Often described as the most famous TV dog since the unforgettable Jack Russell Eddie, from Frasier, Stella passed on just days after filming was completed on the final episode of the iconic series Modern Family. It is still not clear what caused her sudden death.
Stella, her real name Beatrice, appeared on the US sitcom from its fourth season as ‘man’s best friend' to Jay Pritchett, played in the series by Ed O’Neill.
But, it wasn’t always that way. Fans will remember that Stella was introduced in an episode titled Good Cop Bad Dog. In the episode Jay convinces an ‘inventor’ called Guillermo, to ditch his invention idea and return to school. Guillermo agrees, giving Stella to the Pritchett family as he cannot take her to school with him. And thus began Stella's career as a 'cast member' on the series!
Now Jay was not a fan of Stella to begin with, even wanting to get rid of her at first, but Stella worked her charm and before he knew it Jay was besotted with her. It was this obsession with the four-legged Stella that led to much of the comedy between Jay and his on-screen wife Gloria (Sofia Vergara).
Cast and fans have been mourning the loss of the delightful pooch since the news was announced. Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who plays Mitchell Pritchett in the series, paid tribute to the beloved pooch on Twitter saying, “Rest In Peace sweet Beatrice. We love you so much.”
Rest In Peace sweet Beatrice. We love you so much ???? https://t.co/kYzkl1m3ye pic.twitter.com/aGZZWH695g
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) March 15, 2020
According to DailyMail, “devastated Modern Family fans have flocked to Twitter to mourn the loss of the pooch, admitting they're 'not handling it well' and insisting that this is just another blow for the already-difficult 2020”
The series co-creator Steve Levitan has issued a statement about the passing of Stella, it reads: “While she was occasionally a major diva who made unreasonable demands and often questioned her 'motivation,' most of the time Beatrice was a delightful and lovable presence on the 'Modern Family' set. She brought smiles wherever she went and was completely convincing in her role as a dog. Enjoy doggie heaven, sweet Beatrice/Stella.”
Beatrice will, it is believed, make her final appearance as Stella in the long-running hit comedy’s season finale, marking the end of Modern Family’s epic 11 season run. RIP Stella.
