Millie Bobby Brown, now 22 and starring in Netflix's Enola Holmes 3, had a little-known cameo on the ABC sitcom Modern Family when she was just 11 years old. The Stranger Things breakout star appeared in the episode "Closet? You'll Love It!", which aired in March 2015 as the 17th episode of Season 6.
When Did Millie Bobby Brown Appear on Modern Family?
The episode originally aired on March 4, 2015. Brown's role was her fourth television appearance, following guest spots on Intruders, NCIS, and Grey's Anatomy. At the time, her family had moved to Orlando, Florida, where she began auditioning for roles.
Who Did Millie Bobby Brown Play in Modern Family?
Brown played a character named Lizzie, a girl who lends her pink sparkly bicycle to Manny Delgado (Rico Rodriguez) so he can chase a drone. The drone had been recording Gloria (Sofía Vergara) in a swimsuit, leading Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell), Luke Dunphy (Nolan Gould), and Manny to try to destroy it. Their efforts backfire, resulting in a bike crash and a viral video of Phil on YouTube.
Fan Reactions to Brown's Cameo
Years later, fans on Reddit expressed disbelief upon learning that the young girl in the episode was the future Eleven. One fan commented, "Refuse to believe that was her," while another joked they were "today years old" when they found out. Another viewer wrote, "OMG HOW DID I MISS IT!"
Brown's Reflection on Early Roles
Speaking to Vogue, Brown recalled how small roles like her Modern Family cameo kept her motivated amid industry rejection. "I don't think I realised how much rejection was waiting for me," she said, noting that a casting director once told her she was "too mature" for the screen and would never make it.
Modern Family airs on E4 in the UK from 3pm.
