Credit: Getty

Julie Bowen has a new man in her life!

The Modern Family actress, 56, opened up about her new boyfriend, but is keeping his identity private for the time being.

Julie opened up to People while attending Step Up’s 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles over the weekend.

“I have a lovely friend,” she said, describing him as “smart and funny.”

“I need smart and funny. Those are the two [characteristics I look for in a partner],” Julie added. “I don’t care what people look like — though he happens to be good-looking. But I don’t care what people look like. I like the brains.”

Who is Julie Bowen’s ex-husband?

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Julie Bowen was previously married to Scott Phillips

Julie separated from ex-husband Scott Phillips in 2017 after 13 years of marriage. Their divorce was finalized in September 2018.

The former couple share three kids – 19-year-old son Oliver and 17-year-old twin boys Gustave and John.

Julie‘s son Oliver is now in college at the University of Oregon.

In September 2025, she posted about dropping him off for his freshman year.

“Sweet Baby Oliver…you were born 5 minutes ago, so how can I possibly be leaving you at college? You made me a mother, and I learned more (and been humbled more) from being your mom for the past 18 years than I could ever have imagined. Now I have to learn to do the hardest thing a parent has the privilege of doing and let you go. No, it’s NOT forever, but it’s the end of one big chapter, so – yeah – I’m going to cry. (I’m also 100% percent going to sit on your Dad’s shoulders to work on the lighting in your dorm room.) I love you, Monkey. Always No matter what,” she wrote at the time.

See a photo of the Modern Family cast reuniting six years after the finale.

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