Eric Stonestreet Straight: 'Modern Family' Co-Star Jesse Tyler Ferguson Calls Him 'Gay For Pay'

They are perhaps the most famous gay couple on television, winning Emmy's and ratings races. They're such good actors, in fact, that some people don't know that it's all an act -- for one of them at least.

The cast of "Modern Family" recently guested on "Inside the Actors Studio," telling stories and trading laughs with the venerable James Lipton. One most interesting phrase that came up was "gay for pay," which is how Jesse Tyler Ferguson describes his Emmy-winning on-screen husband, Eric Stonestreet.

"He's straight in real life, and they pay him X amount of dollars to be gay! And wouldn't anybody?"

As for Ferguson -- he's still a great actor, but there's less faking going on. "Like I said before, I was locking myself in my bedroom, playing the soundtrack of 'Les Miserables,' so..." he answered when asked if he was ever in the closet.

WATCH:

Comments

[J T K]

03:20 AM on 06/09/2011

That's funny. When they mention in the clip that they don't think of the babies of having names it looks like Ed O'neil is about to fall over laughing.

[cybolt]

12:05 PM on 06/07/2011

"I don't wear pink... it wears me."

What a wonderful depiction of relationships MF gives us. Hands down, it's the best comedy in years. One way you can tell? You can make an argument that almost every character on it is the best.

[stuoverit]

04:17 PM on 06/07/2011

Well said Cybolt.

I must admit I'm a big fan of Manny.

[cybolt]

12:51 AM on 06/08/2011

Manny had to grow on me so it took a while. I didnt buy his precociousness at first but do now... and adore him.

[dhayescharlotte]

04:59 PM on 06/05/2011

Just another sign of how this world is deteriorating daily.....

[stanton89]

05:06 PM on 06/05/2011

You got it.

[Kenneth Neugent]

05:18 PM on 06/05/2011

Yes, many felt that way when slaves were freed, when women were given the right to vote, when state eugenic programs ended, when the civil rights act law was signed in 1964, just a few examples.
All people should be treated equally. I could care less who you decide to make your partner for life. Everyone should be able to do the same without stupid comments like yours.
If you have any question just read the constitution. You will be amazed what you learn.

[dhayescharlotte]

04:04 PM on 06/07/2011

Comments.....stupid?? They are right in line with what God the Creator thinks about this. But the humanistic "powers that be" have worked non-stop to discredit the BIBLE and to try & prove God doesn't exist in an effort to have you live the way you wish. Some scientists have "created" alternate theories as to why we're here, not proven that Creation isn't real. Therefore, I'm passing along to those of you who want to put yourself above God that he doesn't like it......

[Clare53]

04:28 PM on 06/05/2011

Modern Family is just too good. I laugh out loud when Ty Burrell walks into a scene, even when he's not saying anything. Manny is priceless. I love them all.

[J the Mac]

04:23 PM on 06/05/2011

it would be nice if HuffPost CANADA was actually posting videos people in CANADA could watch

[ianmcc]

05:07 PM on 06/05/2011

I feel you, I am a big fan of UK culture but am always flummoxed when I am denied to see most vids from over there due to BBC ownership rules.

[Jordan Conaway]

04:20 PM on 06/05/2011

wow i thought the fat guy was the real gay one too! what amazing actors

[AfricanLivedit]

04:13 PM on 06/05/2011

Best comedy on television at the moment. When my friends come over, I usually make them watch one episode and end up going through at least 6 at a time because they get hooked!

And Sophia Vergera may just be one of the most beautiful women in the world at this moment.

[mixahman]

05:21 PM on 06/05/2011

Why? She wasn't before?

[AfricanLivedit]

05:26 PM on 06/05/2011

Up until seeing Modern Family, I didn't know she existed.

; )

[JHberger]

03:41 PM on 06/05/2011

One episode of MF does more for gay rights than all the ACTUP protests combined.

[cherieamour]

03:36 PM on 06/05/2011

...i love this show and i love them as a married couple!!!...

[robjh1]

03:15 PM on 06/05/2011

Gay for pay? Sounds like a good gig.

[O K Ali]

03:10 PM on 06/05/2011

The mother'd day episode was hilarious.

[silverwing]

03:31 PM on 06/05/2011

it *was*! It's such a good show - the writing is outstanding.

[crayola 08b]

03:57 PM on 06/05/2011

omg yes. that episode was off the hook hilarious.

[cplKlyde]

02:59 PM on 06/05/2011

They need to bring back Al's ex once a season for the holidays.

[Clare53]

04:25 PM on 06/05/2011

Who played Al's ex? I can't remember.

[bdreardon]

04:34 PM on 06/05/2011

Shelley Long from "Cheers" fame. Hilarious!

[ianmcc]

05:08 PM on 06/05/2011

I find it a little odd that she seems to interact so little with her two adult children.

[LadyRedundantWoman]

08:48 AM on 06/07/2011

I think the idea is that she's best in small doses.

[janedoe31]

02:55 PM on 06/05/2011

The best part of the show is that there is no "laugh track"..............

[O K Ali]

03:07 PM on 06/05/2011

You got that right, sister!

[silverwing]

03:33 PM on 06/05/2011

Well I wouldn't that the "best part" because it's such a solid show with great writing and great performances... but it certainly adds to their success, because it shows that they don't have to rely on cheap tricks to get laughs.

I like that about "Community", too - I think we're finally moving beyond the canned-laughter phase in tv, thank goodness. It allows a lot more room for interpretation and dramatic/comedic colour instead of being a one-note sitcom. It also pays the audience more respect, which I like. :)

[mixahman]

05:27 PM on 06/05/2011

Mockumentaries don't have laugh tracks... or great camera handling.

[stuoverit]

04:23 PM on 06/07/2011

COMMUNITY IS BRILLIANT. It's literally just social commentary in a palatable format for Americans. It really developed alot this season once it went from being about Jeff's experience, to the group as a whole.

The development of Troy and Abed's friendship and characters is one of the best bromances/ongoing theme in comedy today.

[Paul Sta]

02:26 PM on 06/05/2011

Great show!!

[darthgault]

02:13 PM on 06/05/2011

nice to see HuffPo exploiting gay people for click bait ... i used to love this blog but its becoming a rag very quickly

[Rickter]

02:42 PM on 06/05/2011

They got you to click on it didn't they.

[janedoe31]

02:57 PM on 06/05/2011

why is that exploiting gay people.............gimme a break............people like take issue about everything.....here's a great solution to your problem: don't watch, tv, don't read, don't listen to the radio and don't look out your window........there..feel safe from being exploited now?