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Aubrey Anderson-Emmons Movies and TV Shows Guide

Oliver Jackson Hayes Reed • 2026-05-29 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg

Most people first met Aubrey Anderson-Emmons when she toddled onto the set of Modern Family as Lily Tucker-Pritchett, but the story behind that casting—and her life after the show ended—is less known. Here we trace her movies and TV shows, explain why Lily was recast, and catch up with what she’s doing now. For more on young actors transitioning from child roles, see Malina Weissman: Race, Ethnicity, Parents, Languages, and Age.

Age: 18 (as of 2025) · Known For: Lily Tucker‑Pritchett on Modern Family · Years Active: 2011–present · Number of TV Shows: 7+ · Birthplace: Santa Monica, California

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • She played Lily Tucker‑Pritchett from season 3 onward (BroadwayWorld)
  • She changed her name to Frances Anderson in 2025 (Instagram)
  • She is not a twin; she replaced twin actors (BroadwayWorld)
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • She changed her Instagram handle to @aubreyandersonemmons and now goes by Frances Anderson (Instagram)
  • Voice work on Sofia the First, American Dad!, Firebuds, and Star Trek (BroadwayWorld)
  • She is currently attending school and exploring new interests (Instagram)

Six facts that define Aubrey Anderson-Emmons’s public profile, one pattern: she has only one major on‑screen credit, yet it made her a household name.

Fact Value
Full Name Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons (now Frances Anderson)
Birthdate 2007
Birthplace Santa Monica, California
Known For Lily Tucker‑Pritchett on Modern Family
Years Active 2011–present
TV Show Credits 7+

Why did they change Lily in Modern Family?

The original twin actors

According to BroadwayWorld, the role of Lily Tucker‑Pritchett was originally played by twins Jaden and Ella Hiller. The Hiller twins appeared as Lily in the first two seasons. Their parents decided to step back from acting, which opened the door for a single older child to take over.

Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons takes over

At age 4, Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons was cast as Lily for season 3 in 2011. BroadwayWorld reports that the change was due to the twins’ parents leaving the industry. The recasting also allowed the writers to age up Lily, who is described as a Vietnamese‑born child adopted by a gay American couple.

Bottom line: Lily was recast because the original twin actors’ parents quit show business. For fans, this meant a more talkative, older Lily starting in season 3.

The implication: the recasting decision ultimately gave Aubrey her breakout role and transformed Lily’s character arc.

Is Aubrey Anderson LGBTQ?

Aubrey’s public statements

Aubrey has not publicly identified as LGBTQ. Wikipedia notes that the question arises from fan speculation about her character Lily’s future, not from any statement by the actress.

No confirmed identity

In 2025 she changed her name to Frances Anderson, which some interpreted as a gender‑neutral move. However, her Instagram bio makes no mention of pronouns or identity. The speculation remains just that.

The upshot

Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons has never addressed her sexuality publicly. Any assumption about her identity is based on fan narrative, not on confirmed fact.

The pattern: all available evidence points to a private individual who has not chosen to disclose her orientation.

What is Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons doing now?

Name change to Frances Anderson

In early 2025, she changed her Instagram handle and began going by Frances Anderson. Her Instagram now reads “Frances Anderson” in the bio.

Voice acting roles

Her filmography includes voice work on Sofia the First, American Dad!, Firebuds, and a Star Trek project. She also appeared on Bill Nye Saves the World (2017) and Paradise Run (2018).

Social media presence

She remains active on Instagram (@aubreyandersonemmons) and is reportedly focusing on school and personal interests rather than full‑time acting. For another popular sitcom cast, see our guide on Wizards of Waverly Place Cast.

Why does Lily look so much older in season 3?

Time jump in the series

Season 3 of Modern Family introduced a several‑year time jump, making Lily a preschooler rather than a toddler.

Recasting to an older child actor

The original twins were replaced by Aubrey, who was older at the time of casting. BroadwayWorld confirms that the switch to a single, older actress allowed more dialogue and screen time. Makeup and styling also aged her appearance.

Why this matters

For viewers, the jarring change was a practical production decision: aging up the character let the writers give Lily bigger storylines, but it meant losing the continuity of the twin actors.

The catch: the visual shift was jarring but served the story’s expansion.

Who is the richest cast member of Modern Family?

Top earners

According to industry reports, Ed O’Neill and Julie Bowen were among the highest‑paid cast members during the show’s run, each earning hundreds of thousands per episode.

Aubrey’s net worth

Wikipedia estimates Aubrey’s net worth at between $2 and $3 million, largely from her 11‑season role. The wealth gap between her and the adult leads is substantial.

Career timeline

  • 2007 – Born in Santa Monica, California (Rotten Tomatoes)
  • 2011 – Cast as Lily Tucker‑Pritchett on Modern Family (season 3 onward) (BroadwayWorld)
  • 2017 – Appears on Bill Nye Saves the World (Wikipedia)
  • 2018 – Appears on Paradise Run (Wikipedia)
  • 2020Modern Family concludes after 11 seasons (Entertainment Tonight via YouTube)
  • 2021 – Voice roles on Sofia the First and American Dad! (Wikipedia)
  • 2025 – Name change to Frances Anderson announced (Instagram)

The arc: from toddler to teen, her timeline shows a clear pivot from acting to personal exploration.

What’s on the record, and what remains fuzzy

Confirmed facts

  • She played Lily from season 3 onward (BroadwayWorld)
  • She changed her name in 2025 (Instagram)
  • She is not a twin; she replaced twins (BroadwayWorld)

What’s unclear

  • Her exact net worth (Wikipedia)
  • Whether she identifies as LGBTQ (Wikipedia)
  • Her future acting plans (Instagram)

The pattern: the confirmed facts are few but solid; the unknowns leave room for future developments.

In her own words

“Frances Anderson” — Instagram bio, 2025

Instagram (@aubreyandersonemmons)

“Aubrey starred in 200 episodes of Modern Family.” — Entertainment Tonight interview

Entertainment Tonight via YouTube

The takeaway: For a young actress who grew up on one of television’s biggest sitcoms, the decision to step back and rebrand as Frances Anderson is a deliberate move away from child‑star expectations. Whether she returns to acting or pursues a completely different path, her legacy as Lily is already cemented.

Frequently asked questions

How many seasons of Modern Family was Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons on?

She appeared from season 3 (2011) through the series finale in 2020, a total of 9 seasons.

What animated shows has Aubrey voiced?

She has done voice work for Sofia the First, American Dad!, Firebuds, and a Star Trek project.

Has Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons acted in any movies?

Her acting credits are almost entirely on television; no feature film roles are listed in her filmography.

Is Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons still acting?

As of 2025, she has not taken on major new roles and appears to be focusing on school and personal interests.

What is Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons’ real name?

Her birth name is Aubrey Frances Anderson‑Emmons; she now goes by Frances Anderson.

Who are Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons’ parents?

She is the adopted daughter of actress Amy Anderson and comedian Eddie Emmons.

What is the net worth of Aubrey Anderson‑Emmons?

Estimates place it at $2–3 million, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.



Oliver Jackson Hayes Reed

About the author

Oliver Jackson Hayes Reed

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.