From sitcom stardom to the bright lights of Broadway stages
In short: Best known for her long-running role on Modern Family, Sarah Hyland has built a diverse career spanning television, music, and musical theatre. Beyond the screen, she has navigated significant health challenges and transitioned from teen roles to leading Broadway performances.
Sarah Hyland first entered the industry in 1997 with a minor role in Private Parts. While she gained massive mainstream recognition as Haley Dunphy on the ABC sitcom Modern Family from 2009 to 2020, her roots are deeply embedded in musical theatre. She appeared on Broadway as a young Jacqueline Bouvier in Grey Gardens between 2006 and 2007. She attended the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan. Her early filmography includes appearances in Annie and Blind Date.
Her theatrical journey has continued with significant roles in recent years. In 2024, she performed in an Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, playing Audrey from May 28 to September 29. Her Broadway return included a role in The Great Gatsby starting February 10, 2025, followed by a stint in Just in Time from October 2025 to March 2026, where she played Connie Francis. She also appeared in the musical production Hair at the Hollywood Bowl. Additionally, she performed in a musical parody of Scream in 2014.
Beyond acting, Hyland has explored music, collaborating with Boyce Avenue on tracks like "Closer" and "Don't Wanna Know," the latter of which reached number 62 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 in December 2016. She also ventured into hosting, leading Love Island USA on Peacock from 2022 to 2023. She has also worked with various artists such as Adam DeVine and Jordan McGraw. Furthermore, she co-hosted the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade.
Throughout her career, Hyland has managed serious health issues, including kidney dysplasia. She has undergone 16 surgeries since birth, including kidney transplants in April 2012 and September 2017. These medical challenges, including the use of anti-rejection medications, have at times impacted her ability to maintain weight and energy during filming. Her first kidney was donated by her father. Later, her brother Ian provided a second transplant.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sarah Hyland
- Also: Wikidata — Sarah Hyland · CC0
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