Modern Family star Julie Bowen has revealed that she is in a new relationship, although she is not yet ready to disclose the identity of the man in her life. The 56-year-old actor confirmed the romance while attending Step Up’s 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles, describing her new partner as “smart and funny”.
Bowen, who was previously married to real estate investor Scott Phillips, offered a rare glimpse into her personal life while speaking at the event on Friday. While referring to the mystery man as a “lovely friend”, she made it clear that intelligence and a sense of humour were the qualities she valued most in a partner.
‘I like the brains’
“I have a lovely friend,” Bowen said when asked about her relationship, choosing not to reveal his name. She added that the two qualities she looked for in a partner were being “smart and funny”.
Bowen said physical appearance was not particularly important to her, even though she acknowledged that her new boyfriend happened to be attractive. “I don’t care what people look like — though he happens to be good-looking,” she said, before adding that she was more interested in intelligence.
The disclosure marked a relatively rare update about Bowen’s romantic life. The actor has largely kept her relationships away from public attention since her marriage ended several years ago, even as she has continued to speak candidly about parenting and her experiences raising three sons.
Marriage ended in 2018
Bowen married Phillips in September 2004, and the couple separated after 13 years of marriage. Their divorce was finalised in September 2018, and they share three sons — Oliver, 19, and 17-year-old twins John and Gustav.
The actor has frequently spoken about motherhood as her sons have grown older and become increasingly independent. Her eldest son is now in college, a transition Bowen has described as emotional after years of having all three children at home.
Bowen recently joked that her house had become “30 per cent more quiet” since Oliver left for college. She also acknowledged the demands of raising three teenage boys, describing the experience with the humour that has long characterised her public appearances.
Learning to let go
When Oliver left for college, Bowen shared an emotional message reflecting on the difficulty of watching her eldest child begin an independent life. She described the moment as the end of a significant chapter and spoke about learning to let go as a parent.
Bowen has also said one of the most important lessons she has learned from motherhood is to believe in her children rather than trying to control every aspect of their lives. She has acknowledged having a tendency to micromanage, but said she gradually realised that constantly checking on her sons could affect their relationship.
Her latest revelation suggests that a new chapter has begun in her personal life as well. For now, however, Bowen appears determined to maintain a boundary around the relationship — confirming that she has found someone while allowing her mystery boyfriend to remain outside the spotlight.
Meta title: Julie Bowen reveals new romance, keeps boyfriend’s identity secret
Meta description: Julie Bowen confirmed she had a new boyfriend, describing him as smart and funny while choosing to keep his identity private.