So, we all know Shorty, Jay’s BFF. But we’re throwing it back to season three, when we were introduced to his eclectic and bubbly girlfriend, Darlene. In real life, Jennifer Tilly is an actress, poker player and writer. She’s also been nominated for an Academy Award, AND she’s won a World Series of Poker Ladies’ Event bracelet.
It’s no surprise then that she met her boyfriend Phil Laak on the poker circuit. Both being professional poker players, it was this change in career which led her to meet Irish player Phil at an event. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again; and the rest is history!
Chazz Palminteri & Gianna Ranaudo (Married)
As you go through life, friends may come and go, but some just stick. Such is the case with the ongoing bromance between Jay Pritchett and his best friend, Shorty. They banter and bicker in equal amounts, but we know at the end of the day there’s nothing but love between them. Played by American actor, film producer and screenwriter Calogero Lorenzo “Chazz” Palminteri (what a mouthful right?!), Shorty has stood by Jay for many years.
Chazz not only enjoys acting but is a man of great faith. It’s no wonder that he met his current wife Gianna Ranaudo during a church service. Is it too far for us to stretch it and say it was an act…of...God? The pair have been married since 1992, and now are living the life in New York with two beautiful kids.
Andrew Daly & Carri Levinson (Married)
Major throwback time. Back in ’09 on the show, when Haley and Alex were still in high school, you may remember an episode where the pair were in a little trouble with the Principal! Playing Principal Brown was Andrew Daly, disciplining the pair for cheating on their school tests!
In his personal world, Daly is an actor, comedian and writer, known for his role as Forrest MacNeil on Comedy Central series Review, as well as Mad TV and Eastbound & Down. He’s married to actress Carri Levinson, since 2004. 15 years later, the pair have found success and are now living in Los Angeles with their two daughters.
Stephanie Beatriz & Brad Hoss (Married)
You probably know Stephanie Beatriz as the tough, leather-jacket wearing bad-ass on sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but once upon a time she made an appearance on Modern Family as Gloria’s sister! You may also remember that it was SHE who was in fact supposed to marry Jay initially! Sure, on the show she’s not exactly portrayed as the most bubbly, fun person to be around, but it’s definitely the opposite in real life!
Actor boyfriend Brad Hoss knew she was the one and popped the question in October 2017. The pair got married in secret, in 2018. We wish them all the best!
Leslie Mann & Judd Apatow (Married)
What we love about these celebrity cameos is that they may be small, but they certainly add a bit of pizzazz! In a hilariously funny twist, Cameron tried to prove that he still had the wit and charm to make a woman fall for him! Enter Leslie Mann. Are you surprised that it worked? We’re not! Cam’s still got it, ladies and gents!
In the real world, we’re sure she’s swatting away men, but she’s only got her eyes for one man; Judd Apatow. An American TV producer, writer, director, actor and stand-up comedian, he’s even founded his own production company! The pair have been married for almost 22 years and have two beautiful girls.