Jesse Tyler Ferguson, a Tony Award-winning actor famous for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on Modern Family, shares his journey from a young theater enthusiast in Albuquerque to a proud father. He opens up about the emotional experience of coming out to his dad and reflects on the significance of family bonds. The conversation flows into the heart of Albuquerque's cuisine, where Jesse reveals a cherished recipe for green chili chicken stew, symbolizing the warmth and connection found in cooking for loved ones.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson reflects on the pivotal role of local theater in finding acceptance and forming his identity as a shy child.
He emphasizes the importance of culinary traditions and sharing New Mexican heritage with his children through cooking meaningful family recipes.
Deep dives
Jesse's Kitchen and Family Dynamics
Jesse Tyler Ferguson describes his childhood kitchen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the heart of his home, despite its small size. His mother, an OBGYN nurse, spent most of her time cooking on weekends and during holidays, while quick meals dominated the weekdays. However, the warmth of the kitchen created a gathering place for family moments, despite eating in a state of morning chaos. Jesse recalls humorous anecdotes, such as his father's habit of eating breakfast in his underwear, illustrating the family’s comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
The Impact of Theater on Jesse's Identity
As a shy child, Jesse felt like an outsider, struggling to find common interests with peers. His discovery of theater became a pivotal moment, allowing him to express himself in a supportive environment, free from the judgment of his school. This involvement helped him form a new identity, fostering a love for performance while granting him the freedom to be himself. Jesse emphasizes the importance of finding a community where one feels accepted and understood, a theme that resonates throughout his life.
Navigating Coming Out
Jesse shares that his coming-out journey was complex, occurring multiple times and filled with uncertainty. Growing up in a conservative climate, he felt a lack of support both at home and in school, especially during the AIDS crisis that stigmatized the LGBTQ+ community. His mother ultimately initiated discussions about his sexuality, highlighting a gradual understanding and acceptance of his identity. Despite initial challenges, Jesse reflects on the importance of empathy as he now navigates parenthood, recognizing the complexity of these conversations for both him and his parents.
The Influence of New Mexican Cuisine
Jesse attributes his love for cooking to his upbringing and the cultural significance of New Mexican cuisine, particularly hatch green chilies. This culinary foundation drives him to recreate dishes that evoke memories of home, like green chili chicken stew, and to include his children in cooking experiences. He values teaching his children about their heritage through food, similar to how he bonded with his mother in the kitchen. Jesse also makes an effort to incorporate authentic New Mexican ingredients, showcasing the profound connection between culture, family, and food.
Tony Award winning actor and Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson talks about finding his “tribe” in his local theater program as a kid in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He opens up about coming out to his dad three times and what it’s like for him to be a dad himself now, in real life. Plus, we learn how to make an especially southwestern dish, green (hatch) chili chicken stew.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson is an American actor best known for his role on the multiple Emmy Award-winning sitcom Modern Family, where he played the gay lawyer, husband and father Mitchell Prichett for the entirety of the show’s 11 season run. He’s also won a Tony Award for his role on the 2022 revival of Take Me Out.