Julie Bowen (born March 3, 1970) is an American actress. She was born Julie Bowen Luetkemeyer in Baltimore, Maryland.

She attended Brown University majoring in Italian Renaissance studies and spending a year abroad in Florence, Italy. As a college student she had roles in Guys and Dolls, Stage Door and Lemon Sky; before graduating she got a lead role in the independent film Five Spot Jewel, a role which earned her the attention of an agent.