AdminMany people know Julie Bowen as the funny and sometimes frazzled mom Claire Dunphy from the hit TV show Modern Family. But in real life, Julie Bowen is a mom to three growing boys. Her oldest son is Oliver McLanahan Phillips. While often kept out of the direct spotlight, Oliver has grown up alongside his famous mother’s career. Now that he’s officially an adult, fans are curious to know more about him.
Oliver McLanahan Phillips‘s Bio
| Name | Oliver McLanahan Phillips |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 2007 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 18 (as of 2025) |
| Education | Attending high school (specific institution not publicly disclosed) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White / Caucasian |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Father | Scott Phillips (real estate investor and software developer) |
| Mother | Julie Bowen (actress) |
| Siblings | John Phillips and Gustav Phillips (twin brothers, born May 8, 2009) |
| Legacy | Known for being the son of actress Julie Bowen; has appeared at red carpet events and has shown interest in creative arts |
| Famous For | Being the eldest son |
Meet Oliver McLanahan Phillips
Oliver McLanahan Phillips is the first child of actress Julie Bowen and her former husband, Scott Phillips, a real estate investor and software developer. He was born on April 10, 2007, making him 18 years old as of April 2025.
Oliver isn’t an only child; he’s the older brother to twin boys, John Luetkemeyer Phillips and Gustav (Gus) Phillips, who were born on May 8, 2009. Growing up as the eldest sibling often comes with its own set of experiences, and Oliver has navigated this role within a family that occasionally finds itself in the public eye due to his mother’s fame.
His middle name, McLanahan, holds significance, though the specific family connection isn’t widely publicized, adding a unique touch to his identity.
Family Life and Famous Parents
Oliver’s parents, Julie Bowen and Scott Phillips, got married in September 2004. Their family grew first with Oliver’s arrival in 2007 and then with the twins just two years later. For much of Oliver’s childhood, his mother was starring in Modern Family, which ran from 2009 to 2020.
This meant Oliver grew up witnessing his mother’s success and the demands of a high-profile career. Interestingly, Julie Bowen was pregnant with Oliver’s younger twin brothers during the filming of the Modern Family pilot episode, a fun fact she later shared with her sons.
Despite the Hollywood connection, Julie and Scott aimed to provide a relatively normal upbringing for their children. The family resided primarily in Los Angeles.
Julie Bowen and Scott Phillips finalized their divorce in September 2018 after 14 years of marriage. Since then, they have co-parented their three sons. Julie often speaks lovingly about her boys, sharing relatable and funny anecdotes about the realities of raising them, showcasing a warm family dynamic even after the separation.
Early Public Appearances
While Julie Bowen and Scott Phillips generally protected their sons’ privacy, Oliver McLanahan Phillips did occasionally accompany his mother to public events, especially when he was younger.
These appearances offered small glimpses into his life. He was seen alongside his mom on red carpets from a young age. Notable events include the opening night of Shrek The Musical when he was just a toddler.
He also attended movie premieres like Disney’s Planes in 2013 and the premiere for the 3D Blu-Ray release of The Lion King in 2011. He was also present at the Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens premiere in 2015.
These outings showed a supportive son accompanying his mother, comfortable but not seeking the limelight himself. As he grew older, these public appearances became less frequent, allowing him more privacy during his teenage years.
A Mother’s Perspective: Julie Bowen on Raising Oliver
Julie Bowen has been refreshingly open and humorous about the journey of raising three boys, including Oliver. She often contrasts her real-life parenting experiences with her role as Claire Dunphy.
She once joked on the Today show that unlike TV families where characters talk to each other, communication with her three boys often involved “grunting,” and she identified their moods “by their smell.”
She’s shared funny stories about the voracious appetites of her teenage sons, mentioning how they’d eat again right after dinner, immediately boiling water for pasta upon returning from a restaurant.
This inspired her, in part, to co-found a skincare line called JB SKRUB, specifically designed for tween and teen boys. She humorously recalled yelling, “Pits! Nuts! Butts! In that order!” outside the shower, realizing nobody was teaching boys basic hygiene simply.
She expressed delight that Oliver and his brothers actually use and like the products, seeing it as a small victory in the often-challenging world of parenting teens.
Julie also talks about the emotional shifts in parenting teenagers. She has quipped about feeling like she’s been “dumped by three guys” she was madly in love with, as her sons increasingly retreat to their rooms.
She described feeling as “desperate” for their attention as she did for a boy’s attention in high school, calling out, “Hey! I’m right in the kitchen!” to no avail. Yet, beneath the humor, there’s a deep sense of love and adoration for her sons.
Oliver’s Interests: Photography and Production?
While not pursuing acting like his mother, Oliver McLanahan Phillips appears to have found his own creative outlets. He reportedly has a passion for photography. Julie Bowen has proudly shared photos taken by Oliver, indicating his talent behind the lens.
He even maintains his own photography account on Instagram, where he posts pictures he has captured at live music performances, high school basketball games, and other slices of his life. This suggests a keen eye and an artistic sensibility, channeling his creativity in a different direction from his mother’s on-screen career.
Furthermore, recent information suggests Oliver might be exploring the world of media production. His IMDb profile lists credits from 2023 for working on music videos – specifically “Nvr Felt This” and “Toxic (Acoustic Version) – Official LIVE Video.”
His roles included on-set cook, production assistant, and even first assistant director on one project. While these might be initial steps or explorations, they hint at a potential interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the entertainment industry, perhaps influenced by growing up around it.
Stepping into Adulthood
April 10, 2025, marked a significant milestone for Oliver McLanahan Phillips as he turned 18. His mother, Julie Bowen, celebrated the occasion publicly with a touching and humorous Instagram post.
She shared a throwback video of a young Oliver discussing sophisticated topics like hedging the stock market, affectionately calling him her “sweet monkey.” In her caption, she reflected on her journey as a “very flawed but adoring mom,” celebrating her firstborn stepping into adulthood.
The transition to adulthood also resonated with Julie Bowen’s Modern Family co-star, Sarah Hyland, who played her on-screen daughter, Haley Dunphy. Upon seeing Julie’s post, Sarah commented that she was “sobbing,” showcasing the close, family-like bond forged on the set of the show and how Oliver’s growth felt significant even to his mom’s colleagues.
Turning 18 opens a new chapter for Oliver, filled with the possibilities and responsibilities that come with adulthood.
The Phillips Brothers: A Trio
Oliver is the big brother to twins John and Gus. Having siblings close in age often creates a strong bond, filled with shared experiences, rivalries, and support. Julie Bowen occasionally shares glimpses of their dynamic.
For instance, she shared a photo from a family vacation where one of the twins, John, ended up in the ER with a broken wrist. In her post, she praised how his brothers (Oliver and Gus) were “total champs” during the ordeal.
These moments highlight the camaraderie and support system within the sibling group. As they navigate their teenage years together, Oliver likely plays the role model, navigating the path just slightly ahead of his younger brothers.
What’s Next for Oliver McLanahan Phillips?
As an 18-year-old, Oliver McLanahan Phillips stands at the beginning of his adult life. With his apparent talent for photography and potential interest in film/music video production, he might pursue further education or work in these creative fields. Of course, he might also choose a completely different path.
Having grown up with exposure to the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera, he has a unique perspective. Whatever direction he chooses, he does so with the support of his family. His journey will be his own, separate from his mother’s famous career, shaped by his own passions and decisions.
