5 Shocking Facts About Millie Bobby Brown’s Forgotten Cameo On Modern Family That Almost Ended Her Career

As of December 11, 2025, the name Millie Bobby Brown is synonymous with the global phenomenon *Stranger Things*, portraying the iconic character Eleven, and headlining major film franchises like *Enola Holmes*. However, before she was a household name, the now-21-year-old actress had a long, difficult journey through the competitive landscape of Hollywood. One of the most surprising and frequently resurfaced tidbits from her early career is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it guest appearance on the beloved ABC sitcom, *Modern Family*.

This brief 2015 role is more than just a footnote; it represents a critical, tumultuous period in her life when a crushing rejection had brought her to the brink of quitting acting entirely. Her short time on the set of *Modern Family* serves as a fascinating snapshot of a future superstar still struggling to find her footing, mere months before landing the role that would change her life forever.

Millie Bobby Brown: A Biographical Snapshot

• Full Name: Millie Bobby Brown
• Date of Birth: February 19, 2004
• Place of Birth: Marbella, Andalusia, Spain
• Nationality: British (moved to Florida, USA, with her family at age four)
• Breakout Role: Eleven / Jane Hopper in *Stranger Things* (2016–Present)
• Other Major Roles: Enola Holmes in *Enola Holmes* film series (2020, 2022), Madison Russell in *Godzilla* film series (2019, 2021), Star in *Damsel* (2024).
• Early Career Highlights: Guest roles in *Once Upon a Time in Wonderland* (2013), *Intruders* (2014), *NCIS* (2015), *Modern Family* (2015), and *Grey's Anatomy* (2015).
• Notable Accolades: Two-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
• Personal Life: Engaged to Jake Bongiovi.

The Untold Story of Millie Bobby Brown's *Modern Family* Cameo

The common misconception is that Millie Bobby Brown auditioned for a main role on *Modern Family*, perhaps as a replacement for Lily Pritchett or another child character. In reality, her appearance was a solitary, uncredited guest spot that lasted for only a few seconds on screen.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The Character: Lizzie, The Neighborhood Girl

Millie Bobby Brown appeared in the Season 6, Episode 17, titled "Closet? You'll Love It!". The episode, which aired in March 2015, focuses on Manny Delgado’s attempt to impress a girl by borrowing a bicycle. Brown plays Lizzie, a neighborhood girl who owns the coveted bike.

The scene is short but memorable. Lizzie is seen talking to Manny (played by Rico Rodriguez) and Luke Dunphy (played by Nolan Gould). Her character, Lizzie, is portrayed with a sassy, slightly annoyed attitude as she interacts with the older boys. She delivers her lines with a confidence that hints at the star power she would soon unleash as Eleven.

Context: A Career Crossroads

The timing of this cameo is crucial. *Modern Family* Season 6 was filmed and aired in 2014–2015, placing it directly after her starring role in the BBC America series *Intruders* (2014), which was unfortunately canceled after one season. This period was a low point for the young actress, who was facing constant rejection in the industry. The appearance on *Modern Family* was a small, one-off job during a time when she was struggling to secure a major role.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The Audition Rejection That Almost Ended Her Career

The *Modern Family* cameo came just before the most significant turning point in her early life: a crushing rejection that made her seriously consider quitting acting. This dramatic backstory adds immense weight to her brief appearance on the popular sitcom.

Losing the Role of Lady Lyanna Mormont

Millie Bobby Brown has openly spoken about the demoralizing experience of being rejected for a major role on the HBO fantasy epic, *Game of Thrones*. She had auditioned for the fan-favorite character Lady Lyanna Mormont, the feisty, young head of House Mormont.

The role ultimately went to actress Bella Ramsey, who also achieved massive fame later as Ellie in *The Last of Us*. Losing the part was a devastating blow for Brown.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

"I Was Very Disheartened"

The rejection for *Game of Thrones* was the culmination of a string of unsuccessful auditions that left her exhausted and ready to give up. "I think I was just very disheartened by the rejection," she once stated, adding that she felt the industry was "just full of rejection 24/7."

She had reached a point where she felt she couldn't handle the emotional toll of constant failure. It was her family's encouragement that urged her to attend one last audition. That final audition was for a mysterious Netflix project called *Montauk*, which would soon be renamed *Stranger Things*.

From Young Alice to Eleven: Tracing Her Early TV Roles

The *Modern Family* cameo is just one piece of a fascinating, often-overlooked timeline of Brown’s early career, which demonstrates her resilience and versatility across various genres. These roles showcase her journey from a young, aspiring actress to a global icon, proving her topical authority across various shows and production companies.

1. The Debut: *Once Upon a Time in Wonderland* (2013)

At just nine years old, Brown made her professional acting debut as Young Alice in the ABC fantasy spin-off, *Once Upon a Time in Wonderland*. It was a recurring role that introduced her to the world of television production.

2. The Lead: *Intruders* (2014)

Her first lead role came in the BBC America paranormal drama series *Intruders*, where she played the mysterious character Madison O'Donnell. Although the series was short-lived, it gave Brown crucial experience in carrying a major storyline.

3. The Medical Drama: *Grey's Anatomy* (2015)

In the same year as her *Modern Family* appearance, Brown also guest-starred in the popular medical drama *Grey's Anatomy*. In Season 11, Episode 15, "I Feel the Earth Move," she played a young girl named Ruby who is forced to call 911 to save her mother after an earthquake. This role was significantly more dramatic than her comedy cameo, showcasing her range.

4. The Police Procedural: *NCIS* (2015)

Brown also secured a guest role in the long-running CBS police procedural *NCIS*. This array of diverse guest spots on major network shows—ABC's *Modern Family* and *Grey's Anatomy*, and CBS's *NCIS*—illustrates the intense hustle and grind she endured before *Stranger Things*.

The *Modern Family* Connection: A Testament to Perseverance

Millie Bobby Brown's brief appearance as Lizzie on *Modern Family* is a powerful, if small, reminder of the sheer perseverance required to succeed in Hollywood. It was a moment of levity during a period of professional despair, sandwiched between a painful rejection for Game of Thrones and the life-altering audition for Eleven on *Stranger Things*.

The story of her cameo and the subsequent near-retirement from acting is a compelling narrative for aspiring actors and fans alike. It highlights that even the biggest stars endure countless rejections. Had she quit after the Lyanna Mormont disappointment, the world would never have met Eleven. Her cameo on *Modern Family* is not just a surprising fact; it is a vital chapter in the origin story of a global icon.