Ariel Winter Reflects on Modern Family and Her Lasting Friendship With Nolan Gould

It has been five years since Modern Family ended, but Ariel Winter still holds the show close to her heart especially because of the lasting friendships she made. Best known for playing the brainy Alex Dunphy, Ariel started the show at just 11 years old and says she had no clue it would become such a massive success. Ariel told PEOPLE what stood out the most for her wasn’t the fame, but the real-life family she gained.

Ariel shared that she grew especially close to Nolan Gould, who played her little brother, Luke. “I’m extremely close to Nolan,” she said. “He plays my little brother, and he and I are still best friends.” Like many of the cast, Ariel found it hard to say goodbye when the series ended after 11 seasons. “We were like a real family. It was weird knowing it would just be over.” While the entire Modern Family cast still supports each other through reunions and messages online, Ariel and Nolan’s bond proves some on-screen relationships can last a lifetime.

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