Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
When creators cast the perfect sitcom character, they don’t just go with someone who is a talented actor, instead, they discover someone ‘is’ the character! Such is also the case for Ty Burrell’s Phil Dunphy onModern Family.
Getting him on board wasn’t an easy task, but they could see that he embodied the role. So here’s the whole story of how Burrell became one of the most loved and adored sitcom characters of all time.
Modern Family’s Phil Dunphy was written for Ty Burrell
In Marc Freeman’s book, titled,Modern Family, The Untold Oral History of One of Television’s Groundbreaking Sitcoms, he brought forth one of the most interesting casting stories (viaEntertainment Weekly). Creators Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd saw something extraordinary inTy Burrelllong before all of us, and they wrote the role of Phil for him.
We wrote Phil for Ty because there’s something about the fact that this guy is unrelentingly nice, never stops trying, and is a big kid. All of that applies to Ty.
However, the network was hesitant to cast him due to an underwhelming performance in an unsuccessful pilot. But Levitan defended the actor and maintained that the character himself was dull, and it had nothing to do with what Burrell could bring to the screen.
“It takes cool points away from Phil”: ‘Modern Family’ Went Too Far With Sofia Vergara’s Bombshell Look That Didn’t Age Well for Phil Dunphy
Despite the studio’s warnings, the creators did not compromise and believed in the potential that Burrell had. They even tested big names likeMatt LeBlanc, who passed on the role, and David Harbour who is known for playing Jim Hopper inStranger Things.
What Ty Burrell brought to the character of Phil Dunphy
Convincing the studio required relentless persuasion from the creators, and Ty Burrell’s first screen test for the network was utterly miserable. Moreover, performing it live was nerve-wracking, for the actor, but Lloyd and Levitan ultimately swayed the studio.
We knew him to be an extremely inventive and funny actor who hadn’t been properly exploited yet by Hollywood. We thought, “This guy is waiting to be a star.”
When Burrell finally landed the role inModern Family, it was clear as a day that the creators were right all along. The actor was so natural at portraying the character’s optimism, and childlike demeanor, unintentional funny-ness, that Phil Dunphy became unforgettable.
“The Godfather reference in Modern Family is a cinematic masterpiece”: 11 Years Ago, Ty Burrell Showed Why We Should be Scared of Phil Dunphy in One of the Most Goated Scenes in TV History
The role earned him two Emmy Awards, proving that sometimes, taking a chance on the underdog can lead to some unforeseen and great results. Whether it is his banter with the kids, awkwardness with Jay, or romance with Claire, Phil Dunphy never had a dull moment.
You can watchModern Familyon Peacock.
Sonika Kamble
Articles Published :1196
Sonika Kamble is an entertainment writer at Fandomwire, covering everything from timeless classics to newly released movies. With over 1000+ articles published, she delves into breakdowns, think pieces, speculations, and more.She enjoys connecting the dots and covering newfound angles about characters, scenes, and themes from movies directed by Scorsese, Fincher, Tarantino, Linklater, and other exceptional filmmakers.
More from Sonika Kamble
Honey Don’t! Cast: Is Chris Evans Playing a Villain in Margaret Qualley’s Upcoming August 22 Release
VMAs 2025 Sees Sabrina Carpenter Join Sombr and More: Song Predictions
Nobody 3 Can Turn Bob Odenkirk Into Walter White After Director’s Breaking Bad Tease
Recommended
We Were Liars Season 1 Ending Explained: Who Does Cadence Accidentally Kill?
Seth Rogen Had to Apologize for Comparing Clint Eastwood’s Biggest Movie to Inglourious Basterds
New ‘Harry Potter’ BTS Image Reveals Nick Frost’s Shockingly Perfect Look as Hagrid
Upload Season 4: How Many Episodes Will the Final Season Have?
Japan’s 10 Most-Watched Anime of 2025: Naruto Not Even in Top 5
18 Years Later, 47%-rated Mark Wahlberg Action Blockbuster Is Still Conquering Streaming
Modern FamilyPhil DunphyTy Burrell
