Tom Daley & Dustin Lance Black: Diving into Dad Life

Olympic diver Tom Daley and Oscar-winning husband Dustin Lance Black became dads to son Robbie via surrogate. Tom has spoken about the pressure gay dads face to “overachieve” in parenting, just to prove they’re capable.

Spoiler alert: They are. And they’re doing it in gold-medal fashion.

Photo: Instagram (@dlanceblack)

Perez Hilton: Paparazzi Turned Papa

Longtime media personality Perez Hilton is raising three kids, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, all born via surrogacy. And while Perez once thrived on celebrity gossip, he’s now a vocal advocate for surrogacy rights and parenting equality.

Talk about a character arc we can stan.

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Let’s Hear It for the Dads

These gay dads are not just breaking barriers, they’re building families full of love, laughter, and a little bit of sass. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate all the queer fathers out there redefining what it means to be a “dad.” Whether they’re famous or not, each of them is proof that love makes a family, and that sometimes, the hottest thing a man can be is a good parent.

June 15, 2025
Jane Lynch Says ‘Glee’ Role Indeed Was Just Written for Her Solely: ’13-Year-Old Me Would’ve Been Obsessed’

In a recent episode of Sony Music Entertainment’s Dinner’s On Me podcast, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Emmy-winning actress Jane Lynch opened up about her career, personal life, and the impact of her roles on LGBTQ+ audiences. The conversation, recorded at Tre Lune in Montecito, California, offered a candid look into Lynch’s experiences in Hollywood and her journey toward self-acceptance.

A Slower Pace in Montecito

Lynch, 64, shared insights into her life in Montecito, describing a significant shift from her previous fast-paced lifestyle. “It’s really slow, and it took me a while,” she said. “I’m in the place now where it feels good and it feels normal.” She mentioned that her daily routine now includes walks, grocery shopping, and visits to local spots like Café Lux. However, she revealed that she has given up coffee due to health reasons, describing the transition as challenging.

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From Vegan to Carnivore

In a humorous exchange, Ferguson recalled a dining experience with Lynch during a shoot in Vancouver. At the time, Lynch was vegan and had ordered a bland, unseasoned cauliflower dish. She admitted to having “vegan arrogance” and now embraces a carnivorous diet, much to Ferguson’s surprise.

Collaborating with Jennifer Coolidge

Lynch reflected on her role in the 2000 mockumentary Best in Show, where she portrayed a dog handler alongside Jennifer Coolidge. She described the collaboration as a blend of nervousness and excitement, noting that both actresses spent time developing their characters and rehearsing their interactions.

The star noted, “Jennifer and I got ahold of each other and we were both very nervous ’cause we were both first timers, but we had talked so much and our stories synced up and we had a lot of fun doing it. We would walk through Stanley Park and say, what if I say ha ha ha. So we kind of planned out what our interactions would be, right?”

The conversation turned to Lynch’s personal life, particularly her journey of self-discovery and coming out. She recounted realizing she was gay around the age of 12 and coming out to her parents at 30. Lynch expressed relief that her parents reacted positively, which she attributed to the visibility of other public figures like Ellen DeGeneres and Melissa Etheridge at the time.

The Birth of Sue Sylvester

Lynch discussed her iconic role as Sue Sylvester on Glee, revealing that the character was specifically written for her. She explained that Fox executive Kevin Reilly suggested the need for a villain, and creator Ryan Murphy envisioned Sue as a character portrayed by Lynch. Lynch credited writer Ian Brennan with shaping the character’s lines and personality.

Lynch noted, “The 13-year-old Jane. Yeah. If she had glee. Yeah. Oh my God, I would’ve been, and I’m sure you too obsessed with it. Yeah. It just, the seeing kids, your, your age, going through stuff and then singing a song and people having your back. “

‘Glee’ and Its Impact on Young Audiences

Reflecting on Glee, Lynch expressed that the show would have been meaningful to her as a 13-year-old. She highlighted the show’s portrayal of a supportive community within the choir room, contrasting it with the challenges faced in the high school hallways. Lynch hopes that society is moving toward a “golden age of caring about each other,” emphasizing the importance of empathy and support.

Insights into ‘Julie & Julia’

Lynch also shared behind-the-scenes details from her role in Julie & Julia, where she played a character based on Julia Child’s sister. She explained that to achieve the desired height difference between her and Meryl Streep, who portrayed Julia Child, she wore platforms covered by the same fabric as her dress, creating an optical illusion.

In a lighthearted moment, Ferguson recounted a memorable background acting performance from an episode of Modern Family, where an extra was seen conversing with an empty chair. Lynch praised the dedication of background actors, noting that their performances can significantly impact the overall quality of a scene.

April 15, 2025