"My Life is over": Modern Family star Julie Bowen opens up about longtime health condition and using a pacemaker

Julie Bowen, best known for playing Claire Dunphy on Modern Family, recently gave fans a tough dose of reality: she's been living with a serious heart condition since her late 20s. In a candid chat on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast, Bowen, 55, revealed that, at just 29, she was diagnosed with sick‑sinus syndrome—a heart rhythm disorder linked to hypervagotonia.

Her resting pulse had plunged into the 30s, far below the normal 60–100 bpm. With her sister (now Dr. Annie Luetkemeyer) recognizing something was off during a family trip, schemes were set in motion that led to a lifesaving procedure. Affirming the secondary question—was she using a pacemaker?—yes: a pacemaker has been regulating her heartbeat ever since.

The Heart of the matter: Health, panic, and the pacemaker

Bowen broke the news that her resting heart rate was alarmingly low—between 30–40 bpm—because of an overly active vagus nerve. After her sister heard the beat, she urged Bowen to get an ECG. “That is not a runner’s heart,” her sister said, warning that those sudden blackouts could happen anywhere, even behind the wheel. The pacemaker was inserted right after she filmed the pilot for NBC’s Ed, and it was calibrated so her heart never dropped below 45 bpm.

“Oh my God, my life is over. I’m gonna die,” Bowen recalled, confessing to panic about the whole ordeal.

Doctors didn’t mince their warnings: without intervention, she risked passing out anywhere, even driving, which could've put others in danger. The pacemaker stabilized her condition and became part of her life. Over 25 years later, she’s had three battery changes, and mostly forgets it’s there.

​

From Claire to cancer warrior: Bowen’s career in context

Before she opened up about health, Bowen had already cemented her place in Hollywood. She launched her career with shows like ER, Ed, and Boston Legal, but it was Modern Family (2009–2020) that made her a household name. Playing Claire Dunphy earned her Emmy gold twice and six nominations total—proof she could nail comedy with a side of heartfelt family chaos.

Away from TV, Bowen’s film credits include Happy Gilmore, Horrible Bosses, Hubie Halloween, and most recently, rejoining Adam Sandler for Happy Gilmore 2, set to drop on Netflix this July 25. She’s also a producer behind Disney Channel’s Prom Pact and runs her own production company. Alongside her career, she’s navigated motherhood to three boys and a public divorce in 2018.

Despite the success of her career, Bowen stays grounded. She joked about Emmy fame being “like being pulled out of the trench”—a relief but also a loud whistle signalling targets on your back.

​

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.