Exclusive: Shelley Long Returning to Modern Family

Shelley Long and Ed O'Neill

As if Jay Pritchett weren't dealing with enough on the upcoming season of Modern Family, now his ex-wife is coming back to town!

Shelley Long will reprise her role as Dede Pritchett, the mother of Claire (Julie Bowen) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.

Get the scoop on your favorite returning fall TV shows

Details on Long's return are being kept under wraps, but since Gloria (Sofia Vergara) is pregnant with Jay's (Ed O'Neill) baby, Dede should be in great spirits when she reenters the picture. As we all know, Dede is not the biggest fan of Gloria and even caused a drunken scene at the latter's wedding to Jay.

"We have a very funny story for her," executive producer Steve Levitan tells us. And for those hoping to see tension between Jay and his ex-wife now that he's an expecting father again, he promises, "You will not be disappointed."

What do you want to see for Long's return? Hit the comments with your thoughts.

Modern Family returns Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 9/8c on ABC.

Editor's Picks

9:00PM NBC
9:00PM ABC Family
8:00PM ABC Family

Streaming

Find a TV Show

See more »

Advertisement
130617yunjun-kim1

Lost Stars: Where Are They Now?

Yunjin Kim is back on Mistresses, but what are the other Oceanic 815 passengers up to these days?

Shop

Buy The Julie Bowen Handbook - Everything you need to know about Julie Bowen from Amazon.com

From tebbo (Paperback)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy New: $19.34 (as of 6:37 AM EST - more info)