Former Modern Family child star looks unrecognizable as she shares harsh realities of growing up in spotlight
A former Modern Family child star looked unrecognizable in a new video... as she dished on the harsh realities of growing up in the spotlight.
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, now 17, became a massive star after she made her acting debut as Lily Tucker-Pritchett on the beloved ABC sitcom at only four years old.
For eight years, she captured audiences' hearts while playing the adorable daughter of Cam (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), and the entire world seemed to watch on as she matured into a young woman - both in the show and in real life.
But now, she has opened up about what it was really like to be propelled into the spotlight at such a young age.
Taking to TikTok, the actress admitted that she had no idea 'what she was getting herself into' when she joined the show at age four.
She also revealed that she was subjected to a slew of cruel criticism, which led to her ultimately fleeing from the spotlight after the show ended.
'Have some tea and chat with me about how I grew up on a TV show and what my plans are for the future,' she began in the clip, which was viewed over one million times.
'As many of you guys know, I grew up on a TV show called Modern Family and I was on that show for eight years of my life... since I was four years old until the age of 12.
Taking to TikTok, the actress admitted that she had no idea 'what she was getting herself into' when she joined the show at age four
'People ask things like, "How did you know you wanted to do that when you were four? How do you know you love something when you're so young?" And the truth is, you don't.'
Aubrey insisted that she was 'not forced into anything,' adding, 'My mom wasn't like, "You're going to do this," it was not like that.'
But she confessed that it wasn't as glamorous as some may think.
'I was not abused on set or anything like that, but you don't know what you're getting yourself into at four years old when you sign a contract to be on a show,' she said.
Aubrey pointed out that being on that show was basically 'all she knew' so she felt like she didn't have many other memories from her childhood.
She also admitted that being in the public eye meant she was subjected to nasty comments from others, which wasn't easy.
'Also, being on a TV show from a young age, people really took digs at my acting choices or they would say I'm a bad actor,' she recalled.
'I don't feel like I need to prove myself to other people... but it was really hard for me to grow up with so many people's opinions around me.'
The 17-year-old explained that after the show concluded, she started trying out for other roles.
But because she had been in the show since she was so young, she had basically no experience with the audition process.
'I slowly started to realize I was very sensitive at that age and I could not handle that type of rejection,' she continued. 'So I took a break for a few years.'
But now, Aubrey said she's ready to return to the spotlight.
'When I got into my high school theater program I realized that I wanted to do this again and that I actually really enjoy it,' she explained.
'So I have been auditioning for the last two years seriously. For anyone who's been wondering, "Are you going to be on TV again and would you like to be on TV again or to do films?" Yes, absolutely, I would love to.
'And it's gonna happen. In addition to being on your screens again I would also like to be in your headphones or speakers because I'm not creating original music, yay! I've been writing music for three years now.'
Aubrey revealed that her new single, Telephones and Traffic, is set to come out on May 23.
She revealed that she was subjected to a slew of cruel criticism, which lead to her ultimately fleeing from the spotlight after the show ended
But now, Aubrey said she's ready to return to the spotlight, revealing, 'I have been auditioning for the last two years seriously'
'I am grateful for all that Modern Family has given me, but it's time to move on to another chapter of my life where I get to share who I am,' she concluded
'I am grateful for all that Modern Family has given me, but it's time to move on to another chapter of my life where I get to share who I am,' she concluded. 'I'm excited for you guys to see it.'
Last February, Aubrey told DailyMail.com that she would be open to reprising her iconic Modern Family role for a spin-off series.
She said: 'I'd definitely be interested if the script was good and the dads were on board, but school is my priority right now - unless something great comes along.
'I feel like the finale left possibilities and I think that's why people are always talking about a spinoff of the Tucker Pritchard family.'
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