The Complete Transformation Of Sarah Hyland

Sarah Hyland may be best known for her work on the sitcom "Modern Family," but there is so much more to the star. In fact, over the years, she has ventured out into numerous entertainment fields, including music and hosting. "My acting and my music, and being a creative director is a whole 'nother ball game in itself," she told Refinery29 in 2017. "I don't like to mix business with business. I like to put 110% into each and everything individually instead of merging all three."

From being incredibly passionate about her work to figuring out her personal fashion style, we took a trip down memory lane to see how much Sarah Hyland has changed over the years. And if there is one thing we've learned about the star, it is that she is brave and strong — in her everyday life and in her experimental fashion choices — which definitely makes her a great role model for anyone looking up to her!

Even though Sarah Hyland's acting career began in the late '90s, it wasn't until she was cast as Haley Dunphy in ABC's sitcom "Modern Family" in 2009 that her fame skyrocketed. "I would love to work with Sofía Vergara," Hyland gushed of her stunning co-star in 2010 (via Hollywood the Write Way). "She is hilarious and she is so beautiful and I just love her so much as a person. It would be so much fun to have more scenes with her, one on one." 

Hyland had been working throughout her teens so the fame she encountered at the age of 19 wasn't a surprise. In 2011, the actor admitted that her life had since become full of events and interesting people. "It's been really busy," she told Channel Guide. "One of the highlights would probably have to be meeting Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin, Bill and Snookie [from 'True Blood'], at the HBO afterparty." At the time, Hyland was considered one of Hollywood's most prominent young stars, and her fashion was surely matching that. In fact, the coral one-shoulder dress (complete with a sheer train) she rocked to the 2011 Emmys was a major fashion moment for the talented star. As far as Hyland's private life goes, she began dating her "Geek Charming" co-star Matt Prokop in 2009.

In 2012, Sarah Hyland revealed that she had to get a kidney transplant because of kidney dysplasia. "You know that family is going to be there for you no matter what," she told Seventeen in 2012. "My dad gave me a freakin' kidney." In the same interview, the actor also gushed about her then-boyfriend Matt Prokop, revealing that he had been very supportive. "I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have him be there for me," Hyland said.

By 2013, the actor was back on track with her career, and she admitted that fashion played a major part in her everyday life. "I think the hardest thing is to be appropriate and dress age-appropriate," she revealed to Elle. "But for me, it's harder because I feel like I'm 22, but I look like I'm 15 or 16." For Vogue, the young star revealed that she adored one particular fictional fashion icon. "I always loved fashion," she said in 2013. "And I was in New York and my name was Sarah so I just wanted to be SJP. I wore heels most days to school despite there being four flights of stairs to the classrooms." As she was in her early 20s, Hyland leaned into a glamorous and feminine aesthetic, which often featured soft hairstyles, enhanced eyes, and lots of lacy and sparkly fashion choices.

In 2014, Sarah Hyland went through a public breakup with Matt Prokop after she had filed for a restraining order. In the detailed court documents, Hyland described the terror and abuse she was going through during the four years they'd been together. During her appearance on "The Meredith Vieira Show" (via YouTube), Hyland addressed the abusive relationship she had been in. "There are two quotes that I want to say," Hyland said. "One is a Dylan Thomas poem: 'Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light ... And also Robert Frost: 'The only way out is through.'" The actor — who was now in her mid-20s — revealed that the present and future are all she was focused on. "People have to go through things in order to become the person they are today, and that's that," Hyland added.

In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2014, the actor revealed that though she was part of young Hollywood, she didn't really live the typical life of a young star. "I'm not dying to be in that group, but if people put me in it, I'm really flattered," she said. "I'm more of a homebody type ... I didn't become an actress to be famous." Fashion remained at the forefront of her interests, with Hyland admitting that her style was changing on a daily basis. "Some days I feel like I want to look like I'm on [a] yacht, like Jackie Kennedy; other days I want to feel like I'm in Morocco and [go for] a whole bohemian feel," she revealed in the same conversation.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

While 2014 was a tough year for Sarah Hyland, 2015 certainly helped her turn the page as she began dating her "Vampire Academy" co-star Dominic Sherwood. Even though Hyland hadn't had an easy life, in a 2015 interview with Seventeen, she admitted that she had learned how to make the best out of everything. "I was born with so many health issues that doctors told my mother I would never have a normal life. And she said, 'You're right, she won't — but it won't be because of her health,'" Hyland revealed. "When my mother told me that story, it resonated with me: If I can't have an ordinary life, I might as well have an extraordinary one. If you set your mind to something, you'll achieve it."

The actor also admitted that work is what keeps her happy. "Happiness, I've learned, comes from within. I am happiest when I am doing something I love. And I love 'Modern Family' — it's the best job I've had in my 20 years as an actress," the star admitted. "It didn't come easily or fast or free: It took me 14 years to land a gig like this." Luckily for her, the sitcom gained a major fanbase and was praised by viewers and critics alike, allowing it to have an incredible 11 seasons. Fashion-wise, she continued with her sparkly repertoire, opting for a sophisticated sequined mini at the premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." It seems that Hyland was well ahead of the trends with this look, since sequins were trending as part of the everyday-glam wardrobe in 2023.

In 2017, Sarah Hyland and Dominic Sherwood broke up, but the "Modern Family" star didn't stay single for long. "The Bachelorette" star Wells Adams slid into her Instagram DMs without it being totally weird and that led to calls and video chats — and eventually meeting in person. "It's the most millennial thing in the entire world," Hyland jokingly said to Cosmopolitan in 2020.

Unfortunately, while her love life was thriving, the "Modern Family" star had to face health issues. In 2017, Hyland went through a second kidney transplant — this time, the kidney was donated by her brother. In a 2018 interview with Self, the actor admitted that Wells was there for her through all of it. "We met each other for the first time three days before my transplant," Hyland revealed. "He's seen me at my worst [...] He was there through all of that. I think that's why I feel the most beautiful in his eyes, because he still finds me beautiful after seeing all that."

Over the years, Hyland went through plenty of public scrutiny due to her weight, and in 2017, she decided to address it and set boundaries on X, formerly Twitter. "I haven't had the greatest year ... I have been told I can't work out," Hyland revealed. "I love to be outdoors. I love to be strong. Strength is everything. Being strong has gotten me where I am. Both mentally and physically. I am not a fan of 'being skinny.' Which many of you have told me that I am too much of."

My story as of now. Part 1. pic.twitter.com/6kWlnxgjIb

— Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) May 24, 2017

Hyland's style during this period remained fun and youthful as she was experimenting with her look more than ever. From '90s goth to '70s flare sleeves — there wasn't a trend that Hyland didn't dare to try.

In 2018, Sarah Hyland opened up about her experience of having had two kidney transplants. Hyland told Self that she tried everything in her power to save her kidney, but nothing ended up working. "I was very depressed. When a family member gives you a second chance at life, and it fails, it almost feels like it's your fault. It's not. But it does," she added. "For a long time, I was contemplating suicide, because I didn't want to fail my little brother like I failed my dad." However, Hyland also shared that her health problems have had a silver lining as they made her seek out more control in other parts of her life. "In some areas of my life, I literally have no choice but to be dependent," she added, revealing that work for her is the best form of therapy. 

While Hyland was working on being the healthiest version of herself, we can't help but notice that she also turned into the most fashionable one. Her red-carpet choices were edgy and modern with sharp hemlines and structured silhouettes, ensuring she was always the center of attention. Whenever Hyland showed up in public, she was bubbly and happy, showing that no matter what she can always find joy in life. The last year of the 2010s was very important for Hyland as the actor and Wells Adams got engaged. "When my fiancé proposed, he asked my mom and dad for their blessing," Hyland revealed during the "Modern Family" special "A Modern Farewell," adding that he also had a conversation with her on-screen parents. "Then he also hunted down Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell and asked for their blessing. They really, really are like my second set of parents."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

2020 was a year everyone across the globe will remember due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Sarah Hyland is no different. In fact, the actor revealed on the "Brad Behavior" podcast, per People, that social distancing and being careful was of major importance to her. "I am obviously immunocompromised with my transplant history and am on immunosuppressants, so everything in this house is sanitized," Hyland admitted. 2020 also marked a change in Hyland's career as "Modern Family" came to an end. "The thing as an actor is it's like, 'Will I have a job tomorrow?' With 'Modern Family' ending, it's like, 'Oh, great. I'm never going to work again. I'm going to have to sell everything and live out of a shoebox,'" Hyland joked to Cosmopolitan.

While she and her fiancé Wells Adams had to postpone their wedding due to the pandemic, Hyland used every opportunity she had to gush about him. "This is the first time I've been in a relationship where I'm like, 'How am I the child in the relationship?' I've always been the adult," the actor revealed in her Cosmopolitan interview.

And even though the world was going through unprecedented times, Hyland always managed to take our minds away from the darkness with her stunning fashion choices. During this period she seemed particularly fond of puffy sleeves, the trend which makes sundresses even chicer, and skirts, which always looked incredible on the star. However, she admitted that she still struggled with her body image. "There have been days when I'm either like, I'm gonna wear my tightest jeans and a f***ing bra," Hyland candidly shared. "Or, is there anything I own that's looser? Because even these sweatpants are making me look fat right now."

On August 20, 2022, Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams tied the knot in a ceremony in Santa Barbara, California. A year later, the actor — who was now also hosting the dating reality show "Love Island" — revealed to E! News what newlywed life was like. "We still do all the really cute stuff for each other that we did before," Hyland said in 2023. "Not much has changed in our relationship other than the rings to make it official and maybe the government getting involved, which I think is a beautiful thing."

When asked what advice she would give young Hyland back in 2009, the actor said, "Don't be too hard on yourself ... Continue dancing because you love dancing. Get back to ballet, and get back to jazz, and [flamenco], and ballroom, and all of that. Get back to that world, because you desperately miss it in your 30s and now you don't have the muscles to perform it anymore."

Now in her early 30s, Sarah Hyland looked better than ever, and her fashion choices were rarely a miss. Having found love and confidence again, Hyland wasn't afraid to wear risky and often revealing pieces. Of course, she always rocked them with grace and authenticity, ensuring fans across the globe praise her style.

Today, Sarah Hyland seems as happy and as confident as ever. The star has remained authentic and honest through the years, and that is undeniably why so many love her. Apart from that, she always uses her voice to raise attention to important issues. "October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and while it is not the easiest topic to talk about, it is of the utmost importance that we do," she said at the Variety Power of Women gala (via ABC News). "It takes courage to wake up every morning and face the world knowing that people may have no idea what you are going through."

Hyland, who rose to fame as a teen star, is now an adult who knows what she wants out of life, symbolizing her power with a fierce skinny lob, which is the go-to quiet-luxury haircut for 2024, and en-vogue structured silhouettes in her wardrobe. From the people that surround her to the fashion choices she makes — nothing is accidental as the star is curating the life she always wished she had. And we certainly love that for her! Now, if you've loved reading about Sarah Hyland's incredible changes, make sure to check out how her 'Modern Family" co-star Aubrey Anderson-Emmons transformed over the years.