Ariel Winter couldn’t be more excited to return to “Modern Family” Season 9 this month and reprise her role as Alex Dunphy.

In real life, Winter is already 19 years old, and her character in the hit ABC series is around the same age. Alex is the smartest child of Claire (Julie Bowen) and Phil (Ty Burrell), but she is also the one doesn’t really enjoy going out and making new friends.

While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, “Modern Family” creator Steven Levitan said that Alex will go through some changes in the upcoming episodes. “Ariel is growing up online, on TV, in the public eye. Just like Alex, she’s trying to find her equilibrium, find out who she is,” he said.

Winter also described her arc in “Modern Family” and said that she hopes people could get rid of the notion that smart people have to dress down. The actress also shares the same practice in the real world. “If you want to wear a short skirt and show your body like I do, it doesn’t mean you’re a whore. And it doesn’t mean you’re not one. People call me stupid because I post photos of my butt when the real thing is, I love my butt. I love butts! Why stifle yourself because other people can’t handle it?” she said.

Meanwhile, Winter also opened up about going to college this month. The actress was accepted at Yale, Princeton and UCLA. Growing up, the actress said that her education was set aside because of her work. But this year, she will go to college because she wants to learn. The actress is interested in politics, law and social justice.

In other news, “Modern Family” Season 9 will premiere on Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. EDT. The series has tapped “Desperate Housewives” alum Vanessa Williams to guest star in episode 2 as Rhonda, according to Entertainment Weekly. The newcomer will be taking Alex’s older sister, Haley (Sarah Hyland), under her wing. As of late, it is still unclear whether or not Williams and Winter will share screen time together.

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