Judy Greer, a renowned actress, once had a significant decision regarding an audition for Modern Family. This choice had a profound impact on her career and personal life. She was offered the role of Claire Dunphy, played by Julie Bowen, but declined due to her reluctance to play a mother. At that time in her career, she was starting to take on characters with children, yet she had her own reservations.

Thought Process on Playing a Mother in TV vs. Movies

Greer explained that in a movie, the impact on the audience is often short-lived. Once the movie ends, people tend to forget. However, in a TV show, the role of a mother stays with the audience for a longer duration. She emphasized that in real life, she "didn't even want kids" and it was not a part of her plans. She was torn about the audition but ultimately decided not to pursue it. She felt that the role of Claire in Modern Family would be too limiting compared to what she was already doing and might cramp her nomadic lifestyle.

Impact on Acting Perception and Lifestyle

She further elaborated that besides the perception of an actor, the lifestyle also played a role. She loved traveling, doing movies, and meeting different people. Taking on the role of a mother in a TV show might restrict her from pursuing these aspects of her life. This decision showed her determination to follow her own path and not be confined by a particular role.

Guest Role in Modern Family and Later Work

Greer did appear in a guest role in the first season of Modern Family. In the episode "Truth Be Told," she played Phil Dunphy's ex-girlfriend Denise, adding another dimension to her acting career. Later, she worked with show creator Steve Levitan on the short-lived Hulu series Reboot. She expressed her admiration for Levitan, highlighting the importance of such collaborations in her career.

Stealing a Prop from a Movie Set

In November, Greer took a trip down memory lane and revealed a unique incident. She stole a coffee mug with the logo of Poise magazine from the set of her 2004 movie 13 Going on 30. She fondly remembered this prop and even used to drink coffee from it. This anecdote gives a glimpse into her personal side and the memories she holds from her acting career.