Episode Summary: TROIAN BELLISARIO — on Dating Patrick J. Adams Long Distance While on Hit Shows and Having Her Second Child in a Parking Garage

Posted on March 4, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt and candid episode of Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with acclaimed actress Troian Bellisario, best known for her role in "Pretty Little Liars." Produced by Sony Music Entertainment and A Kid Named Beckett Productions, the conversation delves deep into Troian's personal and professional life, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her experiences navigating the complexities of acting, relationships, and motherhood.

Early Career and Family Background

Troian begins by sharing insights into her upbringing in a family deeply entrenched in the television industry. Her father, a prolific creator and showrunner behind iconic series such as "Magnum P.I.", "Airwolf", "Quantum Leap", "NCIS", "JAG", and the short-lived "First Monday," played a significant role in shaping her career.

[12:13] Troian Bellisario: "For Magnum PI, Airwolf, Quantum Leap, NCIS, JAG, this other show that was first lived, short-lived, called First Monday. Like all of those shows were his creations."

Jesse notes the overlap between Troian’s father's work and Dick Wolf’s productions, leading to Elliot Wolf, Dick’s son, becoming an executive producer and writer for Troian’s current project, "On Call."

[12:25] Troian Bellisario: "Elliott Wolf is one of our executive producers, our writers, and our showrunners of On Call."

Transition to "Pretty Little Liars"

Despite being aware of "Pretty Little Liars" through discussions with colleagues like Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara, Troian admits she only watched the pilot after befriending Jesse’s then-co-star, Patrick J. Adams.

[03:14 - 03:20] Jesse Tyler Ferguson: "I was late to the game.... Emma recounts, 'I know you’re using firearms and running around in bulletproof vests...'"

Troian discusses the intensive training she underwent to prepare for her role, highlighting the stark contrast between her glamorous role in "Pretty Little Liars" and her current position as a beat cop in "On Call."

[10:00] Troian Bellisario: "It's a half-hour drama and it's kind of like a procedural. You gotta solve the case by the end of the episode."

Managing a Long-Distance Relationship with Patrick J. Adams

Troian and Jesse delve into Troian’s relationship with Patrick J. Adams, chronicling the challenges they faced while maintaining a long-distance relationship during the early years of their career.

[20:38] Troian Bellisario: "So Patrick came home at like, 10 or something... and I went into labor four hours later."

They discuss the logistics of balancing demanding shooting schedules, frequent travel, and early career stages while fostering a strong partnership. Troian shares humorous anecdotes about the disconnection periods they experienced, emphasizing the resilience required to sustain their bond.

[22:44] Jesse Tyler Ferguson: "It's a testament to how much... commitment to one another."

Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth

Both hosts touch upon the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, with Troian revealing her struggles despite her evident successes.

[32:16] Jesse Tyler Ferguson: "You have to have an answer for everything. And everybody's gonna turn to you."

Troian offers practical advice to Jesse, who is contemplating directing his first feature film, encouraging him to embrace the role with confidence and draw upon his empathetic nature as an actor.

[35:04] Troian Bellisario: "Get in the habit of really getting in everybody's business... It all feeds your ideas."

A Remarkable Labor Story

The episode reaches a poignant and dramatic climax as Troian recounts the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the birth of her second child, Elliot. Amidst Patrick’s work commitments during the COVID-19 pandemic, Troian found herself in labor in their car’s parking garage, leading to an unforgettable birthing experience.

[41:21] Troian Bellisario: "So I had just graduated college... I just crawled into the bathroom and... went into labor."

[42:29] Troian Bellisario: "It was the week before her due date and it's like three days before he's supposed to come home."

As Patrick rushed back, Troian’s unexpected transformation during labor turned the parking garage into a chaotic yet joyful scene.

[46:30] Troian Bellisario: "Cause I was giving birth and I thought, I don't know if I passed out... my hands were in the child's seat, and my butt was, like, facing the dash."

The couple humorously references their experience with security footage, underscoring the surreal nature of the event.

[47:21] Troian Bellisario: "We found out it was his first day on the job."

Patrick received honorary scrubs for his heroic yet messy intervention, preserving the memory as a cherished family story.

Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with Troian reaffirming the strength of her relationship and the profound joy and challenges of motherhood. Jesse expresses his admiration for Troian’s resilience and the deep connection she shares with Patrick.

[48:40] Jesse Tyler Ferguson: "I'm absolutely gonna do it. Dinner is on me."

[48:42] Troian Bellisario: "That's ridiculous."

Notable Quotes

• Troian Bellisario [12:44]: "You have to have an answer for everything. And everybody's gonna turn to you."
• Jesse Tyler Ferguson [25:08]: "That is awesome."
• Troian Bellisario [46:30]: "Cause I was giving birth and I thought, I don't know if I passed out."

Conclusion

This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers a blend of humor, vulnerability, and inspiring storytelling. Troian Bellisario's openness about her personal struggles, career transitions, and miraculous birth story provides listeners with a profound appreciation of the complexities behind the public personas of Hollywood actors. Jesse Tyler Ferguson masterfully navigates the conversation, ensuring that Troian's experiences resonate deeply with the audience.

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Produced by Sony Music Entertainment and A Kid Named Beckett Productions. Follow more great podcasts at sonymusic.com/podcasts and on Twitter @sonypodcasts.