The Dog That Plays Stella On 'Modern Family' Has Died

The lovable bulldog who played the Stella in Modern Family has died just weeks after filming the show's final episode.

The French Bulldog, named Beatrice, sadly passed away around a week ago from unknown causes, according to The Blast.

The showbiz pooch played Pritchett family dog Stella for seven seasons of the hit ABC comedy, joining the cast in season 4.

A backbone of sorts to the Pritchett family, Stella was adored by Jay (played by Ed O'Neill) and loathed by his wife Gloria (Sofia Vergara).

Memorable scenes saw Jay rushing to greet his four-legged friend before his wife upon getting home from work, and going out of his way to buy adorable Stella a diamond neckband in lieu of something for Gloria.

Gloria detested Stella, who'd routinely destroy her shoes and clothing.

And it seems the narrative imitated real life, too. Beatrice's owners, Guin and Steve from Good Dog Animals, a company for animal actors, told blogger Bodie on the Road that Ed O'Neill was just as obsessed with Beatrice off-camera.

"He's in love with her!," they told the blogger in a 2017 interview. "It's very easy working with him because he brings Beatrice treats like popcorn and always looks out for her - like we'll be doing scenes in the backyard by the pool and in between takes he'll say, 'Would you please get Beatrice an umbrella, she's in the sun!'"

When asked if Sofia Vergara was a fan of the pooch, they revealed: "Not at all, the character is true to form about how she is!," adding, "she wasn't that thrilled when Stella was introduced to the show so we respectfully keep our distance!"

Since news of Beatrice's death emerged, tributes have been rolling in for the cast member. "Rest in peace sweet Beatrice. We love you so much," tweeted Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who plays Mitchell Pritchett in the show.

Beatrice's other acting credits include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Workaholics, while she's also featured in a number of ads from Samsung to Xbox and Dunkin' Donuts.

Modern Family, which has ran for 11 seasons, is during to air its final episode in the next few weeks on ABC in the US.

RIP, Beatrice.

Featured Image Credit: ABC

Topics: Entertainment,

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara is a freelance writer working for Tyla. After graduating with an English Lit and Media degree from the University of Sussex, Ciara held jobs at GLAMOUR and Yahoo Style before packing up for a solo travelling trip around South America.

@ciarasheppard