Summary (tl;dr)

Actress Sarah Hyland is currently trending after a surprising and well-received vocal performance with the cast of the Broadway musical "Just in Time" at the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Many viewers were unaware of her musical theater background, leading to widespread interest and discussion.

Essential Background

Sarah Hyland gained widespread recognition for her role as Haley Dunphy in the long-running ABC sitcom "Modern Family," which concluded in 2020. While primarily known for her television work, Hyland has a history in theater, having made her Broadway debut at age 16 in "Grey Gardens" in 2006. More recently, she returned to the stage, starring as Audrey in the Off-Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors" in 2024 and then as Daisy Buchanan in the Broadway musical "The Great Gatsby" in early 2025.

The Full Story

Sarah Hyland is currently trending due to her recent high-energy performance at the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She joined the cast of the Broadway musical "Just in Time," where she plays Connie Francis, to perform a medley of Bobby Darin hits, including "Splish Splash." Her powerful vocals and stage presence during the live broadcast caught many viewers by surprise, as they were predominantly familiar with her comedic role in "Modern Family" and unaware of her singing abilities. This led to a significant surge in online searches and social media buzz, with many expressing astonishment and admiration for her musical talent. Hyland officially joined "Just in Time" on Broadway on October 8, 2025.

Why It Matters

The trend highlights Sarah Hyland's successful transition and re-emergence as a prominent musical theater performer, challenging public perceptions primarily shaped by her television career. Her parade performance served as a major platform, watched by millions, to showcase her versatile talents beyond sitcom acting. This moment could signify a significant shift in her career trajectory, opening doors for more leading roles in live theater and broadening her appeal to a wider audience who now recognize her as a "triple threat." The public's enthusiastic reaction underscores a general interest in seeing beloved television personalities succeed in new and unexpected artistic ventures.

Geographic Location

• Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States (Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performance)
• Circle in the Square Theatre, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States (Broadway musical "Just in Time" run)