Aubrey Anderson-Emmons reflects on child stardom and advises against kids entering acting early

In a new interview, the actress reflects on her journey and the challenges of early fame.

Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, best known for her role as Lily Tucker-Pritchett on Modern Family, recently opened up about the complexities of growing up in the spotlight. The 17-year-old actress, who joined the Emmy-winning series at age 4, reflected on her early acting career during a conversation with Trisha Paytas on the Nov. 21 episode of Just Trish.

Accompanied by her mother, comedian Amy Anderson, Anderson-Emmons discussed both the blessings and challenges of being a child star. “Modern Family has brought me so many blessings, and I’m forever grateful,” she said. “But I think kids need to have a normal experience. I definitely felt more troubled as I got older because of the show.”

Her mother echoed these sentiments, advising caution for parents considering introducing their children to Hollywood. “We both would say, ‘Don’t do it,’” Amy Anderson said. She added that while many child actors thrive, the industry isn’t as glamorous as it may seem for young kids.

Anderson-Emmons also highlighted how her time on Modern Family differed from other child stars. With an ensemble cast and balanced screen time, her workload was manageable compared to peers leading Disney Channel or Nickelodeon shows. When the series ended in 2020, however, she found herself struggling to adjust to life outside the entertainment industry.

“I felt I didn’t know what I wanted to do after the show,” she shared. “Figuring out your own hobbies and experiences is important—not having your parents choose for you.” After taking a break from acting, she rediscovered her passion through her high school theater program and is now exploring new opportunities.

Anderson-Emmons also spoke about her anxiety surrounding auditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led her to temporarily step away from acting. Today, she connects with fans through TikTok, where she shares stories about her time on Modern Family.

The actress ended with a word of advice: “If I could do it again, I’d wait until I was older to act. Kids deserve a normal childhood.”