Hello reddit. I’m Jesse Tyler Ferguson, actor and LGBT rights activist!
My organization Tie The Knot is fighting for marriage equality with SupremeSaveTheDate.com — helping same-sex couples build and send Save the Date invites for their upcoming weddings to the Supreme Court Justices to show how many couples are counting on their decision and ready to finally get married! Go ahead and send one now!
Not getting married? You can still buy a bowtie or donate to support LGBT rights!
And if you support equality click here to spread the word!
You can also see me in Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest from May 27th – July 25th.
Victoria’s helping me get started. AMA!
https://twitter.com/jessetyler/status/596465595954126849
Thats all for me tonight! Thanks for your great questions and be sure to check out TieTheKnot.org! Goodnight!
I was just watching last week’s episode today. So, what’s the real value on your sofa?
only the set designers at Modern Family know that. I assume its not as much as the characters say it is
What ever happened to The Class? I thought it was an incredibly sweet sitcom and it was pretty funny. You were great in it. It was far from groundbreaking but it deserved more than one season.
the class was a great show and I LOVED it. the 19 episodes we made are on DVD!
Where was favorite location to shoot Modern Family?
we love traveling for the show. australia was really fun because it felt like a family vacation. also disneyland was a blast! Where should we go next?
Has Eric Stonestreet converted you to being a lifelong Kansas City Royals fan?
he’s trying his hardest. i have LOTS of t shirts and hats.
Do you defend pandas in court? Kidding. What’s it like working with Nathan Lane?
he’s a comic genius. (Lane…not the panda). I feel so lucky that I get to work with him whenever his schedule allows for him to fly to LA and be on our show!
What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened on any set you’ve been on?
It was pretty funny when Sofia was supposed to say ” “Manny why are you hanging upside down” and instead she said “Manny why are you hanging Sunny Side Up”
What has it been like to watch all the kids on Modern Family grow up?
They are the greatest kids. They are all driving now! I want them to stay little!!!
Is filming in mockumentary style more difficult than the traditional format?
I LOVE performing for a live studio audience….but doing a show like Modern Family is great because it works a different set of muscles as an actor. I really enjoy the subtleties you can bring to the format of our show
Who is the biggest prankster on the set of Modern Family?
For Sure: Eric Stonestreet.
Who is most like their character in Modern Family?
I guess joe the baby and stella the dog.
Besides Modern Family, what other current TV series would you want to be part of?
I am obsessed with Portlandia and Inside Amy Schumer. Also, I would love to work with Tina Fey and/or Amy Poehler someday.
Being a well-known actor, do you ever get starstruck around other actors or celebrities?
Meryl Streep!
If you were a few years older and had been cast for Friends back in the day, who would you be playing?
CHandler!!!!
Over past times, a lot of straight actors would play gay characters. Do you think has changed more over the years ? How would you feel about the opposite – acting a straight character role?
I think all actors should be able to play anything. we are actors. I have played straight roles and Eric Stonestreet is playing a gay role now. I hope that the stigma is slowly lifting.
What’s your drink of choice?
It changes. A nice glass of wine is nice.
Is Eric Stonestreet a good kisser?
Eric is not the best kisser I have ever had…but I think it is because we are acting when we kiss!
Do you have any siblings in real life and are they anything like Claire?
I have a brother and a sister and neither one of them are like Claire. I LOVE julie bowen and love playing the Mitch/Claire dynamic.
What is your favorite tv show?
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmit
What is your estimate on how many bow ties you own?
I wouldn’t even begin to count! over 200 at least!
What is the harshest thing you’ve ever experienced at an audition? How did you overcome it?
you have to have a tough skin of you want to be an actor. I have heard everything from “you aren’t talented and you won’t make it” to “you aren’t tall enough”…. Best think is to know your self worth and have faith in your talent.
Do you ever see you guys doing a Modern Family live episode?
I don’t see a live episode happening….but who knows?
Who do you think could really rock a Tie The Knot?
I think George Clooney need to rock a Tie The Knot Bow Tie…or Obama! I know they are both Marriage Equality advocates! Maybe POTUS will wear one on decision day in June!
What was your favorite movie as a teenager?
Clue!
What part of acting do you dislike the most?
i guess memorizing lines.
What are your three most interesting shows in NYC right now? What should people be checking out?
SO many great shows! if you can get a ticket to Hamilton do! and Fun Home!
Which director would you love to work with in film at some point?
my friend Liz Banks! She just directed Pitch Perfect 2.
What is like to do talk shows like jimmy fallon and ellen? Do you get nervous or are they laid back?
Both Jimmy and Ellen are really nice and make me feel very comfortable but dong talkshows is always a little stressful.
If you didn’t become an actor, what would you be doing right now?
Good question! I LOVE to cook, so maybe a chef.
What advice would you give to the young teenage LGBT community who are going through difficult times either with coming out, being bullied etc?
well, i can relate to that. i was bullied a LOT growing up. I found activities outside of school that interested me. (Community Theater was my salvation). I think the most important thing to do is find people you are safe around and who you can talk to. The internet is a great resource now too. The world is so much bigger than it was when I was a kid. Facebook, Instagram, TrevorProject, Trevor Space are all great ways of expanding your universe and finding people who understand you.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
strawberry or vanilla
What’s your least favorite type of person?
a close minded person who feels they are u not capable of growth or change. a stubborn person
Do you think it’s cool if a girl wears a bow tie?
YES! for SURE! what about in your hair? or around your neck…just as cool!
How often do you hit the gym and what exercises do you do to stay in shape? Do you have fitness role models?
I try and stay fit and active but I always wish I could do more…or look better. I like to eat too much! I’m a foodie.
What is the best thing a director can do for you on set?
collaborate and be open to all ideas…even if they may see dumb. it’s great to try stuff. sometimes the best ideas are born from things that seem ridiculous.
I think you are an amazing actor and I admire your drive to fight for marriage equality; you seem to be full of passion and joy. I was wondering if that was always the case or if you ever felt – like so many of us do at times – that things would not get better?
I always knew that there were people outside of my hometown that would love me for who I was. I also had a supportive family. Many people don’t. I STRONGLY suggest TrevorProject.org as a resource if you are feeling alone. They are amazing.
Who are your acting idols?
Madeline Kahn, Steve Martin, Robin Williams
What episode has been your favorite to film?
I love shooting the wedding episodes. also the episode at the roller rink was really fun.
Is there a celebrity you’ve met who totally surprised you, in a good way, with their demeanor and mannerisms?
Julianne Moore is one of the most gracious people I have ever met….not that I wasn’t expecting her to be….but I am just such a fan of hers….it’s nice when the people you admire are so lovely.
Who is your closet Broadway actor friend?
I have many! Celia Keenan Bolger is one of my besties. But I also am close with Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald & Lea DeLaria
I loved the episodes you did on Web Therapy. What was it like making those episodes?
I’m obsessed with LIsa Kudrow. She was a dream to work with. Very collaborative. I was very intimidated by her when we started but she instantly made me feel comfortable….we basically just played all day on the Web Therapy set!
I was just wondering what your favourite Shakespearean Character is and why?
I love the Dromios in Comedy of Errors. I also love Bottom in Midsummer
Are the bowties fashionable?
they are VERY fashionable. Check them out: thetiebar.com/jtf
Just wanted to know if you got to see much of Australia when you filmed down under! Do you have any memorable stories of your visit?
so many! i love your country. the great barrier reef was pretty amazing.
I’m a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico and I always love it when former Albuquerque residents make it big. My questions are: What was your favorite part of growing up here? Also, where is your favorite place to grab a burrito and why is it Golden Pride?
I love the Abq Balloon Fiesta. I love Sadies and I have no idea why its called Golden Pride…cause the flag is yellow?
Who was the best person to work with on sytycd? Have you kept up with any of the dancers from the show?
I LOVE everyone on SYTYCD but Cat and I have become very close. I keep up with Melanie, Nico & Ricky a bit. and I am good friends with Travis Wall!
Is your relationship with Justin at all like Mitchell’s relationship with Cam?
not at all! i think i have to work harder on my “marriage to cam” than I do on my marriage to Justin! Ha!
Did I see Justin in DC handing out bow ties and Save the Dates?
you DID! we are so proud that he could be on the steps of SCOTUS for that historical day!!! It meant a lot to all of us at Tie The Knot to be able to be a presence on that day. Did you get a bow tie?
Do u see yourself doing action films?
i would LOVE to!
How can a small town suburban soccer mom support marriage equality? It’s not an issue I relate to but I am for equal rights for all and am not sure how to show it!
Thats great & you CAN relate to it BECAUSE you want rights for all! You can spread the word about accepting all people. I think the best way to support is thru love and acceptance. You can also buy Tie The Knot bow ties for your family and friends! 🙂
What 2 Summer movies are you looking forward to the most?
Hot Pursuit & Pitch Perfect 2!!!
I love you as a reality-TV judge–RuPaul’s Drag Race, So You Think You Can Dance, et al. What’s been the most fun judging gig? What would be your dream judging gig?
I want to do an all star season of rupaul!
What’s your favourite cereal?
does oatmeal count?
Do you think the recent changes across the U.S. on gay marriage bans will ultimately change the minds of the Supreme Court justices to allow it to be legal?
I think people can see that denying a group of minorities their civil rights is not a good thing. It is becoming harder and harder to justify.
What triggered your desire to be an activist? Was it a specific moment in your life or was it just a general need for change?
having been bullied as a kid i really felt for people who felt marginalized or “less than”. i wanted to use my new platform to help people. justin, my husband has been an amazing partner in helping me make those ideas a reality. he is equally passionate and has great ideas.
