Ariel Winter talks to Us about the end of Modern Family.
With her hit series, Modern Family, coming to end, actress Ariel Winter is ready for the next big thing
he’s grown up before our eyes on Modern
Family, and Ariel Winter has matured a lot off screen as well. “I’ve been on a self-empowerment journey throughout my life,” says the actress, who’s made a stunning transformation from raven-haired tween to 21-year-old redhead during her decade as Alex Dunphy, a middle child far wiser than her years.
With the series’ 11th season — its last — debuting in September, Winter, the newly minted spokeswoman for Ulta
Beauty, is ready for the next chapter of her life. She opens up to Us about getting comfortable in her skin, finding confidence in the face of trolls and saying goodbye to Alex.
Your fans are understandably upset that Modern Family is coming to an end. How are you feeling?
AW I don’t think you really process loss or change until it really hits you, and we’re still about to start the final season. It’s definitely very sad now, and it’ll be sadder at the end. But we’re all excited to explore more things.
You’ve talked about being on a journey of self-confidence, but do you still have moments of insecurity?
AW I don’t think anybody ever gets to the point where they’re confident all the time and nothing bugs them. But one thing I’ve learned is that the
only person who can make you feel confident is you. It’s always great to have the support of the people around you, but it’s important to rely on yourself to pull yourself back up.
You’ve had to deal with some horrible stuff on social media. How do you handle it?
AW It’s hard when somebody’s sending you something that really digs under your skin. People say horrible things about me, my family and my friends, and I’ve had moments where I’ve responded and regretted it. So now I’m trying to respond less and just
appreciate the positive.
How does your boyfriend, Levi Meaden, help you with that?
AW He’s always there for me, all the time. It’s hard to find people who take you for you — the good, the bad, the ugly, everything — and there for you through it and don’t just pick and choose. He’s a wonderful person.
Have social media breaks been helpful?
AW It’s nice to not be on the internet as much and not look through people’s Instagrams, where everything looks so beautiful and glamorous and perfect all the time. But I try to find other things that work for me with self-care. I love volunteering at animal rescues, where I’m just hanging out with the dogs and nothing else.
You’re photographed a lot in cute workout gear — does exercise help with self-care too?
AW My inner self is very lazy and I don’t think I like any exercise, but my trainer is awesome and works me hard to be healthy and achieve my goals. I want to be fit and I want to build muscle. And he makes great butts!
When do you feel your sexiest?
AW I love it when I’m glammed up and my outfit is killing it. But I’ve also occasionally felt my sexiest going to the store in my pajamas. You just feel it
when you feel it.
How often do you wear makeup when you’re not working?
AW When I was in high school, I didn’t want to be without makeup, but now I feel comfortable going out with just a bare face. I can just put on some sunscreen and moisturizer and go about my day.
By the way, your new hair color looks gorgeous.
AW Thank you! This is definitely my favorite color. I have to dye it black again for the last season, but as soon as that’s over, I’m definitely going to bring it back to this color. I always thought after I dyed my hair a bunch that I should just stop, because black was the best color on me. Then I experimented with this and was like, ‘This is the color I love!”
Do you know what you want to focus on after Modern Family?
AW I’ve been on the show for 11 years and I love my character, Alex, but I’d like to expand my horizons. I’m open!