Phil Dunphy is one of the most lovable dads in sitcom history: goofy, endlessly enthusiastic and always trying a little too hard to be the ‘cool dad’. According to his Modern Family co-stars, the man who played him isn’t so different.
Phil in Real Life
The cast reportedly agrees that Ty Burrell is the actor most similar to his character off screen. Given Phil’s childlike energy, big heart and fondness for magic tricks and terrible puns, that’s a fun thought for fans.
A Role That Fit Perfectly
Burrell played Phil for all 11 seasons and won two Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, in 2011 and 2014. Much of the character’s appeal came from Burrell’s gift for physical comedy and his ability to make Phil’s optimism feel genuine rather than silly.
Phil’s famous ‘Phil’s-osophy’ sayings, his bromance with Cam and his eagerness to impress Jay all became fan favourites, and it’s easy to see why the cast would see a bit of Ty in all of it.
Of course, Burrell is a skilled actor who brought plenty of craft to the role. But if his castmates are right, some of that warmth and silliness came straight from the real person behind the character.