Image Credit: Albert L. Ortega/PR Photos; Bob Charlotte/PR Photos; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.comModern Family is about to demonstrate that Claire Dunphy has always had excellent taste in men. EW has learned exclusively that Matt Dillon (Crash) will play the ex-boyfriend of Julie Bowen’s character in an upcoming episode of the ABC comedy.
There’s no airdate – much less a script for the episode - but EW has also learned this juicy little detail: Claire’s ex has a new galpal and the mother of three is probably not going to like her. It’s Claire’s mom, DeDe Pritchett! Shelley Long will reprise her role as DeDe, a role she originated last season in an episode titled “The Incident.” (Remember? DeDe comes to visit the family for the first time since making a huge, drunken scene at Jay and Gloria’s wedding).
Dillon most recently appeared in Armored and Old Dogs.
I think Matt Dillon’s faces says it all…”that’s Shelley Long?!?”
“like”
That’s what I thought! Actually, it even took me a minute to recognize Julie in her red carpet mode! Shelly Long is non-recognizable!
I thought Julie Bowen was Diane Lane and had no idea of who the other woman was.
I think we all have been waiting for another appearance of Shelly Long. So glad they are bringing her back.
I don’t think she’s unrecognizable. When I looked at the photo I thought to myself “Is that Shelley Long?”. Mind you, I wasn’t 100% certain. It’s been a few years since I saw her. And she does look a bit older. As do I. But her’s was the very first name I thought of.
Oh my goodness! This may be one of the greatest TV mother-daughter confrontations ever. It*s going to be interesting.
Was really hoping for a Tom Cavenegh (sp?) role as Claire ex…
Loved them together in Ed!
Cavanaugh, I think.
And seconded!
Totally agree — Tom Cavanaugh would have been a perfect choice!
Yes, Matt Dillon is great, but I was hoping for Tom Cavanaugh or even Matthew Fox!
Yes, Matthew Fox would have been epic! A mini “Lost” reunion.
either, or both, of those would be great. but, I’m sure Claire has more than one ex…
Tom Cavanaugh is too adorable. They had chemistry on “Ed”. Phil would go nuts with jealous.
Cavanaugh, while admittedly adorable, feels too close to Phil’s level of gentility whereas Matt Dillion is crazy sexy dude and would make Phil super jealous.
I cannot wait for this episode! DeDe Pritchett absolutely kills me!
Please let this air for sweeps in May!
oh let’s have it be February sweeps!!
I’ve been watching Matt Dillon since I was 15 years old, OMG!!! So good to see him on one of my favorite shows.
wow, what a story line!!!! great work, writers, can’t wait..
I remember seeing Matt in one of his firt movies Little Darlings, I was 12, he was my first “movie star” crush..lol..lookin forward to seeing him on MF,
Shlly is 62ish, and looks like a real woman her age, not all plastic. Get over it young punks, we all age.
I’m sure Shelly Long would be devastated to know you think she looks her age. She obviously has had work done.
as much as I am glad to see that SL looks “real” and not all plastic-y *cough DemiMoore cough* I actually think she looks pretty bad for 62. My mom looks waaayyy better than that at age 66 and she has never had anything done to her face. Maybe SL has had some plastic surgery gone wrong?
ooh, I am going to feel really bad if I find out she has a medical condition.That would be sad.
I don’t think she looks that bad. Maybe it’s the weird little smirky face she’s making.
I hope he’s still as sexy as ever!
I agree that we need Tom Cavanaugh on the show! How about as a former boyfriend of Mitchell’s instead? They broke up when Mitch discovered that “Tom” developed an infatuation with Claire.
I really have the distaste and dislike the shows who start to use featured actors in their series…..surely ruins the tone of originality of the show…..another show will be leavin soon…
Modern Family is not going anywhere, because it is the best show on TV.
thats cool…
I think it would be funnier if Kevin Dillon was cast in the role – Drama and Claire as a couple??? Now that would be hilarious!!!