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The ABC seriesModern Familyhas been a staple hit in the realm of sitcoms. And the captivating tales of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family not only garnered widespread attention amidst a sea of sitcoms but also propelled the show’s cast into the spotlight.
Among the actors whose career skyrocketed thanks to the show is Ty Burrell, who portrayed the lovable and goofy family man, Phil Dunphy. The role was pivotal, following the challenges and struggles he faced early in his career.
Modern Familystar Ty Burrell opened up about his early struggles as an actor
Before taking on the role of Phil Dunphyin the ABC sitcom,Modern Family,Ty Burrell’sacting credits included several film and TV roles, including the 2004 remake ofDawn of the Deadand Marvel’sThe Incredible Hulk.
However, his journey to Hollywood was far from smooth and had significant struggles, including homelessness, as he later opened up about. As perCBS News, the actor once reflected on the difficult period in his life, when he had to live in his van.
I had just gotten out of college. It was in Pennsylvania, I had just graduated from grad school. … I was getting these jobs for $200 a week — so, because I couldn’t afford rent, I decided to live in my van.
He continued explaining,
I was rousted a lot (by police). I moved almost every night. I had a whole routine where I would go shower at the gym. … And then I would go cruise the buffet table for breakfast at, like, a hotel.
Burrell, who has since emerged victorious as an actor with two Emmy awards under his belt, also revealed that his lifestyle at the time also caused issues in his personal life, admitting,“The van pretty much eliminated my dating life completely.”
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However, his persistence paid off with his gradual success in the industry. Following small and supporting roles in movies and TV shows, the actor landed his breakout role as Phil Dunphy inModern Family.
The evolution of Ty Burrell’s career and salary onModern Family
Starring as the loving father, husband, and realtor, Phil Dunphy inModern Family,Ty Burrell saw significant growth alongside the rest of the cast of the show throughout its 11-season run.
While the specific number in regards to his salary early in the show remains unknown,Varietyreported that the adult cast members of the show were initially paid between $30,000 to $60,000 per episode.
However, withthe show’s success and soaring popularity, the cast members began negotiating for higher pay. By Season 3, the cast members, including Burrell, Ed O’Neill,Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Eric Stonestreet were successfully able to renegotiate their contracts.
As perVariety, by the final two seasons of the sitcom,their salaries had nearly doubled,reaching almost $500,000 per episode from the previous $350,000 per episode paycheck.
Modern Familynot only boosted Burrell’s financial standing but also earned him critical acclaim. The 57-year-old actor received eight consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and won two Emmys for his portrayal of Phil Dunphy.
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In addition to his success on television, Burrell has found acclaim in animated films, lending his voice to projects likeMr. Peabody & Sherman, Finding Dory,andStorks. As perDeadline, he is now set to star in the reimagining of the 1950s drama seriesTightrope!with Bryan Cranston joining the project as executive producer.
Modern Familyis available to watch on Hulu.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3447
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
