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Actresses who were secretly pregnant while filming TV shows and movies© Getty Images

Actresses who were secretly pregnant while filming TV shows and movies

These talented women skillfully navigated the challenges of concealing their burgeoning bellies


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 7:13 PM EDT

The world of television is a realm of make-believe and illusion, where actors and actresses transform into their characters, captivating audiences with their performances. However, real-life dramas sometimes unfold behind the scenes, adding unexpected twists to the stories we watch on our screens.

Television has managed to keep one of the most intriguing secrets over the years: the hidden pregnancies of actresses while filming TV shows and movies. These talented women skillfully navigated the challenges of concealing their burgeoning bellies, offering a unique glimpse into the art of disguise and storytelling.

Join us as we explore the remarkable stories of actresses who kept their pregnancies a well-guarded secret while bringing their characters to life on the big and small screen.

Julie Bowen was pregnant with twins while filming Modern Family's pilot© Modern Family

Julie Bowen was pregnant with twins while filming Modern Family’s pilot

During the first season of Modern Family, Julie Bowen, known for her portrayal of Claire Dunphy, went to great lengths to conceal her growing belly. She would wear oversized sweaters and shirts and even stand behind objects such as cereal boxes, pillows, laundry baskets, or other people to hide her pregnancy.

Unbeknownst to many, Bowen was pregnant with twins while filming the show’s pilot. Despite being eight-and-a-half months pregnant during her audition for the role of Claire, Bowen persevered and auditioned multiple times. She was determined to land the part and was even brought to tears. Despite her initial fears that her belly would cost her the role, Bowen ultimately succeeds and wins Claire’s part.

Zooey Deschanel took a break from filming New Girl season 5 because she was pregnant© New Girl

Zooey Deschanel took a break from filming New Girl season 5 because she was pregnant

Deschanel was pregnant during the fifth season of New Girl, and the show began production immediately after season 4 to feature her as much as possible before her maternity leave. Writers sent her character to do Jury Duty, and she didn’t appear in the following six episodes.

Courtney Cox was pregnant during the series finale of Friends© Friends

Courtney Cox was pregnant during the series finale of Friends

Courtney Cox gave birth to a daughter after the Friends finale in 2004. Courtney was pregnant with her then-husband, David Arquette, and gave birth a month after the release.

Halle Berry© Marvel Comics

Halle Berry as Storm

Halle Berry was pregnant with her second child while filming. The sexy mutant’s utility belt strategically concealed her baby bump.