Ed O'Neill's 'Modern Family' Role Was Almost Played By This Actor

Craig T. Nelson, who starred in NBC’s Parenthood, almost played the role of Jay Pritchett in Modern Family. The role eventually went to Ed O’Neill.

The news was revealed in the new book “Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television’s Groundbreaking Sitcoms.”

Casting director Jeff Greenberg said in the book, “He wanted star money, and it wasn’t a star show. It’s an ensemble show. I understand from his agent that he regretted his decision. I’m not surprised.”

The show’s creators also heard he was “a bit difficult on set.” “That scared us, frankly,” creator Steve Levitan said. “There was a lack of self-awareness there and compassion that worried us. Meanwhile, all we kept hearing is that Ed O’Neill is the nicest person on the planet. We decided to pull the offer and go to Ed.”

Co-creator Christopher Lloyd said that Ed said, “Chris, this is the best 
job I’ve ever had. I would have done it for free. Don’t tell my agent, but I
 would have taken this job for free.”

Find out the possibility of a Modern Family spinoff after the show aired its series finale.