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‘Modern Family’ Will Feature Transgender Child Actor Jackson Millarker

The eight-year-old will play a friend of Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons).
Modern Family
"Modern Family"
Ron Tom/ABC via Getty Images

Tomorrow night’s episode of “Modern Family” will feature a first for the ABC comedy: a performance by an openly transgender child actor. Jackson Millarker, an eight-year-old, will appear as Lily’s (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) friend Tom in “A Stereotypical Day.”

READ MORE: ‘Modern Family’ Cast & Writers Teach You How to Campaign For an Emmy

“This is Jackson Millarker,” wrote Ryan Case, who directed the episode, on Instagram. “He’s 8 years old, from Atlanta, and just happens to be transgender. He plays Lily’s friend Tom in this week’s Modern Family and he’s wonderful. One of the many reasons I love being a part of this show.”

READ MORE: Jeffrey Tambor Wins Emmy For Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Transgender characters and performers have come to increased prominence on television in recent years. Lily Cox of “Orange Is the New Black” became the first openly transgender actor to receive an Emmy nomination, while “Transparent” revolves around a transgender woman (played by Jeffrey Tambour) and her family. While accepting his most recent Emmy for the role, Tambour said that “I would not be unhappy if I were the last cisgender male to play a female transgender on television.”

 

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