You probably know her as Lily. For nearly a decade, Aubrey Anderson-Emmons was the deadpan heart of Modern Family, delivering stinging one-liners to her high-strung TV dads while the rest of us watched from our couches. She was four when she started. Four! By the time the show wrapped in 2020, she had grown up in front of millions of people, but then, things got kind of quiet.
If you’re looking for a massive list of Aubrey Anderson-Emmons movies and tv shows, you might be surprised to find it’s actually quite short. She didn't pull a Millie Bobby Brown and jump straight into a dozen blockbusters. Instead, she basically vanished from the traditional Hollywood circuit for a while.
Why the Filmography is Slimmer Than You’d Expect
Honestly, being a child star is exhausting. Aubrey has been pretty vocal lately about the fact that growing up on a soundstage isn't exactly a normal childhood. While other kids were at soccer practice, she was hitting marks and memorizing scripts. When Modern Family ended, she didn't rush to sign onto a new pilot. She went to high school.
Most people don't realize that between the ages of 12 and 17, Aubrey almost entirely stepped away from professional acting. She did the "normal" thing. She joined her school’s theater program, went to prom, and posted TikToks like every other Gen Z-er.
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It’s a rare move. Usually, managers push kids to "strike while the iron is hot," but Aubrey (and her mom, actress Amy Anderson) seemed more interested in her mental health than a secondary sitcom.
The Career Breakdown (So Far)
- Modern Family (2011–2020): This is the big one. She joined in Season 3, replacing the twins who played baby Lily. She eventually became the youngest person ever to win a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble.
- Distance (2014): A short film that most fans haven't seen. It was a small, dramatic turn that showed she had more range than just sassy quips.
- Child Star Psychologist 2 (2013): A funny online sketch where she appeared alongside Kiernan Shipka.
- Paradise Run (2018): Just a guest appearance on a Nickelodeon competition show.
- Bill Nye Saves the World (2017): She popped up as herself in one episode.
The 2025 "Pivot" You Might Have Missed
Here is where it gets interesting. Last year, Aubrey—now going by the name Frances Anderson for her creative work—officially re-entered the spotlight, but not in the way we expected. She released an indie pop EP titled Drown.
It turns out, she spent her "gap years" becoming a musician. She’s got this vibe that’s way more Phoebe Bridgers than Disney Channel. If you check out her single "Telephones and Traffic," it’s clear she’s trying to shed the "Lily" image for good.
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She hasn't quit acting entirely, though. She’s mentioned in recent interviews that she is 100% planning on returning to the screen, but on her own terms. She’s looking for indie roles or things that feel "real" rather than polished network comedies.
Dealing With the Critics
It wasn't all sunshine. Aubrey recently opened up about how hard it was to read mean comments online when she was just a kid. People on Reddit and Twitter used to tear her acting apart during the later seasons of Modern Family.
Can you imagine being 10 years old and reading that adults think you're "wooden"? It's brutal. She admitted that the rejection and the public critique made her sensitive and hesitant to keep auditioning for a while. That's a big reason why the list of Aubrey Anderson-Emmons movies and tv shows hasn't grown much since 2020. She needed to find her confidence again in her high school drama club before she was ready for the sharks in Hollywood.
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What’s Next for the Modern Family Alum?
As of 2026, the buzz is starting to pick up again. There are constantly rumors about a Modern Family spin-off or a sequel series, especially with the cast still being so close. She still hangs out with Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell) and Eric Stonestreet (Cam), and their "family" photos always go viral.
But don't expect her to play the same character. If she takes a new TV role, it’s likely going to be something darker or more mature. She’s an adult now.
If you want to support her new era, the best thing to do is look for her music under the name Frances Anderson on Spotify or follow her food reviews with her mom. They’ve been doing "Food Mania Review" for years, and it’s actually pretty wholesome to see them just being a regular family.
Take Action: Where to Follow Her Now
- Check the Credits: Keep an eye out for "Frances Anderson" in upcoming indie film credits—this is her new professional moniker.
- Listen to the EP: Stream Drown if you want to see how she’s processed the fame of her childhood through lyrics.
- Social Media: She is most active on TikTok and Instagram, where she shares her real life without the Hollywood filter.
She’s no longer the little girl in the "I'm gay? I'm gay!" meme. She’s a musician and an actor-in-waiting who is finally doing things her way. Given how many child stars crash and burn, Aubrey’s slow-and-steady approach is actually pretty refreshing. Keep your eyes on the indie film circuit in 2026; that’s where she’s likely to make her real comeback.