Julie Bowen has quietly moved into a new chapter of her dating life.
The Modern Family actress, 56, revealed that she has a boyfriend while attending Step Up’s 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles on September 25. She is not ready to identify him publicly, telling PEOPLE simply, “I have a lovely friend.”
Bowen described her boyfriend as “smart and funny,” the two qualities she considers essential in a partner. Physical appearance ranks much lower for her, although she acknowledged that her new boyfriend happens to be good-looking.
“I don’t care what people look like,” Bowen said. “I like the brains.” She did not reveal his name or say how long they have been together.
Bowen Knows What She Wants in a Partner
Julie Bowen Has a ‘Smart and Funny’ New Boyfriend — but She’s Keeping His Identity a Secret for Now (Exclusive) https://t.co/yuN2zJjG8H
— People (@people) September 26, 2026
“I need smart and funny,” Bowen said while discussing what attracts her to someone. “Those are the two characteristics I look for in a partner.”
Entertainment Weekly noted that the relationship marks a rare public update on Bowen’s romantic life following her marriage to real estate investor Scott Phillips. The former couple married in 2004 and divorced in 2018.
Bowen and Phillips share three sons, Oliver, 19, and 17-year-old twins John and Gustav. Oliver is now attending the University of Oregon, leaving Bowen with two teenagers still at home.
She Previously Said She Was Happy Being Single
Bowen had expressed little urgency about finding another relationship after her divorce. During a January 2023 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, host Drew Barrymore asked where Bowen was in her personal life.
“I like where I am,” Bowen replied. When Barrymore asked where that was, Bowen answered, “I’m single. You know, working, who has the time?”
The same interview also produced a very different dating story from Bowen’s past. She recalled spending her junior year of college in Italy and returning home with an Italian boyfriend named Fabio, only to discover that their relationship worked considerably better in Italy than it did after she brought him back to the United States.
She Shared the News at an Event She Has Supported for Years
Bowen revealed the new relationship at Step Up’s annual Inspiration Awards at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The organization works with girls and young women through mentorship programs designed to help them pursue their goals.
The official 2026 event page lists Bowen on the honorary host committee and identifies her as a past honoree. Demi Moore, Becky G, Ali Larter and Priah Ferguson were among the women honored at this year’s event.
Bowen attended the September 25 ceremony without publicly introducing her boyfriend, keeping the one detail she has not shared about the relationship, his identity, private.