Modern Family star Julie Bowen has revealed a new chapter in her personal life. The actress says she is seeing someone, although she is keeping his identity private for now.
Bowen, 56, shared the update with PEOPLE while attending the Step Up 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles on September 25. When asked about her love life, she simply described the new man as a “lovely friend.”
The actress also offered a glimpse into what attracted her to him. According to Bowen, intelligence and humor are the qualities she values most in a partner.
Julie Bowen Says Her New Partner Is “Smart and Funny”
Bowen made it clear that personality matters more to her than appearance.
“I need smart and funny,” she said when discussing the qualities she wants in a partner. She also acknowledged that her mystery companion is good-looking, but added that she particularly values his intelligence.
For now, Bowen has chosen not to reveal his name or provide many details about their relationship.
That privacy marks a notable change from the actress’ earlier comments about dating. In 2022, Bowen had described herself as “very single” and joked that she was finished with dating.
Julie Bowen Previously Said She Was Done With Dating
Bowen was previously married to Scott Phillips. The couple married in 2004 and separated after 13 years together. Their divorce was finalized in September 2018.
The former couple share three sons: Oliver, 19, and 17-year-old twins John and Gustav.
Following her divorce, Bowen spoke openly about stepping away from the dating scene. During a 2022 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she joked that getting a dog was like a retirement gift after deciding she was done with dating.
Her latest comments show that her approach to romance has since changed.
Bowen Has Kept Her Personal Life Relatively Private
While Bowen has occasionally discussed relationships and family life in interviews, she has generally kept details about her romantic life away from the spotlight.
That makes her latest revelation particularly notable. Rather than introducing her new partner publicly, she has shared only a few details about what she likes about him.
Her comments also suggest that she is more interested in compatibility and personality than appearances.
From Claire Dunphy to a New Chapter
Bowen became widely known for playing Claire Dunphy on ABC’s hit sitcom Modern Family. The series ran for 11 seasons and ended in 2020.
Since then, she has continued working in television and film. Her recent credits include the Peacock series Hysteria! and the Happy Gilmore sequel.
Now, alongside her continued acting career and life as a mother, Bowen appears to be entering another personal chapter.
For fans who remember her earlier decision to step away from dating, the news of her new romance offers a different look at where the actress is today.
What We Know About Julie Bowen’s New Romance
At this point, Bowen has confirmed only a few details:
- She is seeing someone new.
- She described him as a “lovely friend.”
- She values intelligence and humor in a partner.
- She has not publicly identified him.
- She has not shared further details about how long they have been together.
Unless Bowen chooses to reveal more, the identity of her new partner remains private.