Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet Used His Own Mom As Inspiration For Cam

Reddit's AMA format allows fans to directly ask creative talents like actors, writers, and directors their burning questions about their favorite films or TV series. "Modern Family's" Eric Stonestreet answered the foundational question behind his character Cam when prompted by Reddit user u/Pirate_Redbeard, who celebrated Stonestreet's role as Cam, writing "You my friend, are the best gay character I've ever seen on TV. How do you do it?" Stonestreet's response is both moving and inspiring. 

"By not necessarily playing Cam as a gay man. I am playing him as a passionate enthusiastic man, who stops and smells the roses. I am also using my mom and her personality as a guide post." This heartfelt reply is evident in Stonestreet's performance, which both avoids harmful stereotypes and honors his mother's lively attitude. It is also seen on more than one occasion in Cam's endearing enthusiasm across all 250 of "Modern Family's" hilarious episodes. 

Stonestreet's approach is key to Cam's sweet-natured character, which avoids becoming a hurtful caricature. By drawing on his mother's personality as inspiration, he brings out Cam's truly unique spirit that reflects "Modern Family's" diverse audience. This detail leads to a more relatable role that normalizes queer relationships through accessible and prominent representation. His mother's temperament is a moving and fitting origin for Cam's positive outlook on life that repeatedly uplifts Mitch, his family, and the audience in a plethora of stirring episodes.