Actress Judy Greer shares her reasons for declining an audition for the role of "Claire Dunphy" in 'Modern Family.' She discusses her career choices and personal preferences in a candid conversation with the 'Dinner's On Me' podcast.
- THIS was Judy Greer's career decision
- She could have starred on 'Modern Family'
- Judy went on to choose other options
Judy Greer's Career Decision
Judy Greer recently opened up about a significant career decision on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast, 'Dinner’s on Me'. The actress was offered an audition for the role of "Claire Dunphy" in the hit series 'Modern Family,' which eventually went to Julie Bowen. Greer, however, chose to pass on the opportunity due to her reluctance to play a mother on television.
At that stage in her career, she was hesitant to accept roles that might define her as a maternal figure, saying, "I was asked to audition for Claire." This marked a pivotal moment as she was transitioning into roles involving parenthood, but she was not ready to be "America's mom."
"In a movie, people kind of see it and then they forget," she said. "In a TV show, it's just like, 'You're a mom. That’s it.' " Greer noted that she "didn't even want kids" in real life, saying it "was not even on the table for me."
Greer was in her 30s at the time and felt that the role was "so limiting compared to what I was doing already." She also worried it would crimp her nomadic lifestyle.
She continued, "I was like, 'I think I'm not going to audition for it.' I was really torn about it, but I ended up obviously not. Who knows if I would have even gotten it anyway? I was just like, 'I don't know if I want to be America's mom yet.' " Greer elaborated on her decision, highlighting the difference between film and television roles.
She explained that while movies have a transient impact, TV shows have a lasting impression on audiences. "In addition to just the perception of who you are as an actor, it’s lifestyle too," she said. "I was like, ‘Well, I like traveling a lot, and I like doing all these movies, and I like going to all these places, and I like meeting all these people.' "
A long career behind her
For Greer, the commitment to a television role seemed limiting, especially since she did not wish to be pigeonholed into maternal roles. Her personal life also played a part, as she mentioned, "I didn't even want kids," emphasizing her desire to maintain a flexible lifestyle that allowed for travel and diverse acting opportunities.
Despite declining the main role, Greer did make a guest appearance in the first season of 'Modern Family.' She portrayed "Phil Dunphy’s" ex-girlfriend "Denise" in the episode "Truth Be Told."
Greer’s other notable film credits include 'The Village', where she played "Kitai" alongside a star-studded cast, and 'The Hot Chick', in which she portrayed "Jessica". She also played "Trish" in 'Halloween' and its sequels, where her portrayal of the adult version of "Laurie Strode's" sister added depth to the iconic horror franchise.
Greer has also made an impact in television. She starred in the hit series 'Arrested Development' as "Maeby Fünke," a character who is both cunning and somewhat self-absorbed, becoming a fan favorite. Additionally, she appeared in 'Two and a Half Men' and 'The Mindy Project,' showcasing her comedic timing and versatility.
More recently, Greer took on a lead role in the critically acclaimed drama series 'Reboot', where she played "Hannah," adding to her impressive body of work.
In addition to her acting, Greer has lent her voice to animated series, such as 'Family Guy' and 'American Dad!' She continues to be a beloved figure in both indie and mainstream films, proving her talent and enduring appeal across genres.
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Her collaboration with the show's creator, Steve Levitan, continued later with the Hulu series 'Reboot.' Reflecting on her experience, Greer expressed admiration for Levitan, stating, "I worship him." This guest role allowed her to be part of the acclaimed series without the long-term commitment that comes with a regular role.
