LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ariel Winter gained fame for her role as Alex Dunphy in the popular show 'Modern Family', which was on air for eleven seasons from 2009 to 2020. The ABC show revolves around the humorous and eccentric experiences of three families residing in an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood.
During a recent episode of 'Stars On Mars' on Fox, Ariel, 25, shared that acting was not a decision she made herself. When questioned by her fellow "astronaut" Ronda Rousey, 36, Ariel candidly discussed her path into the acting profession. "I was four," Ariel said. "Oh, wow," Ronda responded.
'My experience was rotten'
"You don't really decide anything at four," Ariel added. "My experience was rotten." Ronda asked if that kind of experience was "inevitable." "No, no. Well, it depends on the parent. It depends on your parent," said Ariel, who was emancipated from her parents at age 17.
Ariel Winter's relationship with her family
Ariel Winter's family drama has been a topic of public attention. In 2012, when she was 14 years old, Ariel was removed from her mother's custody due to allegations of physical and emotional abuse. According to court documents obtained by People, Ariel's mother Chrisoula Workman was described as disruptive and problematic on the set of 'Modern Family', which posed a threat to Ariel's continued involvement in the popular sitcom. In addition, Ariel's attorney argued that Chrisoula had subjected her daughter to emotional and physical abuse and had even deprived her of food during show tapings.
Ariel's older sister Shanelle Gray petitioned for and was granted temporary guardianship of Ariel. Subsequently, in 2014, Ariel was officially emancipated from her parents, granting her legal independence as a minor. Ariel's mother denied the abuse allegations but after the agreement was reached she and Shanelle jointly said, "The family has moved beyond the conflict." The details of the family drama and the specific incidents of abuse have not been publicly disclosed in great detail. Ariel has often spoken about the positive impact of her emancipation and the supportive relationship she has with her sister.
Ariel Winter on 'Stars on Mars'
The latest episode of the reality show 'Stars on Mars' reveals Ariel's fellow crew members nominating her for a leadership role. Ariel has demonstrated her team-player mentality by stepping up in previous challenges, showcasing her physical strength and contributing to overcoming unexpected obstacles such as rebuilding a communications tower and ensuring an adequate water supply for the space station. Additionally, Ariel's friendly and amicable nature has made her well-liked among her crewmates, despite the charm-offensives by Tom Schwartz and Adam Rippon. Whether these qualities will translate into effective leadership is yet to be seen.
