Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, best known for portraying the witty and lovable “Lily Tucker-Pritchett” on the award-winning sitcom Modern Family, has made a big personal and professional change. Now stepping into a new chapter of life, the young star has decided to embrace a different identity—both in name and career. She will now go by Frances Anderson, marking a symbolic move into the world of music.
Image Placement Suggestion 1: A side-by-side photo of Aubrey Anderson-Emmons as “Lily” on Modern Family and her current look as Frances Anderson. (Place this near the top for reader recognition.)
Why the Name Change?
For many actors, a stage name can become part of their identity, but for Frances Anderson, the decision was personal and deeply intentional. In a recent interview, she explained that “Frances” is actually part of her legal name—it’s her middle name. The name was inspired by a close family friend of her mother, giving it sentimental value.
She admitted that her original full name, Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, while meaningful, was quite long and hyphenated. By adopting “Frances Anderson,” she’s not only choosing something shorter and easier to remember, but also creating a new artistic identity—one that reflects her personal growth and the exciting shift in her career path.
“I wanted people to see a new side of me,” she shared. “And I wanted to create a space specifically for music. This is a fresh start, and I’m so excited for everyone to hear what I’ve been working on.”
From Sitcom Star to Musician
Frances’s decision to pursue music didn’t happen overnight. While Modern Family brought her into millions of homes and made her a recognizable face, acting was something she entered at a very young age—just four years old. She remained part of the show for eight seasons until she was twelve.
In an interview with Mundane Mag, she reflected on her early career:
“It wasn’t a rough start—it was honestly fine. But when you’re a kid, you don’t really choose that path. You’re surrounded by adults, and it can be isolating. There weren’t kids my age on set, so I didn’t have that kind of social connection.”
While she credits acting for teaching her professionalism and discipline, she found a deeper sense of belonging in the world of music.
The Warmth of the Music Community
One of the biggest differences Frances noticed between acting and music is the sense of community.
“Especially in theater and musical theater, people felt warmer and more welcoming than in the screen acting world,” she said. “Musicians, in my experience, are just more open.”
She also emphasized that music allowed her to express herself more authentically. In acting, she was portraying someone else’s vision. In music, the creative process is her own—from writing lyrics to shaping the final sound.
Her debut EP, titled “Drown”, was released last week, showcasing a mix of emotional depth and personal storytelling. Frances describes it as an intimate introduction to who she really is today—not the child star people remember from television, but a young adult navigating identity, creativity, and life’s challenges.
Life After ‘Modern Family’
For many child actors, leaving a successful TV show can be a difficult adjustment. Some struggle to redefine themselves in the public eye, while others take a break from the spotlight entirely. Frances has taken a thoughtful approach—stepping back from acting to explore her true passions.
Although she hasn’t ruled out returning to acting someday, she’s clear that music is her primary focus right now. The EP Drown represents more than just a debut—it’s a declaration of independence and self-expression.
The Emotional Side of Rebranding
Changing a professional name is not just a marketing decision—it’s an emotional process. For Frances, it’s a way of taking ownership of her identity after growing up in the public eye.
Child actors often face the challenge of separating their real-life personality from their on-screen characters. By embracing her middle name, Frances creates a mental and emotional distance from “Lily” and the expectations attached to that role.
This rebranding also helps her fans and new audiences see her as more than the role that made her famous. It signals growth, maturity, and a willingness to take creative risks.
A Look Toward the Future
Frances Anderson is only 18 years old, yet she’s already experienced the highs and pressures of a Hollywood career. Now, she’s stepping into a future where she has full creative control. With her debut music project already out in the world, she plans to continue writing, recording, and performing.
Her fans—both from Modern Family and her new music audience—are eager to see where this journey takes her. For Frances, the next chapter is all about authenticity, connection, and growth.
“I’m so grateful for my acting career,” she said. “But music feels like home. It’s where I can be myself without a script. And that’s the space I want to live in right now.”
Conclusion
The transformation from Aubrey Anderson-Emmons to Frances Anderson represents more than just a name change—it’s a powerful statement about identity and purpose. It’s a reminder that even those who achieve success early in life can choose to evolve, reinvent themselves, and follow a new path.
Whether through acting or music, Frances is committed to telling stories that resonate. And as she leaves “Lily” behind, she’s inviting the world to meet the real her—on her own terms.