Dinner’s On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Episode: Eric Stonestreet — Fizbo memories and life after ‘Modern Family’

Release Date: January 13, 2026
Location: Tony’s Mexican Grill, Sherman Oaks, CA
Host: Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Guest: Eric Stonestreet

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and hilarious conversation over a meal at Eric's longtime LA haunt, Tony’s Mexican Grill, Jesse Tyler Ferguson welcomes his beloved Modern Family co-star Eric Stonestreet ("Cam"). They reminisce about their friendship, the heritage of Tony’s, Eric’s surprise wedding, and the deep personal significance of his iconic role as Fizbo the Clown. The episode offers behind-the-scenes Modern Family stories, insights into Eric’s Kansas roots, and touching reflections on family, career, and identity.

Main Discussion Topics & Insights

1. Tony’s Mexican Grill – A Place of Memories

[04:34] Eric shares how Tony’s has been his LA staple since 1999, often eating there twice a day.
Origin story: Discovered Tony’s through a dog grooming appointment and has enjoyed it with family ever since.
Tony’s staff are like family: “I used to give them Christmas. Like, they were on my Christmas gift list.” (Eric, 05:18)
Eric’s “special salsa”: Tony would customize a spicier salsa just for him — “Tony called me his Mexican gringo.” (07:54)
Jesse enjoys the food: “Their Diet Coke is phenomenal. They follow the rules.” (Eric, 08:33)

2. Family and Kansas Roots

[07:10] Jesse brings up Eric’s late father, Vince, noting Eric’s strong familial connection and values inherited from him.
“This is a Vince place. Like, growing up, this is where he explored all the little places… my curiosity of places like this, you know, is what it is.” (Eric, 07:35)
Remembering his father’s impact: Eric recounts Vince encouraging him to try breakfast at Tony’s and shares stories about inherited passions and quirks.

3. Eric’s Approach to Love, Passion, and Friendship

[10:00] On sharing his enthusiasm: “One of my flaws… is when other people don’t enjoy the things that I want them to enjoy. It bums me out.” (Eric, 10:18)
Cotton candy grapes, favorite salsas, and the joy of simple things — Eric explains how he relishes what he loves and has had to learn that not everyone may share that passion.

4. The Surprise Wedding Story

[17:29] Eric details the process and secrecy behind his wedding to Lindsay: only immediate family attended; friends like Jesse received a special pre-wedding call.
“The equivalent to an invitation to our wedding was a phone call before the wedding… this is because we love you and want you to know about it first.” (Eric, 18:19)
"We told [the twins] when they got home from school, they got measured for suits… they were like, why are we getting measured for suits? ... that day… we’re going to get married." (20:16 – 21:29)
Emphasizes relief at hosting a small wedding due to the stress of larger affairs: “I couldn’t do it… we wouldn’t have survived, like, a huge wedding.” (Eric, 34:06)

5. Finding the “Right Person” and Settling Down

[25:51] Eric reflects on meeting Lindsay, someone “from his backyard,” and wanting a relationship with genuine normalcy, not LA glitz:
“I just didn’t want somebody that wanted to be at the party more than me.” (Eric, 25:51)
A pivotal Emmy after-party moment: Observed Ty Burrell and wife “being their own little universe amid the chaos,” realizing that was what he wanted.
“I want the comfort of coming to a party and knowing I have my person.” (Eric, 26:41)
Jesse relates: Both discuss the balance between fame, romance, and finding true connection.

6. The Legacy and Meaning of Fizbo the Clown

[35:16] – [41:48]
Jesse notes that Eric modeled Cam after his mom, and bringing Fizbo to Modern Family was an obvious highlight.
“All I wanted to be was a clown in the circus… I never made the circus, but I got to be in the biggest circus of them all, which is Hollywood.” (Eric, 35:51)
Deep pride: Eric insisted on doing his own clown makeup for authenticity:
“If we’re going to do this, it’s my vision of what the clown looks like. I have a huge pet peeve on how drums are set up on tv and what clowns look like on tv.” (Eric, 39:48)
Memorable clown compliment: “I was at Barnes and Noble… and I heard, ‘excuse me, sir… I’m a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, and let me tell you, your costume and your makeup is perfect.’ Of all the compliments that we each have gotten, that is at the top of my compliment list.” (Eric, 41:34–41:57)

7. The Joys and Absurdities of Modern Family Life

[43:08] – [45:20]
What Eric misses most: “Just, like, chatting… talking.” The camaraderie and craft service antics with the cast and crew.
Hilarious memory: Jeff Greenberg walking into the glass craft service box, preserved forever with a blue-taped face print. “No better person could have walked into that glass in that moment than Jeff.” (44:51)

8. Audition Stories and Early Days

[46:42] – [49:18]
They recall their first audition meeting, ending up having lunch together by random chance on Valentine’s Day: “That’s how lonely we each were. We didn’t know that other lovers were there.” (Eric, 48:46)
Both reflect on the chemistry that led to their partnership on screen and the joyful, full-circle feeling of sharing childhood quirks and vulnerabilities through their characters.

9. Odes to Their Fathers and LGBTQ Representation

Eric recalls his dad giving Jesse heartfelt (and slightly awkward) acceptance: “One of my favorite moments when my dad basically told you it was okay to be gay… I was so, like, mortified but also, like, knew what he was meant at the same time.” (Eric, 49:15)
Jesse responds with empathy, recognizing the importance of such gestures across generational divides.

Notable Quotes & Moments

[03:34] Eric (on getting the perfect clown compliment):
“I was at the Grove and I heard, ‘Excuse me, sir, I’m a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, and let me tell you, your costume and makeup is perfect.’ I was like, get in here. Of all the compliments we’ve gotten, that is at the top of my list.”
[25:51] Eric (on relationships):
“I just didn’t want somebody that wanted to be at the party more than me.”
[26:41] Eric (on what he wanted from love):
“I want the comfort of coming to a party and knowing I have my person.”
[35:51] Eric (on Fizbo):
“All I wanted to be was a clown in the circus… I never made the circus, but I got to be in the biggest circus of them all, which is Hollywood.”
[41:34] Eric (on being validated as a clown):
“Excuse me, sir. I’m a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, and let me tell you, your costume and makeup is perfect… That is in the top of my compliment list.”
[43:08] Eric (on what he misses about Modern Family):
“Just, like, chatting. I mean, talking.”
[48:46] Jesse (on their first meal together):
“That’s how lonely we each were. We didn’t know that other lovers were there.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tony’s Mexican Grill and Family Memories: 04:34 – 11:00
Eric’s Relationship with His Father: 07:10 – 10:00
Personal Flaws & Loving What You Love: 10:00 – 11:00
Eric’s Surprise Wedding: 17:29 – 22:00
Finding the Right Partner: 25:51 – 29:23
Fizbo & Clowning Philosophy: 35:16 – 41:34
Modern Family Behind-the-Scenes & Pranks: 43:08 – 45:20
Audition Stories and Early Bonding: 46:42 – 49:18
Parental Acceptance & Generational Change: 49:15 – 50:10

Episode Tone and Atmosphere

The conversation is warm, open-hearted, and frequently hilarious—filled with mutual affection, inside jokes, and the relaxed back-and-forth of real friends who’ve shared an extraordinary, life-altering journey. Eric’s passions—whether for salsa, clowning, or his family—shine through, while Jesse provides gentle, thoughtful prompts and his signature blend of humor and sincerity.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Offers an unfiltered, intimate look into the bond between Jesse and Eric beyond their on-screen personas.
Highlights the joys and complexity of life after Modern Family—love, loss, personal fulfillment, and continuing to honor their roots.
Revels in the power of childhood dreams, perseverance, and representation—in both Fizbo’s story and in Eric and Jesse sharing their authentic selves.
A must-listen for Modern Family fans and anyone who appreciates honest talk about family, friendship, and following your heart.

Next episode preview: Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary)—theater background, TV pivots, and more.

Dinner’s On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Episode: Eric Stonestreet — Fizbo memories and life after ‘Modern Family’

Release Date: January 13, 2026
Location: Tony’s Mexican Grill, Sherman Oaks, CA
Host: Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Guest: Eric Stonestreet

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Topics & Insights

1. Tony’s Mexican Grill – A Place of Memories

[04:34] Eric shares how Tony’s has been his LA staple since 1999, often eating there twice a day.
Origin story: Discovered Tony’s through a dog grooming appointment and has enjoyed it with family ever since.
Tony’s staff are like family: “I used to give them Christmas. Like, they were on my Christmas gift list.” (Eric, 05:18)
Eric’s “special salsa”: Tony would customize a spicier salsa just for him — “Tony called me his Mexican gringo.” (07:54)
Jesse enjoys the food: “Their Diet Coke is phenomenal. They follow the rules.” (Eric, 08:33)

2. Family and Kansas Roots

[07:10] Jesse brings up Eric’s late father, Vince, noting Eric’s strong familial connection and values inherited from him.
“This is a Vince place. Like, growing up, this is where he explored all the little places… my curiosity of places like this, you know, is what it is.” (Eric, 07:35)
Remembering his father’s impact: Eric recounts Vince encouraging him to try breakfast at Tony’s and shares stories about inherited passions and quirks.

3. Eric’s Approach to Love, Passion, and Friendship

[10:00] On sharing his enthusiasm: “One of my flaws… is when other people don’t enjoy the things that I want them to enjoy. It bums me out.” (Eric, 10:18)
Cotton candy grapes, favorite salsas, and the joy of simple things — Eric explains how he relishes what he loves and has had to learn that not everyone may share that passion.

4. The Surprise Wedding Story

[17:29] Eric details the process and secrecy behind his wedding to Lindsay: only immediate family attended; friends like Jesse received a special pre-wedding call.
“The equivalent to an invitation to our wedding was a phone call before the wedding… this is because we love you and want you to know about it first.” (Eric, 18:19)
"We told [the twins] when they got home from school, they got measured for suits… they were like, why are we getting measured for suits? ... that day… we’re going to get married." (20:16 – 21:29)
Emphasizes relief at hosting a small wedding due to the stress of larger affairs: “I couldn’t do it… we wouldn’t have survived, like, a huge wedding.” (Eric, 34:06)

5. Finding the “Right Person” and Settling Down

[25:51] Eric reflects on meeting Lindsay, someone “from his backyard,” and wanting a relationship with genuine normalcy, not LA glitz:
“I just didn’t want somebody that wanted to be at the party more than me.” (Eric, 25:51)
A pivotal Emmy after-party moment: Observed Ty Burrell and wife “being their own little universe amid the chaos,” realizing that was what he wanted.
“I want the comfort of coming to a party and knowing I have my person.” (Eric, 26:41)
Jesse relates: Both discuss the balance between fame, romance, and finding true connection.

6. The Legacy and Meaning of Fizbo the Clown

[35:16] – [41:48]
Jesse notes that Eric modeled Cam after his mom, and bringing Fizbo to Modern Family was an obvious highlight.
“All I wanted to be was a clown in the circus… I never made the circus, but I got to be in the biggest circus of them all, which is Hollywood.” (Eric, 35:51)
Deep pride: Eric insisted on doing his own clown makeup for authenticity:
“If we’re going to do this, it’s my vision of what the clown looks like. I have a huge pet peeve on how drums are set up on tv and what clowns look like on tv.” (Eric, 39:48)
Memorable clown compliment: “I was at Barnes and Noble… and I heard, ‘excuse me, sir… I’m a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, and let me tell you, your costume and your makeup is perfect.’ Of all the compliments that we each have gotten, that is at the top of my compliment list.” (Eric, 41:34–41:57)

7. The Joys and Absurdities of Modern Family Life

[43:08] – [45:20]
What Eric misses most: “Just, like, chatting… talking.” The camaraderie and craft service antics with the cast and crew.
Hilarious memory: Jeff Greenberg walking into the glass craft service box, preserved forever with a blue-taped face print. “No better person could have walked into that glass in that moment than Jeff.” (44:51)

8. Audition Stories and Early Days

[46:42] – [49:18]
They recall their first audition meeting, ending up having lunch together by random chance on Valentine’s Day: “That’s how lonely we each were. We didn’t know that other lovers were there.” (Eric, 48:46)
Both reflect on the chemistry that led to their partnership on screen and the joyful, full-circle feeling of sharing childhood quirks and vulnerabilities through their characters.

9. Odes to Their Fathers and LGBTQ Representation

Eric recalls his dad giving Jesse heartfelt (and slightly awkward) acceptance: “One of my favorite moments when my dad basically told you it was okay to be gay… I was so, like, mortified but also, like, knew what he was meant at the same time.” (Eric, 49:15)
Jesse responds with empathy, recognizing the importance of such gestures across generational divides.

Notable Quotes & Moments

[03:34] Eric (on getting the perfect clown compliment):
“I was at the Grove and I heard, ‘Excuse me, sir, I’m a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, and let me tell you, your costume and makeup is perfect.’ I was like, get in here. Of all the compliments we’ve gotten, that is at the top of my list.”
[25:51] Eric (on relationships):
“I just didn’t want somebody that wanted to be at the party more than me.”
[26:41] Eric (on what he wanted from love):
“I want the comfort of coming to a party and knowing I have my person.”
[35:51] Eric (on Fizbo):
“All I wanted to be was a clown in the circus… I never made the circus, but I got to be in the biggest circus of them all, which is Hollywood.”
[41:34] Eric (on being validated as a clown):
“Excuse me, sir. I’m a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, and let me tell you, your costume and makeup is perfect… That is in the top of my compliment list.”
[43:08] Eric (on what he misses about Modern Family):
“Just, like, chatting. I mean, talking.”
[48:46] Jesse (on their first meal together):
“That’s how lonely we each were. We didn’t know that other lovers were there.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tony’s Mexican Grill and Family Memories: 04:34 – 11:00
Eric’s Relationship with His Father: 07:10 – 10:00
Personal Flaws & Loving What You Love: 10:00 – 11:00
Eric’s Surprise Wedding: 17:29 – 22:00
Finding the Right Partner: 25:51 – 29:23
Fizbo & Clowning Philosophy: 35:16 – 41:34
Modern Family Behind-the-Scenes & Pranks: 43:08 – 45:20
Audition Stories and Early Bonding: 46:42 – 49:18
Parental Acceptance & Generational Change: 49:15 – 50:10

Episode Tone and Atmosphere

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Offers an unfiltered, intimate look into the bond between Jesse and Eric beyond their on-screen personas.
Highlights the joys and complexity of life after Modern Family—love, loss, personal fulfillment, and continuing to honor their roots.
Revels in the power of childhood dreams, perseverance, and representation—in both Fizbo’s story and in Eric and Jesse sharing their authentic selves.
A must-listen for Modern Family fans and anyone who appreciates honest talk about family, friendship, and following your heart.

Next episode preview: Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary)—theater background, TV pivots, and more.

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Eric Stonestreet — Fizbo memories and life after ‘Modern Family’

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Summary

Dinner’s On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Episode: Eric Stonestreet — Fizbo memories and life after ‘Modern Family’

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Topics & Insights

1. Tony’s Mexican Grill – A Place of Memories

2. Family and Kansas Roots

3. Eric’s Approach to Love, Passion, and Friendship

4. The Surprise Wedding Story

5. Finding the “Right Person” and Settling Down

6. The Legacy and Meaning of Fizbo the Clown

7. The Joys and Absurdities of Modern Family Life

8. Audition Stories and Early Days

9. Odes to Their Fathers and LGBTQ Representation

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone and Atmosphere

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Summary

Dinner’s On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Episode: Eric Stonestreet — Fizbo memories and life after ‘Modern Family’

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Topics & Insights

1. Tony’s Mexican Grill – A Place of Memories

2. Family and Kansas Roots

3. Eric’s Approach to Love, Passion, and Friendship

4. The Surprise Wedding Story

5. Finding the “Right Person” and Settling Down

6. The Legacy and Meaning of Fizbo the Clown

7. The Joys and Absurdities of Modern Family Life

8. Audition Stories and Early Days

9. Odes to Their Fathers and LGBTQ Representation

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone and Atmosphere

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters