I am Jesse Tyler Ferguson — Mitchell Pritchett on “Modern Family” and founder of Tie The Knot, soon to be delivering thousands of same-sex wedding invites to The Supreme Court Justices. AMA!

Who is most like their character in Modern Family?

I guess joe the baby and stella the dog.

Hi Jesse!

Who is the biggest prankster on the set of Modern Family?

For Sure: Eric Stonestreet.

Thanks for doing this AMA! Modern Family consistently makes me laugh to the point of tears.

My question is, has Eric Stonestreet converted you to being a lifelong Kansas City Royals fan?

he's trying his hardest. i have LOTS of t shirts and hats.

Hey Jesse, big fan! What has it been like to watch all the kids on Modern Family grow up? i.e. Nolan, Ariel, Rico, Aubrey, and Sarah?

They are the greatest kids. They are all driving now! I want them to stay little!!!

Hey, Jesse! What's the funniest thing that's ever happened on any set you've been on? Also, what movie or show never fails to make you laugh? Thanks for doing this AMA. I love Modern Family!

It was pretty funny when Sofia was supposed to say " "Manny why are you hanging upside down" and instead she said "Manny why are you hanging Sunny Side Up"

Besides Modern Family, what other current TV series would you want to be part of?

I am obsessed with Portlandia and Inside Amy Schumer. Also, I would love to work with Tina Fey and/or Amy Poehler someday.

Being a well-known actor, do you ever get starstruck around other actors or celebrities?

Meryl Streep!

Hi Jesse! I was just watching last week's episode today. So, what's the real value on your sofa?

only the set designers at Modern Family know that. I assume its not as much as the characters say it is

Hi Jesse! I'm a big fan, from the Netherlands. It's 2 AM right now. If you didn't become an actor, what would you be doing right now?

Good question! I LOVE to cook, so maybe a chef.

Hi Jesse! Is filming in mockumentary style more difficult than the traditional format?

I LOVE performing for a live studio audience....but doing a show like Modern Family is great because it works a different set of muscles as an actor. I really enjoy the subtleties you can bring to the format of our show

Hi Jesse. Over past times, a lot of straight actors would play gay characters. Do you think has changed more over the years ? How would you feel about the opposite - acting a straight character role ?

I think all actors should be able to play anything. we are actors. I have played straight roles and Eric Stonestreet is playing a gay role now. I hope that the stigma is slowly lifting.

Hey Jesse.

What ever happened to The Class? I thought it was an incredibly sweet sitcom and it was pretty funny. You were great in it. It was far from groundbreaking but it deserved more than one season.

I should mention its relevance to me - back when I had curfews when mine was extended from 9 to 10 I could watch a whole world of new shows and just then The Class started airing in Israel. It was in a way my gateway to the teenage years. I waited for season 2 for a long time until I realized it wasn't coming. It seems like it was a breeding ground for great actors who are only recently (past five years or so) getting the attention they deserve.

the class was a great show and I LOVED it. the 19 episodes we made are on DVD!

Do you ever see you guys doing a Modern Family live episode?

And who do you think could really rock a Tie The Knot?

I don't see a live episode happening....but who knows? I think George Clooney need to rock a Tie The Knot Bow Tie...or Obama! I know they are both Marriage Equality advocates! Maybe POTUS will wear one on decision day in June!

Where was favorite location to shoot Modern Family?

we love traveling for the show. australia was really fun because it felt like a family vacation. also disneyland was a blast! Where should we go next?

Thanks for doing this AMA! I love your work on Modern Family, and I wish you were a full time judge on So You Think You Can Dance because you're hilarious on there! I just have a few questions.

1) What's your drink of choice?

2) Is Eric Stonestreet a good kisser?

3) Do you have any siblings in real life and are they anything like Claire?

Thanks in advance for any answers! Keep being awesome!

LOVE SYTYCD!!!! 1) It changes. A nice glass of wine is nice. 2) Eric is not the best kisser I have ever had...but I think it is because we are acting when we kiss! 3) I have a brother and a sister and neither one of them are like Claire. I LOVE julie bowen and love playing the Mitch/Claire dynamic.

What is your favorite tv show?

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmit

If you were a few years older and had been cast for Friends back in the day, who would you be playing?

CHandler!!!!

Do you defend pandas in court? Kidding. What's it like working with Nathan Lane?

he's a comic genius. (Lane...not the panda). I feel so lucky that I get to work with him whenever his schedule allows for him to fly to LA and be on our show!

Hey Jesse, love modern family it always cheers me up. My question is, what advice would you give to the young teenage LGBT community who are going through difficult times either with coming out, being bullied etc?

well, i can relate to that. i was bullied a LOT growing up. I found activities outside of school that interested me. (Community Theater was my salvation). I think the most important thing to do is find people you are safe around and who you can talk to. The internet is a great resource now too. The world is so much bigger than it was when I was a kid. Facebook, Instagram, TrevorProject, Trevor Space are all great ways of expanding your universe and finding people who understand you.

Do you think it's cool if a girl wears a bow tie?

YES! for SURE! what about in your hair? or around your neck...just as cool!

Hi Jesse. Thanks for doing this AMA. Your character Mitchell Pritchett in Modern Family is a low-key, high strung, mild-mannered person, who also has many sensitive qualities. At most times he is the exact opposite of Cameron which usually causes disagreements. How closely does your personality resemble Mitchell's and how closely does Eric Stonestreet's? Which co-actor from Modern Family is closest in terms of their personality with regard to the character that they play and how?

I'm a lot like Mitch...in the best of ways. Eric is NOTHING like Cam....But I love both Eric the person and Eric as Cam.

Do you have any words of wisdom that could help me get through my exam period?

Love modern family! Keep it up :)

oof. good luck! meditate, breathe....red bull?

Thanks for doing the AMA!

What is your estimate on how many bow ties you own?

I wouldn't even begin to count! over 200 at least!

I love the bow ties. I wear bow ties regularly, as a school teacher, and to able to look great and support a meaningful cause is incredible, I just wanted to thank you for that.

Now for my question; Celebrity you've met who totally surprised you, in a good way!, with their demeanor and mannerisms?

LOVE that you love the bow ties! Thankyou!!! Julianne Moore is one of the most gracious people I have ever met....not that I wasn't expecting her to be....but I am just such a fan of hers....it's nice when the people you admire are so lovely.

Who is your closet Broadway actor friend? BTW I'm flying from Japan to NY to see you on the Tempest!!!!! Already worried if I can get a ticket on that day...

I have many! Celia Keenan Bolger is one of my besties. But I also am close with Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald & Lea DeLaria

Jesse - you were fantastic in 25th annual Putnam county spelling bee.

What are your three most interesting shows in NYC right now? What should people be checking out?

SO many great shows! if you can get a ticket to Hamilton do! and Fun Home!

Hi Jesse! My boyfriend just introduced me to Modern Family a few months ago, and I have been binge watching to catch up!

I was just wondering, what is the harshest thing you've ever experienced at an audition? How did you overcome it?

you have to have a tough skin of you want to be an actor. I have heard everything from "you aren't talented and you won't make it" to "you aren't tall enough".... Best think is to know your self worth and have faith in your talent.

Hi Jesse! I love watching Modern Family. What was your favorite movie as a teenager?

Clue!

Hi Mr. Ferguson, thank you for entertaining us with your work on Modern Family! And thanks for opening the floor here on Reddit to talk about your activism.

When the Supreme Court struck down DOMA, it was interpreted as a victory for states' rights in that the federal government would subsequently have to recognize same-sex couples who were legally married in states that had already legalized same-sex marriage. In order to gain a victory for same-sex marriage in the current case, the Court would have to invalidate existing bans in four states, which would be seen as a win for federal authority. How do you anticipate the Justices bridging that gap to rule in favor of marriage equality?

I truly believe that we will equality in all 50 states. I don't think it will be a unanimous decision but I think that the tides are truly changing in favor of full marriage equality.

Hey Jesse! What part of acting do you dislike the most?

i guess memorizing lines.

Hi Jesse! I loved the episodes you did on Web Therapy. What was it like making those episodes?

I'm obsessed with LIsa Kudrow. She was a dream to work with. Very collaborative. I was very intimidated by her when we started but she instantly made me feel comfortable....we basically just played all day on the Web Therapy set!

How can a small town suburban soccer mom support marriage equality? It's not an issue I relate to but I am for equal rights for all and am not sure how to show it!

Thats great & you CAN relate to it BECAUSE you want rights for all! You can spread the word about accepting all people. I think the best way to support is thru love and acceptance. You can also buy Tie The Knot bow ties for your family and friends! :)

Which director would you love to work with in film at some point?

my friend Liz Banks! She just directed Pitch Perfect 2.

What is like to do talk shows like jimmy fallon and ellen? Do you get nervous or are they laid back?

Both Jimmy and Ellen are really nice and make me feel very comfortable but dong talkshows is always a little stressful.

What's your least favorite type of person?

a close minded person who feels they are u not capable of growth or change. a stubborn person

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

strawberry or vanilla

Hi Jesse! Thanks for doing this AMA. Did I see Justin in DC handing out bow ties and Save the Dates?

you DID! we are so proud that he could be on the steps of SCOTUS for that historical day!!! It meant a lot to all of us at Tie The Knot to be able to be a presence on that day. Did you get a bow tie?

is your relationship with Justin at all like Mitchell's relationship with Cam ?

not at all! i think i have to work harder on my "marriage to cam" than I do on my marriage to Justin! Ha!

Who are your acting idols?

Madeline Kahn, Steve Martin, Robin Williams

Hi Jesse!!! I think you are an amazing actor and I admire your drive to fight for marriage equality; you seem to be full of passion and joy. I was wondering if that was always the case or if you ever felt - like so many of us do at times - that things would not get better?

I always knew that there were people outside of my hometown that would love me for who I was. I also had a supportive family. Many people don't. I STRONGLY suggest TrevorProject.org as a resource if you are feeling alone. They are amazing.

What is the best thing a director can do for you on set?

collaborate and be open to all ideas...even if they may see dumb. it's great to try stuff. sometimes the best ideas are born from things that seem ridiculous.

What episode has been your favorite to film?

I love shooting the wedding episodes. also the episode at the roller rink was really fun.

How often do you hit the gym and what exercises do you do to stay in shape? Do you have fitness role models?

I try and stay fit and active but I always wish I could do more...or look better. I like to eat too much! I'm a foodie.

Hi Jesse, thanks for the AMA!

Just wanted to know if you got to see much of Australia when you filmed down under! Do you have any memorable stories of your visit?

so many! i love your country. the great barrier reef was pretty amazing.

I love you as a reality-TV judge--RuPaul's Drag Race, So You Think You Can Dance, et al. What's been the most fun judging gig? What would be your dream judging gig?

I want to do an all star season of rupaul!

What 2 Summer movies are you looking forward to the most?

Hot Pursuit & Pitch Perfect 2!!!

Do you think the recent changes across the U.S. on gay marriage bans will ultimately change the minds of the Supreme Court justices to allow it to be legal?

I think people can see that denying a group of minorities their civil rights is not a good thing. It is becoming harder and harder to justify.

Hi Jesse, do u see yourself doing action films?

i would LOVE to!

hey Jesse, huge fan!

I was just wondering what your favourite Shakespearean Character is and why?

I love the Dromios in Comedy of Errors. I also love Bottom in Midsummer

Are the bowties fashionable?

they are VERY fashionable. Check them out: thetiebar.com/jtf

Hi Jesse, I'm asking this question on behalf of my fiancé. Who was the best person to work with on sytycd? Have you kept up with any of the dancers from the show?

I LOVE everyone on SYTYCD but Cat and I have become very close. I keep up with Melanie, Nico & Ricky a bit. and I am good friends with Travis Wall!

What's your favourite cereal?

does oatmeal count?

Hello Jesse! Thanks for doing this AMA. I'm a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico and I always love it when former Albuquerque residents make it big. My questions are: What was your favorite part of growing up here? Also, where is your favorite place to grab a burrito and why is it Golden Pride?

I love the Abq Balloon Fiesta. I love Sadies and I have no idea why its called Golden Pride...cause the flag is yellow?

Hi Jesse! Thank you so much for everything you do for the LGBT community! Its because of people like you that we are finally getting the rights that we deserve. My question is, what triggered your desire to be an activist? Was it a specific moment in your life or was it just a general need for change?

having been bullied as a kid i really felt for people who felt marginalized or "less than". i wanted to use my new platform to help people. justin, my husband has been an amazing partner in helping me make those ideas a reality. he is equally passionate and has great ideas.

Are you still surprised at the level of stupidity our species can display, or have you developed strategies to cope with it?

Is this something someone asked you once?