Hello reddit. I’m Jesse Tyler Ferguson, actor and LGBT rights activist!

My organization Tie The Knot is fighting for marriage equality with SupremeSaveTheDate.com — helping same-sex couples build and send Save the Date invites for their upcoming weddings to the Supreme Court Justices to show how many couples are counting on their decision and ready to finally get married! Go ahead and send one now!

Not getting married? You can still buy a bowtie or donate to support LGBT rights!

And if you support equality click here to spread the word!

You can also see me in Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest from May 27th - July 25th.

Victoria's helping me get started. AMA!

https://twitter.com/jessetyler/status/596465595954126849

Thats all for me tonight! Thanks for your great questions and be sure to check out TieTheKnot.org! Goodnight!

Comments: 533 • Responses: 55  • Date: 

Flappach307 karma

Who is most like their character in Modern Family?

JesseTylerFerguson1388 karma

I guess joe the baby and stella the dog.

AzBrah272 karma

Hi Jesse!

Who is the biggest prankster on the set of Modern Family?

JesseTylerFerguson434 karma

For Sure: Eric Stonestreet.

Heron78266 karma

Thanks for doing this AMA! Modern Family consistently makes me laugh to the point of tears.

My question is, has Eric Stonestreet converted you to being a lifelong Kansas City Royals fan?

JesseTylerFerguson311 karma

he's trying his hardest. i have LOTS of t shirts and hats.

tdog98778254 karma

Hey Jesse, big fan! What has it been like to watch all the kids on Modern Family grow up? i.e. Nolan, Ariel, Rico, Aubrey, and Sarah?

JesseTylerFerguson473 karma

They are the greatest kids. They are all driving now! I want them to stay little!!!

lmi6196 karma

Hey, Jesse! What's the funniest thing that's ever happened on any set you've been on? Also, what movie or show never fails to make you laugh? Thanks for doing this AMA. I love Modern Family!

JesseTylerFerguson661 karma

It was pretty funny when Sofia was supposed to say " "Manny why are you hanging upside down" and instead she said "Manny why are you hanging Sunny Side Up"

smokedrift195 karma

Besides Modern Family, what other current TV series would you want to be part of?

JesseTylerFerguson594 karma

I am obsessed with Portlandia and Inside Amy Schumer. Also, I would love to work with Tina Fey and/or Amy Poehler someday.

catttdog179 karma

Being a well-known actor, do you ever get starstruck around other actors or celebrities?

JesseTylerFerguson369 karma

Meryl Streep!

jeanetto157 karma

Hi Jesse! I was just watching last week's episode today. So, what's the real value on your sofa?

JesseTylerFerguson197 karma

only the set designers at Modern Family know that. I assume its not as much as the characters say it is

EstherVullings130 karma

Hi Jesse! I'm a big fan, from the Netherlands. It's 2 AM right now. If you didn't become an actor, what would you be doing right now?

JesseTylerFerguson210 karma

Good question! I LOVE to cook, so maybe a chef.

AzBrah122 karma

Hi Jesse! Is filming in mockumentary style more difficult than the traditional format?

JesseTylerFerguson232 karma

I LOVE performing for a live studio audience....but doing a show like Modern Family is great because it works a different set of muscles as an actor. I really enjoy the subtleties you can bring to the format of our show

SuperScate116 karma

Hi Jesse. Over past times, a lot of straight actors would play gay characters. Do you think has changed more over the years ? How would you feel about the opposite - acting a straight character role ?

JesseTylerFerguson409 karma

I think all actors should be able to play anything. we are actors. I have played straight roles and Eric Stonestreet is playing a gay role now. I hope that the stigma is slowly lifting.

pitaenigma107 karma

Hey Jesse.

What ever happened to The Class? I thought it was an incredibly sweet sitcom and it was pretty funny. You were great in it. It was far from groundbreaking but it deserved more than one season.

I should mention its relevance to me - back when I had curfews when mine was extended from 9 to 10 I could watch a whole world of new shows and just then The Class started airing in Israel. It was in a way my gateway to the teenage years. I waited for season 2 for a long time until I realized it wasn't coming. It seems like it was a breeding ground for great actors who are only recently (past five years or so) getting the attention they deserve.

JesseTylerFerguson78 karma

the class was a great show and I LOVED it. the 19 episodes we made are on DVD!

gjkooijman104 karma

Do you ever see you guys doing a Modern Family live episode?

And who do you think could really rock a Tie The Knot?

JesseTylerFerguson224 karma

I don't see a live episode happening....but who knows? I think George Clooney need to rock a Tie The Knot Bow Tie...or Obama! I know they are both Marriage Equality advocates! Maybe POTUS will wear one on decision day in June!

timelf103 karma

Where was favorite location to shoot Modern Family?

JesseTylerFerguson214 karma

we love traveling for the show. australia was really fun because it felt like a family vacation. also disneyland was a blast! Where should we go next?

ajroarlions97 karma

Thanks for doing this AMA! I love your work on Modern Family, and I wish you were a full time judge on So You Think You Can Dance because you're hilarious on there! I just have a few questions.

1) What's your drink of choice?

2) Is Eric Stonestreet a good kisser?

3) Do you have any siblings in real life and are they anything like Claire?

Thanks in advance for any answers! Keep being awesome!

JesseTylerFerguson151 karma

LOVE SYTYCD!!!! 1) It changes. A nice glass of wine is nice. 2) Eric is not the best kisser I have ever had...but I think it is because we are acting when we kiss! 3) I have a brother and a sister and neither one of them are like Claire. I LOVE julie bowen and love playing the Mitch/Claire dynamic.

BrunoGrand92 karma

What is your favorite tv show?

JesseTylerFerguson455 karma

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmit

phrober86 karma

If you were a few years older and had been cast for Friends back in the day, who would you be playing?

JesseTylerFerguson168 karma

CHandler!!!!

illustribus84 karma

Do you defend pandas in court? Kidding. What's it like working with Nathan Lane?

JesseTylerFerguson136 karma

he's a comic genius. (Lane...not the panda). I feel so lucky that I get to work with him whenever his schedule allows for him to fly to LA and be on our show!

spoddynoddy82 karma

Hey Jesse, love modern family it always cheers me up. My question is, what advice would you give to the young teenage LGBT community who are going through difficult times either with coming out, being bullied etc?

JesseTylerFerguson179 karma

well, i can relate to that. i was bullied a LOT growing up. I found activities outside of school that interested me. (Community Theater was my salvation). I think the most important thing to do is find people you are safe around and who you can talk to. The internet is a great resource now too. The world is so much bigger than it was when I was a kid. Facebook, Instagram, TrevorProject, Trevor Space are all great ways of expanding your universe and finding people who understand you.

EstherVullings56 karma

Do you think it's cool if a girl wears a bow tie?

JesseTylerFerguson114 karma

YES! for SURE! what about in your hair? or around your neck...just as cool!

fattyasid51 karma

Hi Jesse. Thanks for doing this AMA. Your character Mitchell Pritchett in Modern Family is a low-key, high strung, mild-mannered person, who also has many sensitive qualities. At most times he is the exact opposite of Cameron which usually causes disagreements. How closely does your personality resemble Mitchell's and how closely does Eric Stonestreet's? Which co-actor from Modern Family is closest in terms of their personality with regard to the character that they play and how?

JesseTylerFerguson95 karma

I'm a lot like Mitch...in the best of ways. Eric is NOTHING like Cam....But I love both Eric the person and Eric as Cam.

DunphyFTW45 karma

Do you have any words of wisdom that could help me get through my exam period?

Love modern family! Keep it up :)

JesseTylerFerguson131 karma

oof. good luck! meditate, breathe....red bull?

hunterga37 karma

Thanks for doing the AMA!

What is your estimate on how many bow ties you own?

JesseTylerFerguson79 karma

I wouldn't even begin to count! over 200 at least!

DivideAndConker35 karma

I love the bow ties. I wear bow ties regularly, as a school teacher, and to able to look great and support a meaningful cause is incredible, I just wanted to thank you for that.

Now for my question; Celebrity you've met who totally surprised you, in a good way!, with their demeanor and mannerisms?

JesseTylerFerguson60 karma

LOVE that you love the bow ties! Thankyou!!! Julianne Moore is one of the most gracious people I have ever met....not that I wasn't expecting her to be....but I am just such a fan of hers....it's nice when the people you admire are so lovely.

hairikatagirr33 karma

Who is your closet Broadway actor friend? BTW I'm flying from Japan to NY to see you on the Tempest!!!!! Already worried if I can get a ticket on that day...

JesseTylerFerguson67 karma

I have many! Celia Keenan Bolger is one of my besties. But I also am close with Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald & Lea DeLaria

ArthurRiot31 karma

Jesse - you were fantastic in 25th annual Putnam county spelling bee.

What are your three most interesting shows in NYC right now? What should people be checking out?

JesseTylerFerguson32 karma

SO many great shows! if you can get a ticket to Hamilton do! and Fun Home!

twistnshout11531 karma

Hi Jesse! My boyfriend just introduced me to Modern Family a few months ago, and I have been binge watching to catch up!

I was just wondering, what is the harshest thing you've ever experienced at an audition? How did you overcome it?

JesseTylerFerguson87 karma

you have to have a tough skin of you want to be an actor. I have heard everything from "you aren't talented and you won't make it" to "you aren't tall enough".... Best think is to know your self worth and have faith in your talent.

what_you_too30 karma

Hi Jesse! I love watching Modern Family. What was your favorite movie as a teenager?

JesseTylerFerguson110 karma

Clue!

cynsybil30 karma

Hi Mr. Ferguson, thank you for entertaining us with your work on Modern Family! And thanks for opening the floor here on Reddit to talk about your activism.

When the Supreme Court struck down DOMA, it was interpreted as a victory for states' rights in that the federal government would subsequently have to recognize same-sex couples who were legally married in states that had already legalized same-sex marriage. In order to gain a victory for same-sex marriage in the current case, the Court would have to invalidate existing bans in four states, which would be seen as a win for federal authority. How do you anticipate the Justices bridging that gap to rule in favor of marriage equality?

JesseTylerFerguson59 karma

I truly believe that we will equality in all 50 states. I don't think it will be a unanimous decision but I think that the tides are truly changing in favor of full marriage equality.

NovaW230 karma

Hey Jesse! What part of acting do you dislike the most?

JesseTylerFerguson54 karma

i guess memorizing lines.

catttdog28 karma

Hi Jesse! I loved the episodes you did on Web Therapy. What was it like making those episodes?

JesseTylerFerguson55 karma

I'm obsessed with LIsa Kudrow. She was a dream to work with. Very collaborative. I was very intimidated by her when we started but she instantly made me feel comfortable....we basically just played all day on the Web Therapy set!

DafuqDidIJustRead26 karma

How can a small town suburban soccer mom support marriage equality? It's not an issue I relate to but I am for equal rights for all and am not sure how to show it!

JesseTylerFerguson45 karma

Thats great & you CAN relate to it BECAUSE you want rights for all! You can spread the word about accepting all people. I think the best way to support is thru love and acceptance. You can also buy Tie The Knot bow ties for your family and friends! :)

AzBrah25 karma

Which director would you love to work with in film at some point?

JesseTylerFerguson69 karma

my friend Liz Banks! She just directed Pitch Perfect 2.

timelf24 karma

What is like to do talk shows like jimmy fallon and ellen? Do you get nervous or are they laid back?

JesseTylerFerguson54 karma

Both Jimmy and Ellen are really nice and make me feel very comfortable but dong talkshows is always a little stressful.

terattt22 karma

What's your least favorite type of person?

JesseTylerFerguson56 karma

a close minded person who feels they are u not capable of growth or change. a stubborn person

EstherVullings22 karma

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

JesseTylerFerguson37 karma

strawberry or vanilla

Videlectrix20 karma

Hi Jesse! Thanks for doing this AMA. Did I see Justin in DC handing out bow ties and Save the Dates?

JesseTylerFerguson37 karma

you DID! we are so proud that he could be on the steps of SCOTUS for that historical day!!! It meant a lot to all of us at Tie The Knot to be able to be a presence on that day. Did you get a bow tie?

Frajer20 karma

is your relationship with Justin at all like Mitchell's relationship with Cam ?

JesseTylerFerguson87 karma

not at all! i think i have to work harder on my "marriage to cam" than I do on my marriage to Justin! Ha!

timelf19 karma

Who are your acting idols?

JesseTylerFerguson41 karma

Madeline Kahn, Steve Martin, Robin Williams

solsis3318 karma

Hi Jesse!!! I think you are an amazing actor and I admire your drive to fight for marriage equality; you seem to be full of passion and joy. I was wondering if that was always the case or if you ever felt - like so many of us do at times - that things would not get better?

JesseTylerFerguson29 karma

I always knew that there were people outside of my hometown that would love me for who I was. I also had a supportive family. Many people don't. I STRONGLY suggest TrevorProject.org as a resource if you are feeling alone. They are amazing.

liamquane18 karma

What is the best thing a director can do for you on set?

JesseTylerFerguson34 karma

collaborate and be open to all ideas...even if they may see dumb. it's great to try stuff. sometimes the best ideas are born from things that seem ridiculous.

MikeBotz17 karma

What episode has been your favorite to film?

JesseTylerFerguson36 karma

I love shooting the wedding episodes. also the episode at the roller rink was really fun.

theArnoldFans117 karma

How often do you hit the gym and what exercises do you do to stay in shape? Do you have fitness role models?

JesseTylerFerguson32 karma

I try and stay fit and active but I always wish I could do more...or look better. I like to eat too much! I'm a foodie.

rhymes_against17 karma

Hi Jesse, thanks for the AMA!

Just wanted to know if you got to see much of Australia when you filmed down under! Do you have any memorable stories of your visit?

JesseTylerFerguson35 karma

so many! i love your country. the great barrier reef was pretty amazing.

dilettwat16 karma

I love you as a reality-TV judge--RuPaul's Drag Race, So You Think You Can Dance, et al. What's been the most fun judging gig? What would be your dream judging gig?

JesseTylerFerguson42 karma

I want to do an all star season of rupaul!

theArnoldFans115 karma

What 2 Summer movies are you looking forward to the most?

JesseTylerFerguson36 karma

Hot Pursuit & Pitch Perfect 2!!!

TheLegendofRebirth14 karma

Do you think the recent changes across the U.S. on gay marriage bans will ultimately change the minds of the Supreme Court justices to allow it to be legal?

JesseTylerFerguson29 karma

I think people can see that denying a group of minorities their civil rights is not a good thing. It is becoming harder and harder to justify.

smokedrift13 karma

Hi Jesse, do u see yourself doing action films?

JesseTylerFerguson21 karma

i would LOVE to!

harrydsb12 karma

hey Jesse, huge fan!

I was just wondering what your favourite Shakespearean Character is and why?

JesseTylerFerguson23 karma

I love the Dromios in Comedy of Errors. I also love Bottom in Midsummer

reddit_lurk_king11 karma

Are the bowties fashionable?

JesseTylerFerguson24 karma

they are VERY fashionable. Check them out: thetiebar.com/jtf

Berryballz8710 karma

Hi Jesse, I'm asking this question on behalf of my fiancé. Who was the best person to work with on sytycd? Have you kept up with any of the dancers from the show?

JesseTylerFerguson19 karma

I LOVE everyone on SYTYCD but Cat and I have become very close. I keep up with Melanie, Nico & Ricky a bit. and I am good friends with Travis Wall!

AzBrah9 karma

What's your favourite cereal?

JesseTylerFerguson18 karma

does oatmeal count?

Highanxietymind8 karma

Hello Jesse! Thanks for doing this AMA. I'm a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico and I always love it when former Albuquerque residents make it big. My questions are: What was your favorite part of growing up here? Also, where is your favorite place to grab a burrito and why is it Golden Pride?

JesseTylerFerguson17 karma

I love the Abq Balloon Fiesta. I love Sadies and I have no idea why its called Golden Pride...cause the flag is yellow?

JokerJr6 karma

Hi Jesse! Thank you so much for everything you do for the LGBT community! Its because of people like you that we are finally getting the rights that we deserve. My question is, what triggered your desire to be an activist? Was it a specific moment in your life or was it just a general need for change?

JesseTylerFerguson17 karma

having been bullied as a kid i really felt for people who felt marginalized or "less than". i wanted to use my new platform to help people. justin, my husband has been an amazing partner in helping me make those ideas a reality. he is equally passionate and has great ideas.

blerpblip1 karma

Are you still surprised at the level of stupidity our species can display, or have you developed strategies to cope with it?

JesseTylerFerguson2 karma

Is this something someone asked you once?