Julie Bowen Luetkemeyer (born March 3, 1970), known professionally as Julie Bowen, is an American actress and model. She is best known for playing Aunt Gwen on Dawson's Creek (2000), Carol Vessey on Ed (2000–04), Denise Bauer on Boston Legal (2005–07), Sarah Shephard on Lost (2005–07), and Claire Dunphy on the comedy Modern Family (since 2009).