What Happened to Ariel Winter Workman?
Ariel Winter, best known for her role as Alex Dunphy in 'Modern Family,' has continued her acting career with various film and voiceover projects since the show's conclusion in 2020. In a significant personal development, she recently ended her long-term relationship with Luke Benward in late 2025 and, as of May 2026, has moved into a Los Angeles home with her former 'Modern Family' co-star, Nolan Gould. She also remains active in advocacy for online safety.
Quick Answer
Ariel Winter, the actress who played Alex Dunphy on 'Modern Family,' has been actively pursuing new acting and voiceover roles since the show ended in 2020. After relocating to Nashville in 2022, she recently returned to Los Angeles following her split from boyfriend Luke Benward in late 2025. As of May 2026, Winter is living with her former 'Modern Family' on-screen brother, Nolan Gould, a situation she humorously refers to as their 'own little Modern Family reboot.'
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
First Entertainment Job
Ariel Winter obtained her first entertainment industry job in a Cool Whip commercial advertisement at the age of four.
Modern Family Premieres
The ABC sitcom 'Modern Family' premiered, with Winter cast in her breakthrough role as Alex Dunphy, a role she would play for 11 seasons.
Cast as Sofia the First
Winter was cast as the voice of Sofia, the lead character in the Disney animated franchise 'Sofia the First,' which premiered in January 2013.
Voiced Penny Peterson in Mr. Peabody & Sherman
She lent her voice to the character of Penny Peterson in the DreamWorks Animation film 'Mr. Peabody & Sherman.'
Legally Emancipated
Winter was legally emancipated from her mother, with her older sister Shanelle Workman becoming her guardian, following allegations of abuse.
Underwent Breast Reduction Surgery
Winter underwent breast reduction surgery, openly discussing her decision and the positive impact on her well-being.
Modern Family Concludes
After 11 seasons, 'Modern Family' aired its final episode, marking the end of Winter's long-running role as Alex Dunphy.
Starred in 'Don't Log Off'
Winter starred in the found footage thriller 'Don't Log Off,' one of her first major projects after 'Modern Family.'
Relocated to Nashville
Winter relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, purchasing a home there with her then-boyfriend Luke Benward.
Appeared in 'Stars on Mars' and 'Tripped Up'
She participated in the reality show 'Stars on Mars' and appeared in the film 'Tripped Up.'
Split from Luke Benward
Winter ended her long-term relationship with actor Luke Benward, a split that was publicly confirmed in May 2026.
Starred in 'Pools' and became SOSA advocate
Winter starred in the indie feature 'Pools' and became an advocate for online safety through the nonprofit SOSA (Safe From Online Sex Abuse).
Upcoming 'Clash of the Thundermans'
Winter wrapped filming for 'Clash of the Thundermans,' an upcoming Nickelodeon and Paramount+ superhero comedy film slated for release this year.
Moves in with Nolan Gould
Winter confirmed she is living with her former 'Modern Family' co-star Nolan Gould in a rented Los Angeles home after her breakup with Luke Benward.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Ariel Winter Workman, born January 28, 1998, began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, securing her first commercial at four years old in 2002. She gained widespread recognition for her role as the intelligent Alex Dunphy in the critically acclaimed ABC sitcom 'Modern Family,' which premiered in 2009 and concluded its 11-season run in 2020. During her time on the show, Winter and her co-stars collectively won four consecutive Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series from 2010 to 2013.
Beyond her live-action work, Winter established a significant presence in voice acting, lending her voice to characters such as Gretchen in 'Phineas and Ferb,' Marina in 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates,' and the titular role in Disney's 'Sofia the First' starting in 2012. She also voiced Penny Peterson in the 2014 DreamWorks Animation film 'Mr. Peabody & Sherman.'
Winter's personal life has also been a subject of public attention. In 2012, her sister Shanelle Workman filed for guardianship, alleging abuse by their mother, leading to Winter's legal emancipation in 2015 at the age of 17. In 2015, she underwent breast reduction surgery, openly discussing her reasons and the positive impact on her confidence. She also pursued higher education, being accepted to UCLA in 2016, though she later took an indefinite hiatus to focus on her acting career.
Following the conclusion of 'Modern Family,' Winter expressed a desire to take on diverse roles to establish herself as an adult actress. Her post-'Modern Family' projects include the found-footage thriller 'Don't Log Off' (2020), the film 'Tripped Up' (2023), and a stint on the reality show 'Stars on Mars' (2023). She has also continued her voice acting, with roles in 'Elena of Avalor' and 'Star Trek: Lower Decks.' In 2025, she appeared in the indie feature 'Pools' and became an advocate for online safety through the nonprofit SOSA (Safe From Online Sex Abuse).
As of 2026, Winter has experienced significant personal changes. She ended her six-year relationship with actor Luke Benward in August 2025, a split publicly confirmed in May 2026, though they remain close friends and co-parent their dogs. After having relocated to Nashville in 2022, she has since been spending more time in Los Angeles. In May 2026, Winter revealed she is now living with her former 'Modern Family' co-star, Nolan Gould, who played her younger brother Luke Dunphy on the show. She described their living arrangement as their 'own little Modern Family reboot,' and they have even considered filming their daily interactions for fans. She also has an upcoming Nickelodeon and Paramount+ superhero comedy film, 'Clash of the Thundermans,' slated for release in 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ariel Winter Workman made different choices?