Modern Family to Feature First Openly Transgender Child Actor on TV

Modern Family has broken new ground by casting 8-year-old transgender actor Jackson Millarker in a guest role, marking the first time an openly transgender child actor has appeared on television.

The episode's director, Ryan Case, took to social media to share the news, writing on wrote on Instagram: "This is Jackson Millarker. He's 8 years old, from Atlanta, and just happens to be transgender. He plays Lily's friend Tom in this week's Modern Family and he's wonderful. One of the many reasons I love being a part of this show."

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In the episode, Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) has a playdate with Tom (Millarker) that was arranged by her fathers Cam ( Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell ( Jesse Tyler Ferguson). Things quickly turn into a teaching moment when Cam and Mitchell think they overhear Lily insulting her new friend, according to Variety.

NewNowNext was first to report the story.



Modern Family's "A Stereotypical Day" airs Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.