Eric Stonestreet is America’s favorite homosexual, even though he isn’t gay – not that there’s anything wrong with that. Stonestreet plays Cam on the hit television show “Modern Family” and has won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series as a result.
But before the breakthrough role, Stonestreet spent over a decade acting on notable TV shows like “Monk,” “CSI,” “Malcom in the Middle,” “Party of Five” and “ER.” We had the chance to chat with Stonestreet recently about his new partnership with Swiffer, playing Cam on “Modern Family” and fielding questions about Sofia Vergara.
Is “Stonestreet” your real last name? Because that’s a badass last name.
“Yeah, it’s a pretty good last name. When I was a kid, I used to get made fun of for it. And then I became an actor and everyone wanted to know if I made it up.”
It’s sort of like the Simpsons episode where Homer changes his name to “Max Power,” a real heavy-handed last name. You could be an NFL linebacker if the TV stuff doesn’t work out.
“Yes, absolutely perfect – for my age. A 42-year-old rookie middle linebacker.”
Tell me about your collaborative effort with Swiffer and the “Swiffer Effect” video with your mom.
“The Swiffer Effect campaign is letting people know that roles are changing in families and in respect to cleaning as well. With the Swiffer Effect, they’re trying to get the word out that Swiffer is more effective and more fun than the old dust pan and broom. So, they asked me to team up with my mom. Check out the viral video so people can see a little humor with their cleaning.”
Hashtag let’s go viral, Eric.
“Hashtag let’s do it.”
Can we talk about the groupies, Eric? Do women just throw themselves at you now that you’re everywhere?
“I guess you could say that, but I don’t really take advantage of it like most guys would. You have to keep a bit of a classy demeanor. But yeah, things changed once I got on TV.”
As far as the sexual aspect of your character Cam, how difficult is that to play as someone who isn’t gay?
“It’s not that much of a deal because I’m an actor and play all kinds of roles. The fact Cam is gay doesn’t have much to do with anything. I played bad guys on TV before, other guys before, so it’s a character I get to play and never really thought too much about it.”
How many Sofia Vergara questions do you field in an average day?
“Uh, well, so far five today.”
Are you on your average for this point of the day? Or are you low?
“When I’m doing media, that’s how it usually goes. But she is an awesome person, she’s a force. She’s a cool lady.”
