Julie Bowen Luetkemeyer (born March 3, 1970) 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). The last earned her six nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2010–2015), winning in 2011 and 2012.