Sarah Hyland spent 11 seasons playing Haley Dunphy on Modern Family, but behind the scenes she was dealing with serious health challenges that many fans didn’t know about at the time.
Living With Kidney Dysplasia
Hyland was born with kidney dysplasia, a condition that affects how the kidneys develop. She received her first kidney transplant in 2012, donated by her father. Afterwards she needed regular anti-rejection medication and steroids, along with periods of bed rest, yet she kept working on the show.
A Second Transplant
In 2017, after her body rejected the first kidney, Hyland underwent a second transplant, this time with a kidney donated by her younger brother, Ian. Because transplant patients are especially vulnerable to infections, the cast and crew took extra precautions while she recovered, including wearing surgical masks on set.
Hyland has since spoken openly about her health, including the many surgeries she has had over the years, in the hope of raising awareness and supporting others going through similar experiences.
The way her co-workers rallied around her is another example of why the Modern Family cast often described themselves as a real family.