Eric Stonestreet Still Laughing Off Charlize Theron Romance Rumors

USMagazine, Monday, September 24, 2012, 9:20am (PDT)

Eric Stonestreet doesn't mind being linked to the hottest ladies in Hollywood -- and who can blame him?

Before the Modern Family star, 41, took home the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in L.A. September 23, Stonestreet joked with E! News' Ryan Seacrest, 37, about the Daily Mail's recent report that he is dating Academy Award winner Charlize Theron, 37. (The website claimed their relationship began after being introduced "by mutual friends in Los Angeles earlier this year.")

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Stonestreet first debunked the Daily Mail's report via Twitter, telling his followers, "I wish people would stop spreading rumors that Charlize Theron and I are dating. It's starting to make Halle Berry jealous."

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Though Berry, 46, is engaged to French actor Olivier Martinez, 46, that didn't stop Stonestreet from having a little fun. "She was so cold to me this morning when she saw these rumors," he said of the Monster's Ball actress. "It was just quiet -- fork and knife on the plate. Halle and I weren't speaking at all. And I'm like, 'Halle, listen! It's just a rumor. It's not a real.'"

Stonestreet added that he "would love to know" why anyone would link him to Theron, who split with actor Stuart Townsend in 2010 after nine years together and apparently hasn't had a serious relationship since. Given that Stonestreet and his longtime love Katherine Torkaz broke up earlier this summer, the actor invited a pal to be his plus one at the Emmy Awards.

"I brought my best friend, Paul, who looks nothing at all like Charlize Theron," Stonestreet said. "Paul dared me to audition for first play ever and he's one of the reasons I'm here tonight."

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Modern Family also won the award for Outstanding Comedy Series, while Stonestreet's costar, Julie Bowen, 42, took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Modern Family co-creator Steven Levitan, 50, won the award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Eric Stonestreet Still Laughing Off Charlize Theron Romance Rumors