LONDON: Julie Bowen recently opened up about the media’s efforts to pit her against her Modern Family co-star Sofía Vergara, revealing how the press tried to create a rivalry between the two actresses despite their amicable relationship. Bowen discussed these experiences on the latest episode of the I Choose Me With Jennie Garth podcast.
During her interview, Bowen recounted how the media frequently portrayed her and Vergara as competitors, akin to “Betty and Veronica,” a reference to the classic comic book characters known for their contrasting personalities.
“The press kept trying to make me and Sofía, sort of Betty and Veronica. They were just determined to pit us against each other, like we hated each other,” Bowen said, reflecting on the frustrating narrative that emerged during the show’s run.
Bowen attributed the media’s inclination to create such a narrative to a “scarcity mindset,” a belief that only one woman can be successful at a time. Despite frequently competing with Vergara in the Emmy Awards’ Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category, Bowen expressed admiration and respect for her co-star.
“I love Sofía, and I love how different we are. She is funny and self-effacing and bawdy, and she loves life,” Bowen stated. She further praised Vergara for her powerful presence and confidence, noting, “I learned a lot from Sofía about being a really powerful, completely in-herself woman.”
Bowen’s sentiments highlight the disparity between the media’s portrayal of their relationship and the reality of their bond. “I found that to be really disappointing on the part of the press, but I just never fed into that,” Bowen said. She underscored her refusal to perpetuate the rivalry narrative, emphasizing that success should not come at the expense of another woman’s achievements.
Vergara, who received widespread acclaim for her role as Gloria Pritchett on Modern Family, recently achieved another milestone by becoming the first Latina to be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in Griselda. Despite her fewer Emmy wins compared to Bowen, Vergara’s nomination highlights her continued impact and success in the industry.
