The Post-Dunphy Dad: 5 Surprising New Ventures Of Phil Dunphy Actor Ty Burrell
Ty Burrell, the actor forever synonymous with the lovable, 'cool dad' Phil Dunphy, has made a dramatic pivot in his career and personal life since Modern Family wrapped its 11-season run in 2020. While fans of the Emmy-winning performer might expect him to be chasing blockbuster movie roles in Hollywood, Burrell has instead embraced a quieter life and a surprising new career as a restaurateur in the mountains of Utah. This article, updated for late 2024, dives into his full biography, his confirmed new TV series, and the major Hollywood projects he recently walked away from.
The transition from a decade-long staple on network television to a hands-on business owner in Salt Lake City is a fascinating one, but Burrell is not entirely done with acting. He has an exciting new comedic role on a major streaming platform, proving that his signature brand of slapstick comedy is still in high demand, even as he prioritizes his family life away from the Los Angeles spotlight.
Ty Burrell: Complete Biography and Career Profile
Tyler Gerald "Ty" Burrell is an American actor best known for his portrayal of the real estate agent and family man Phil Dunphy on the critically acclaimed ABC sitcom Modern Family (2009–2020).
- Full Name: Tyler Gerald Burrell
- Date of Birth: August 22, 1967
- Place of Birth: Grants Pass, Oregon, U.S.
- Education: Attended the University of Oregon and received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Penn State University.
- Spouse: Holly Burrell (m. 2000)
- Children: Two adopted daughters.
- Career Breakthrough: Phil Dunphy in Modern Family.
- Key Awards: Two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2011, 2014) and five Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
- Notable Pre-Modern Family Roles: Appeared in films like Black Hawk Down (2001), Dawn of the Dead (2004), and The Incredible Hulk (2008). He often joked that prior to his big break, he was "always the guy who got killed or fired" in his roles.
- Voice Acting: Known for voicing Bailey in the Pixar film Finding Dory (2016).
Ty Burrell’s New Act: The Confirmed Roku Series and the ABC Pilot That Was Passed On
After the conclusion of Modern Family, Ty Burrell took a deliberate step back from the high-pressure environment of Hollywood, but he has recently committed to two major television projects, one of which is moving forward into production.
1. The Confirmed Comedy Noir: Tightrope! (Roku)
Burrell is set to star in the upcoming comedy series Tightrope! for the Roku streaming platform. This project is a comedic reimagining of the 1950s crime drama series of the same name.
The new version will reshape the original drama into a slapstick comedy, perfectly suited for Burrell’s talents. The series is being executive produced by none other than Bryan Cranston, known for Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle, signaling a high-profile return to TV for the Modern Family star.
2. The ABC Pilot That Didn't Get Picked Up: Forgive & Forget
In early 2024, it was announced that Burrell was set to star in and executive produce a new multicamera comedy pilot for ABC, the network that was home to Modern Family. The pilot was titled Forgive & Forget, where Burrell would play the character Hank, a man who suffers from memory loss.
However, in a key update for the 2024-2025 TV season, ABC ultimately decided to pass on the project. The pilot, which had wrapped production in June 2024, will not be moving forward to a full series order. This confirmed status is a crucial piece of current news for fans eager to see his return to network sitcoms.
From Hollywood Star to Salt Lake City Restaurateur
Perhaps the most surprising chapter in Ty Burrell’s post-Modern Family life is his move away from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, Utah. Burrell and his wife, Holly, relocated their family to Utah, citing a desire for a different environment to raise their two daughters.
He has publicly stated that he has "no regrets" about leaving the glitz and glamour of Hollywood behind, finding the move to be "spectacular" for his family.
A New Career as a Hospitality Entrepreneur
Burrell’s career change is more than just a lifestyle shift; he has become a significant figure in the Salt Lake City hospitality scene. His venture into the food and beverage industry began during the early days of Modern Family, as he and his wife were living in Utah when he wasn't filming.
He is a co-owner of several popular establishments, demonstrating a passion for business and community that mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit of his on-screen persona, Phil Dunphy. His Salt Lake City businesses include:
- Bar-X: A popular, historic cocktail bar.
- Beer Bar: A beer-focused bar and restaurant, often helmed by local Utah chefs like Viet Pham.
- The Cotton Bottom Inn: A historic, beloved local eatery.
- The Eating Establishment: A classic Park City diner and breakfast spot.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Burrell also gained local recognition for his philanthropic efforts, joining the Salt Lake City Mayor to help provide assistance to out-of-work servers and bartenders in the city, further cementing his commitment to his adopted home.
The Enduring Legacy of Phil Dunphy
While Ty Burrell is forging a new path as a Salt Lake City entrepreneur and selective TV actor, his legacy as Phil Dunphy remains one of the most beloved comedic performances of the 21st century. His character, known for his "Phil's-osophies," pipe dreams, and dedication to his wife Claire and their children, earned him two Emmy Awards and resonated deeply with audiences globally.
Burrell’s ability to blend physical comedy with genuine heart made the Dunphy family dynamic a highlight of the Modern Family ensemble. Even with his latest projects, like the Roku series Tightrope!, and his successful Utah businesses, fans will forever see a little bit of the ultimate cool dad in everything he does.
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