Few would criticize “Modern Family” star Ed O’Neill for carrying a resentment towards the Emmy Awards. After all, despite the veteran’s role as the ultimate patriarch on the show, he was the only principal adult cast member not to receive a nomination for his work on the show’s first season.
Still, the public target of O’Neill’s frustration was a bit surprising. In criticizing one of the Emmy selections in 2010, O’Neill interestingly went after the actress viewed as the biggest “shoo-in” for awards recognition–“Glee” star Jane Lynch.
Lynch, who plays the show’s standout character Sue Sylvester, predictably won the award earlier this year. Yet despite his respect for the actress, O’Neill finds her portrayal of the character to be limited.
“I love Jane, honestly I do,” said O’Neill in an interview with TV Guide Canada. “I’m dying to star in one of Christopher Guest’s movies alongside her, but I don’t think she should have gotten the Emmy for that part. (Sue Sylvester) is just a one-note character.”
He instead felt that his “Modern Family” co-star Sofia Vergara, who plays his much-younger wife on the show, deserved the award.
Said O’Neill of Vergara, “I don’t think people realize how hilarious she is. She’s so sharp with her wit, it’s amazing.”