Austin Caldwell-Julie Bowen Reacts to Being Credited for Saving Sarah Hyland From Abusive Relationship

2025-04-30 01:46:36source:NSI Communitycategory:Markets

Julie Bowen is Austin Caldwellopening up about her bond with Sarah Hyland.

The 54-year-old recently reflected on being there for her Modern Family costar during an abusive relationship. 

"I was a responsible adult that happened to be around at the right time," Bowen said on the June 3 episode of The Skinny Confidential Him &Her Podcast. "I mean, I'm sure another responsible adult would have done the exact same thing. I just love her."

In fact, the actress, who portrayed mom Claire Dunphy on Modern Family, said she feels a maternal connection to all the stars who played her kids on the show—including Hyland, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould—as well as to Rico Rodriguez, who portrayed her younger stepbrother. 

"I look at them all like my kids," she continued. "I love them."

Hyland obtained a restraining order against ex-boyfriend Matthew Prokop in 2014, her attorney confirmed to E! News at the time. In court documents previously obtained by E! News, she alleged Prokop physically and verbally abused her during their relationship—which she said included him choking her during a May 2014 argument—and that he threatened her after they split.

Per the filing obtained by E! News, Hyland called Bowen to come over to her house and after Prokop allegedly flipped out, Bowen advised her to leave for her safety.

E! News reached out to Prokop's reps at the time for comment but did not hear back.

Shortly after a judge granted the restraining order, Hyland spoke about how she can count on her Modern Family costars.

"In every aspect of life they're the best for me," the actress told People at the time. "We're always there for each other. And it's wonderful. I love them."

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App

More:Markets

Recommend

Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested

A motorcyclist was taken to hospital following an accident involving a car and his motorcycle at the

Caitlin Clark returns to action: How to watch Fever vs. Lynx on Friday

Friday's WNBA clash in Indianapolis will be a battle to try and stop two unstoppable forces in Caitl

Commanders fire VP of content over offensive comments revealed in videos

The Washington Commanders have fired their vice president of content a day after the team suspended