Julie Bowen Is Dating Again, But Her New Man Remains A Mystery

Julie Bowen is opening up about a new romance while keeping one major detail under wraps. The “Modern Family” alum shared what she values most in her partner but declined to reveal his identity.

Bowen was previously married to businessman Scott Phillips for 13 years. The former couple shares three sons.

Julie Bowen Says Her New Boyfriend Is ‘Smart And Funny’

Julie Bowen has a new man in her life, but fans will have to wait a little longer to learn who he is.

The “Modern Family” star revealed the romance while attending Step Up’s 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles on Friday, September 25.

“I have a lovely friend,” Bowen told PEOPLE, choosing not to name her boyfriend just yet.

The 56-year-old actress was more forthcoming about what attracted her to her mystery man. Bowen described him as “smart and funny,” two qualities she considers essential in a partner.

“I need smart and funny. Those are the two [characteristics I look for in a partner],” she explained.

Bowen Says Looks Aren’t Her Priority

4

Looks, Bowen insisted, rank much lower on her priority list. Still, she acknowledged that her new boyfriend isn’t exactly lacking in that department.

“I don’t care what people look like — though he happens to be good-looking,” Bowen said. “But I don’t care what people look like. I like the brains.”

The relationship marks a new romantic chapter for the actress following her marriage to real estate investor Scott Phillips. The former couple wed in 2004 and separated after 13 years of marriage. They finalized their divorce in September 2018.

Bowen and Phillips share three sons: Oliver, 19, and 17-year-old twins Gustave and John.

Julie Bowen Previously Said She Was ‘Done’ With Dating

4

Bowen’s latest relationship marks a notable turnaround from her stance on dating several years ago.

During a January 2022 appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” the actress declared that she was “very single” and suggested she was ready to leave dating behind altogether.

Bowen joked that getting her dog was effectively a retirement gift to herself after deciding she was “done” with looking for love.

“I did go on some dates,” she told guest host Adam Devine. She then explained that one man she saw always wanted her to visit his house because he owned a dog.

The experience apparently gave Bowen an idea. She decided that having a dog of her own would let her entertain dates on her terms and send them home when she wanted.

“The dog is my gatekeeper,” she joked.

The Actress Would Have Ended Her Dating ‘Retirement’ For Harry Styles

4

However, Bowen said one celebrity could make her reconsider her self-imposed dating retirement.

During the same January 2022 appearance on “Ellen,” guest host Adam Devine brought up Bowen’s crush on Harry Styles. She had seen the former One Direction star in concert the previous November, and her reaction left little doubt about her interest.

Asked whether she would come out of dating retirement for the singer, Bowen immediately replied, “Oh, hell yeah.”

Julie Bowen Said Harry Styles Was More Than Just Good Looks

4

Bowen became even more animated as photos of Styles appeared on screen, repeatedly exclaiming, “Look at him!”

The actress then explained that his appeal went beyond his looks. She compared Styles’ energy to that of the show’s DJ, Stephen “tWitch” Boss. She described both men as “gorgeous and sexy,” with an infectious sense of joy.

Bowen joked that the combination made attraction to them feel almost wholesome, then referenced Styles’ hit “Watermelon Sugar.”

“They’re just bringing the joy, and the light, and the ‘Watermelon Sugar,’” she said.