Latest news with #ArielWinter
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Ariel Winter: from 'Modern Family' to media target – how fame shattered her self-esteem
Ariel Winter revealed how harsh media commentary about her physical appearance began when she was only 14. Image: Instagram For many child stars, life under the spotlight means more than just learning lines and smiling on cue - it means being constantly watched, judged, and scrutinised by millions, often before they're old enough to fully understand it. In Hollywood, this pressure can be especially intense, with young actors navigating fame at the same time they're figuring out who they are. Ariel Winter, best known for her role as the smart and sarcastic Alex Dunphy on "Modern Family", recently opened up about the darker side of growing up on television. Having joined the hit sitcom at just 11 years old, Winter spent more than a decade in the public eye as part of a cast that became a household name. But while the show was celebrated for its humour and heart, Winter's personal experience behind the scenes was far more complicated. Speaking to "People", the actress revealed how harsh media commentary about her physical appearance began when she was only 14. At an age where most teens are already dealing with self-image challenges, Winter faced cruel headlines from adult writers calling her names and questioning her body. 'It was every headline I read about myself,' she said. 'Grown people writing articles saying I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut. I mean, I was 14. It totally damaged my self-esteem.' She added, 'No matter what I was going through, I was a target. It made it very difficult to look at myself in the mirror and go, 'I love this version of me'.' This was around 2012, a time when tabloids and celebrity blogs often published sensationalist and body-shaming content, especially about young female stars. Headlines that casually picked apart teenage bodies were not only common but were also part of mainstream celebrity coverage. Winter's experience echoes that of many other young stars who've spoken out about the emotional toll of growing up famous. "Stranger Things" actress Millie Bobby Brown, for instance, has been open about being sexualised in the media from as young as 13. In 2022, she told "Allure" that she felt 'overwhelmed' and 'confused' by how quickly people projected adult expectations onto her. Similarly, "Harry Potter" star Emma Watson once shared that she nearly quit acting at 16 due to the intense scrutiny over her appearance and personal life. Even Justin Bieber admitted in his documentary that early fame left him feeling isolated and pressured to be perfect, which contributed to his well-documented struggles as a teen. For many in the public eye, including Winter, the long-term emotional impact of such treatment has been damaging.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Modern Family star admits cruel trolling as a teen damaged her self-esteem
Ariel Winter played Alex Dunphy on the ABC sitcom between 2009 and 2020 and has admitted it was tough to say goodbye to the show after a decade-long run Ariel Winter has opened up about the emotional challenge of parting ways with the hit series Modern Family. The 27-year-old star, who portrayed Alex Dunphy on the ABC comedy from 2009 to 2020, shared just how tough it was to leave behind a show that had been such an integral part of her life. Ariel confessed: "It was hard." Reflecting on the close-knit cast, she said, "We were like a real family. It was weird knowing it would just be over, and I wouldn't get to see everybody all the time anymore. It was like, wait, yeah, wait, we're not going to be together on Monday? So on the one hand, I didn't want it to end, but at the same time, I was ready to start something new as an adult." Starting on Modern Family at the tender age of 11, Ariel never anticipated the show's success. She continued to tell People: "I was 11 when it started. I don't think I had any idea of it was going to be successful or not. I was just like, 'Oh awesome, I got a job.'". Her excitement initially stemmed from working alongside Ed O'Neill, who played her grandfather Jay Pritchett, famously known for his role as Al Bundy. "But once the show started, it was an immediate hit, and it was so exciting to have that opportunity. And being on the same show for so long? I feel like that doesn't really happen anymore." Winter also mentioned her special connection with Nolan Gould, who played her on-screen brother Luke Dunphy, highlighting their particularly strong bond among her relationships with the cast. Ariel Winter has opened up about her close bond with co-star Nolan Gould, saying: "I'm extremely close to Nolan. He plays my little brother, and he and I are still best friends." The actress, who grew up in the public eye, spoke candidly about how body shaming affected her during her formative years: "That was a major part of my teenage years." She detailed the impact of negative media attention on her self-worth: "It was just everywhere. It was every headline I read about myself, like, grown people writing articles about me saying how I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut. I mean, I was 14. It totally damaged my self-esteem." Despite past struggles, including accusations of abuse against her mother (which her mother denied) leading to her emancipation at 17, Ariel is now focusing on positive projects, including a podcast and cooking show. Reflecting on her journey and looking ahead, the 'Sofia the First' star expressed gratitude for her recovery and support system: "I experienced a lot in my time in this industry and a lot in just so many other areas. I feel so lucky to have come out where I have now." She concluded with an optimistic outlook, acknowledging her opportunities for healing and a fresh start: "I've been blessed to have the resources to seek healing. I've got great people around me and a great second chance, and that's major."
Perth Now
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Ariel Winter struggled to say goodbye to Modern Family
Ariel Winter found it "hard" to say goodbye to 'Modern Family'. The 27-year-old actress played the role of Alex Dunphy on the ABC sitcom between 2009 and 2020 and explained how she found it tough to bid farewell to a show that had been such a huge part of her life. Ariel told People: "It was hard. "We were like a real family. It was weird knowing it would just be over, and I wouldn't get to see everybody all the time anymore. It was like, wait, yeah, wait, we're not going to be together on Monday? So on the one hand, I didn't want it to end, but at the same time, I was ready to start something new as an adult." Ariel was only 11 when 'Modern Family' began and she did not suspect that the programme would gone on to become so popular. She said: "I was 11 when it started. I don't think I had any idea of it was going to be successful or not. I was just like, 'Oh awesome, I got a job.' "What I was so excited for was to get the chance to work with Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill, who portrayed her grandfather Jay Pritchett in the comedy). "But once the show started, it was an immediate hit, and it was so exciting to have that opportunity. And being on the same show for so long? I feel like that doesn't really happen anymore." Winter became close with all of her cast mates but explained that she has a particularly deep bond with co-star Nolan Gould, who played her on-screen younger brother Luke Dunphy. She said: "I'm extremely close to Nolan. He plays my little brother, and he and I are still best friends." Ariel faced body scrutiny as she grew up on screen and admits that her confidence was "damaged" by the attention. She explained: "That was a major part of my teenage years. "It was just everywhere. It was every headline I read about myself, like, grown people writing articles about me saying how I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut. I mean, I was 14. It totally damaged my self-esteem." Ariel accused her mother Chrisoula Workman of physical and emotional abuse (Workman denied the allegations) and emancipated from her at the age of 17 but is now concentrating on the future with a podcast and cooking show lined up. The 'Sofia the First' actress said: "I experienced a lot in my time in this industry and a lot in just so many other areas. I feel so lucky to have come out where I have now. "I've been blessed to have the resources to seek healing. I've got great people around me and a great second chance, and that's major."
Hans India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Modern Family' star Ariel Winter says she was a ‘target' of media body shaming
Actress Ariel Winter, who is known for her work in the sitcom 'Modern Family', has opened up about the downsides of fame during her time on the iconic sitcom. The actress said that while playing Alex Dunphy on 11 seasons of the 22-time Emmy-winner, the media brutally critiqued her physical appearance, reports 'Variety'. In the early seasons of the show, Winter was only 14 years old, which made the negative attention all the more difficult to deal with. She told 'People' magazine, 'It was every headline I read about myself, like grown people writing articles about me saying how I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut. I mean, I was 14. It totally damaged my self-esteem'. She further mentioned, 'No matter what I was going through, I was a target. It made it very difficult to look at myself in the mirror and go, 'I love this version of me''. As per 'Variety', after 'Modern Family' came to an end in 2020, Winter said that she and her boyfriend left Los Angeles, but maintains that she 'didn't leave the industry'. Outside of acting, Winter works with the advocacy group SOSA (Safe From Online Sex Abuse), which helps protect young people from predators online. 'Technically, yes, I'm a survivor. I've gone through some shit', Winter said. 'But a lot of people have gone through some shit. Calling me a survivor takes away from what I'm here for, which is to help others and shine a spotlight on those that need it'. 'Modern Family' was created by Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, and aired for 11 seasons from September 23, 2009, to April 8, 2020. The series follows the lives of three diverse but interrelated family set-ups living in suburban Los Angeles. Lloyd and Levitan conceived the series while sharing stories of their own 'modern families'.
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter says body shaming 'totally damaged my self-esteem'
'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter says body shaming 'totally damaged my self-esteem' Show Caption Hide Caption 'Modern Family': Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould talk growing up on show Known for playing Alex and Luke Dunphy on ABC's "Modern Family," Ariel Winter and Nolan Gould talk growing up before the fans' eyes over the decade. USA TODAY Ariel Winter is getting real about the emotional toll of body shaming. In an interview with People magazine published May 7, the "Modern Family" star, 27, reflected on being subjected to negative comments scrutinizing her appearance while she was a child actor. Winter played Alex Dunphy, the middle child of the Dunphy family, on the ABC sitcom for 11 seasons. "It was every headline I read about myself, like, grown people writing articles about me saying how I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut," Winter shared. "I mean, I was 14. It totally damaged my self-esteem." She continued, "I understood what it was like to be hated. No matter what I was going through, I was a target. It made it very difficult to look at myself in the mirror and go, 'I love this version of me.'" Winter grew up in the public eye starring on "Modern Family," which debuted on ABC in 2009, when she was 11, and ended in 2020, when she was 22. She started acting at the age of four and before "Modern Family" had already appeared in films like "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" and shows like "Nip/Tuck." Ariel Winter dishes on trolls, why she left UCLA: 'I don't know what it is about me' Winter previously reflected on body shaming in a 2021 episode of "Red Table Talk: The Estefans," remembering how she was called "fat" at age 13 after "I had gained weight and my body changed." The actress, who explained she gained weight after she started taking antidepressants, also said she received comments labeling her "a horrible role model" for "trying to be sexy." In a 2016 interview with Teen Vogue, Winter shared that she has "struggled with self-esteem and body confidence for years," adding that it was "really difficult" to receive cruel comments about her appearance. "I tried to lose weight, I crash dieted, I tried to change what I looked like so I would fit this standard, and it never worked," Winter told the outlet. "I got to a certain point where I realized I was never going to please people, so I decided to make myself happy instead. I'm so grateful I made that decision, because it really made a difference for me." 'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter shuts down body-shamers: I 'didn't get plastic surgery' In her new interview with People magazine, Winter revealed she no longer lives in Los Angeles, where she grew up. Though she clarified she "didn't leave the industry" and will continue to act, she said she decided to move out of the city because it "holds some not-great memories for me, and I'm young and never lived anywhere else, and thought, 'Why not?'"
