Culture 3 min read By Mason Emerson
Jon Bernthal’s Pre-«Walking Dead» Sitcom Role With a «Modern Family» Star
Before becoming a TV action hero, Jon Bernthal appeared in a short-lived sitcom alongside Jesse Tyler Ferguson, a role that contrasts sharply with his later gritty image.
Long before Jon Bernthal became known for playing hardened characters like Shane Walsh on «The Walking Dead» or the title role in «The Punisher,» he took a detour into sitcom territory. That detour was a short-lived CBS comedy called «The Class,» which paired him with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, later a star of «Modern Family.» The show, which aired during the 2006-2007 season, was not a major success, but it remains a notable early credit for both actors.
«The Class» followed a group of former third-grade classmates who are reunited as adults after one of their own proposes to his girlfriend. The ensemble cast included Bernthal as Duncan Carmello, a former bully who has grown into a sensitive and somewhat awkward man, and Ferguson as Richie Velch, a flamboyant and openly gay character. The series was created by David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, who had previously worked on «Friends,» and it aimed to blend romantic comedy with ensemble humor.
Despite the pedigree of its creators and a cast that also included Lizzy Caplan, Jason Ritter, and Andrea Anders, «The Class» struggled to find an audience. It was canceled after a single season of 19 episodes, with several episodes left unaired in the United States. The show received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the cast but noting that the premise felt thin. For Bernthal, the role was a departure from the intense, brooding characters he would later play, and it showcased a lighter, more comedic side that he has rarely displayed since.
Bernthal’s career trajectory after «The Class» is well documented. He gained widespread recognition for his role on «The Walking Dead» in 2010, where his character’s moral complexity and eventual turn to violence made him a fan favorite. He then starred in «The Punisher» on Netflix, solidifying his reputation as an action star. Ferguson, meanwhile, found his breakout role as Mitchell Pritchett on «Modern Family,» which ran for 11 seasons and earned him multiple Emmy nominations. The two actors have not worked together since, but their shared time on «The Class» remains a trivia point for fans of either show.
The show’s cancellation did not diminish its cult following, and it has been revisited by fans of the actors who appeared in it. For Bernthal, the sitcom is a reminder that even the most intense performers often start in unexpected places. His performance in «The Class» was noted for its earnestness, and it demonstrated a range that would later serve him well in dramatic roles. While the show itself is largely forgotten, its place in the careers of two prominent TV actors ensures it a footnote in television history.
