This article discusses themes of domestic abuse.
“Modern Family” stands out as a groundbreaking show that captured the hearts of audiences with its distinctive storytelling. The success of the series can be attributed to its talented cast, who collectively earned 22 Primetime Emmy Awards and received 75 nominations. Fans eagerly followed the lives of their cherished characters weekly, forming attachments to the different storylines.
Among the beloved characters was Sarah Hyland’s Haley Dunphy, who won viewers over with her charisma. Hyland’s journey on the show spanned from age 19 to 30, allowing audiences to witness her transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Hyland’s ability to portray a younger character highlights her acting prowess. After “Modern Family” concluded in 2020, many fans have been curious about her life post-show. Here’s what Sarah Hyland has been up to since then.
Health Struggles Throughout the Show
While she appeared healthy to fans during “Modern Family,” Sarah Hyland was actually battling a severe health condition that complicated her work on the show. Born with kidney dysplasia, she underwent 16 surgeries, which included two kidney transplants.
At 21, she had her first transplant from her father, but it failed after five years. She then received a second kidney from her brother, which has functioned well. Throughout these challenges, Hyland endured a significant amount of pain. In an interview on the “Quitters” podcast, she shared,
“There are some episodes of ‘Modern Family’ where I do not remember filming because I was asleep. Dead-ass asleep … I’d be on the set, we’d be filming, I’d be dead asleep, my head on the table, I would hear, ‘and …’ and my head would go up.” Hyland further elaborated on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s on Me” podcast, saying, “I don’t remember a lot of filming because I was always focused on essentially just surviving and knowing my lines and being there 100% when they yelled action — and then immediately collapsing when they yelled cut.”
Overcoming an Abusive Relationship
During the early seasons of “Modern Family,” Hyland was in a relationship with Matt Prokop, an actor she met on the set of “Geek Charming.” Their romance, which lasted from 2011 to 2014, ended due to her claims of physical and verbal abuse. With support from her co-star Julie Bowen, who regarded the younger cast members like her own children, Hyland was able to escape the toxic relationship.
She secured a temporary restraining order, later followed by a permanent one, after alleging that Prokop had choked her and that she feared for her safety. There were serious allegations against him, including threats made towards her pet. Thankfully, she was able to remove herself from that situation, as Prokop posed a significant risk to her well-being.
In 2024, further evidence of Prokop’s abusive behavior emerged when he faced arrest for assaulting another girlfriend, significantly tarnishing his reputation. In contrast, Sarah Hyland has thrived since their breakup. Discussing her journey and resilience on “The Meredith Vieira Show,” she remarked, “People have to go through things in order to become the person they are today. And that’s that.”
If you or someone you know is facing domestic abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. More resources and support can be found on their website.
Appearing in Commercials
Sarah Hyland remains active in the entertainment industry, although her appearances have decreased since “Modern Family” concluded. Starting her career with commercials, she successfully promoted various products and has continued to take commercial roles while maintaining visibility in the Hollywood scene.
Her commercial work spans several prominent brands, including Taco Bell, Domino’s, and Nintendo. Beyond product ads, Hyland promoted TV shows like “The Real Housewives of New York City” and “Love Island USA.” A notable 2021 Taco Bell ad featured her in a humorous take on horror films, emphasizing the chain’s Nacho Fries, while her recent mentions in a 2024 WhatsApp ad brought back her “Modern Family” persona without her direct involvement.