Eric Stonestreet became a fan favorite as Cameron Tucker on Modern Family, bringing Cam’s dramatic reactions, bubbly personality and theatrical flair to life.
A Larger-Than-Life Character
Cam’s energy put him at the center of many of the show’s funniest moments, from his alter ego Fizbo the clown to his over-the-top entrances and his endless flair for the dramatic.
His relationship with Mitchell, played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, was one of the show’s best pairings, with Cam’s emotional outbursts balancing Mitchell’s uptight, anxious nature.
The Real Eric
In real life, though, Stonestreet is quite different. The actor has shared that some fans are actually disappointed when they meet him and discover he isn’t nearly as dramatic or bubbly as the character.
Stonestreet, who grew up in Kansas, is known for being fairly laid-back and is a big sports fan, especially of his hometown Kansas City teams.
A Compliment in Disguise
It’s a funny problem to have, and really a compliment. Stonestreet was so convincing that audiences assumed Cam’s personality was simply his own.
Award-Winning Work
His performance earned him two Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, in 2010 and 2012, proof that playing big takes a lot of skill, even if you’re more relaxed once the cameras stop.
Life After Cam
Since Modern Family ended, Stonestreet has continued acting, including voice work in The Secret Life of Pets 2, and he has stayed close to his former co-stars.
But for millions of fans, he will always be Cam: loud, loving and never afraid of a big moment. Just don’t expect him to act like it when you meet him in person.