In 2009, American actor Eric Stonestreet rose to worldwide fame playing Cameron Tucker in the television series "Modern Family," which also launched Sofía Vergara to stardom. Today, he looks like a different person.
While playing his endearing and charismatic character and winning the hearts of audiences, that same year, in an unexpected turn of events, he began to experience health problems and received a life-changing diagnosis: type 2 diabetes. For years, Stonestreet kept his condition a secret, silently dealing with the stigma and shame he felt about it.
"I felt embarrassed and ashamed," he confessed in an interview with People . "I was like, 'Of course a guy who looks like me has type 2 diabetes.' That's what everyone thinks."
However, in 2022, his life took a dramatic turn thanks to Mounjaro (tirzepatide), an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Since starting treatment, Stonestreet has experienced significant improvements in her health, including noticeable weight loss and increased energy levels.
"It's a game changer," the actor said. "It's changed my lifestyle, my approach to eating and exercise." His mother, Jamey, has been with him throughout the process.
Inspired by the results, Stonestreet adopted healthier habits, incorporating a balanced diet and regular physical activity into his daily routine. He also became a spokesperson for Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, sharing his experience to help others understand and manage type 2 diabetes.
"I want people to know there's no shame in talking about this," he said. "It's important to share our stories and support each other."
Stonestreet's transformation is not only physical but also emotional. He has gained confidence and a new perspective on his health and well-being. His story is an inspiring testament to how facing personal challenges with determination and support can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Sadly, Stonestreet isn't the only 'Modern Family' actor to face health issues during and after the series. Sarah Hyland (Haley) was born with kidney disease and underwent two kidney transplants, the first donated by her father in 2012 and the second by her brother in 2017. During filming, Hyland experienced extreme exhaustion and sometimes didn't remember filming certain scenes due to her health condition.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell) suffered a vocal cord hemorrhage during the fifth season, caused by trying to suppress a sneeze, forcing him to go on vocal rest and re-record his lines afterward.
Sofía Vergara (Gloria) was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 28 during a routine checkup. She underwent surgery and radiation treatments, and is currently on medication to manage her hypothyroidism. Ariel Winter (Alex) underwent breast reduction surgery in 2015 due to the physical pain and unwanted attention she was receiving, going from a size 32F to a 34D. Reid Ewing (Dylan) revealed in 2015 that he suffered from body dysmorphic disorder, leading him to undergo multiple cosmetic surgeries that he later regretted.
