Few actors become so beloved for a single character that the character outshines everything else. For Ty Burrell, playing Phil Dunphy on Modern Family was that role. But after the show wrapped in 2020, Burrell quietly stepped away from Hollywood, leaving fans wondering what happened to the man behind America’s favorite goofy dad. Here’s what we actually know — and what remains unclear — about his life today.

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Age: 57 (as of 2025) ·
Net worth: $26 million (2025 estimate) ·
Children: 2 (both adopted) ·
Spouse: Holly Burrell (married 2000) ·
Famous role: Phil Dunphy on Modern Family ·
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Quick snapshot

1Health
  • Moved to Utah for a quieter life after Modern Family (Fox News interview)
  • Describes the move as “spectacular” for his family (Fox News)
2Family
3Career
  • Best known as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family (2009–2020) (IMDb)
  • Occasional voiceover work since leaving Hollywood (E! News)
4Finances
Key facts about Ty Burrell
Attribute Detail
Full name Tyler Gerald Burrell
Born August 22, 1967 (IMDb)
Spouse Holly Burrell (m. 2000) (IMDb)
Children 2 daughters (both adopted) (E! News)
Net worth $26 million (Just Jared)
Famous role Phil Dunphy on Modern Family (IMDb)

What has happened to Ty Burrell?

Move to Utah and a quieter life

After Modern Family ended its 11-season run in 2020, Burrell and his wife Holly relocated from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, Utah. In a 2025 interview with Fox News, Burrell said leaving Hollywood was a deliberate choice and that he has “no regrets” about the move. He described the transition as “spectacular” for his family life (Fox News interview).

Burrell hasn’t retired from acting entirely. According to an E! News report, he still does voiceover work — projects that let him spend more time at home and enjoy the Utah outdoors (E! News YouTube). The same report hinted that he is “itching to get back in front of the cameras,” suggesting a potential return down the line.

The upshot

Burrell’s move to Utah was a lifestyle decision, not a retirement announcement. He remains professionally active in a limited capacity while prioritizing family.

Burrell’s current daily life

Details about Burrell’s day-to-day routine are scarce. He is known to spend time with his two adopted daughters, Frances and Greta, and his wife in their Salt Lake City home. He has not maintained a public social media presence — no verified Instagram or Twitter accounts — which adds to the mystery (E! News). The choice to avoid the spotlight is consistent with his stated desire for a quieter life.

Bottom line: Ty Burrell has quietly traded the Hollywood spotlight for a family-centered life in Utah. He continues to do occasional voice work and may return to acting, but for now, his priority is clear: raising his two adopted daughters away from the cameras.

Why did Ty Burrell not go to the Modern Family Reunion?

When the cast of Modern Family reunited for a special event in 2023, one key face was missing: Ty Burrell. The absence sparked immediate fan speculation, including rumors that he had died. Burrell later confirmed he was alive and well, but the question remains: why didn’t he attend?

Conflicting schedules and priorities

According to representatives, Burrell was unable to attend due to prior commitments. No public feud or falling-out with the cast has been reported. The reunion went ahead without him, and several cast members expressed that they understood his absence (Fox News). The exact nature of the scheduling conflict was never disclosed.

What remains unclear

Without an official statement from Burrell himself, the specific reason for missing the reunion is unconfirmed. The incident highlights how protective he has become of his private life.

Why didn’t Ty Burrell go to Sarah Hyland’s wedding?

In August 2023, Sarah Hyland, who played Haley Dunphy on Modern Family, married Wells Adams. Burrell was originally chosen to officiate the ceremony — a role that would have echoed his character’s role as the father of the bride. But he had to cancel.

Original plan to officiate

Hyland confirmed in interviews that Burrell had agreed to be the officiant and that she was thrilled. “He’s like a dad to me,” she told People magazine (Fox News). The plan was a natural choice given their on-screen father-daughter bond.

Reason for cancellation

Burrell had to back out, reportedly due to health or scheduling reasons — neither of which were specified. Hyland said she was disappointed but understanding. “I get it. Life happens,” she told People (Fox News). The wedding proceeded with another officiant.

The trade-off

Burrell’s decision to step away from even a sentimental public role reinforces how seriously he takes his privacy. For fans hoping to see him return to the spotlight, this was a clear signal of his priorities.

Is Ty Burrell a millionaire?

Yes. Ty Burrell has accumulated significant wealth, primarily from his 11-year run on Modern Family. The show was a ratings juggernaut and continues to generate syndication revenue.

Six Modern Family stars, one pattern: Burrell ranks in the middle of the cast when it comes to net worth. A December 2025 ranking by the entertainment news site Just Jared estimated Burrell’s net worth at $26 million, placing him behind Ed O’Neill ($45 million) and ahead of several female cast members. The richest Modern Family star in that ranking was worth $180 million.

Even with a lower profile, Burrell’s financial position is secure — his syndication checks alone likely provide a steady income.

Does Ty Burrell have biological kids?

No. Both of Burrell’s daughters were adopted. He and his wife Holly adopted their first daughter, Frances, in 2010, and their second daughter, Greta, in 2012 (according to biographical reports). Details about the adoptions are private, and the family avoids discussing the children in public (E! News).

Why this matters: Burrell’s choice to adopt speaks to a personal value system that aligns with his decision to step away from Hollywood — family, not fame, remains his anchor.

Timeline signal

  • – Ty Burrell born in Grants Pass, Oregon (IMDb).
  • – Marries Holly Burrell (IMDb).
  • – Stars as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family (IMDb).
  • – Adopts first daughter, Frances (reported).
  • – Adopts second daughter, Greta (reported).
  • – Modern Family ends; Burrell begins Hollywood exit.
  • – Misses Modern Family reunion and Sarah Hyland’s wedding.
  • – Lives quietly in Utah; gives rare interview confirming lifestyle choice (Fox News).

Confirmed facts

  • Ty Burrell is alive and well, living in Utah.
  • He was born August 22, 1967, in Grants Pass, Oregon (IMDb).
  • He played Phil Dunphy on Modern Family from 2009 to 2020 (IMDb).
  • He moved to Utah after the show ended (Fox News).
  • His net worth is estimated at $26 million (Just Jared).
  • He has two adopted daughters with wife Holly (E! News).
  • He does not have biological children.
  • He was originally chosen to officiate Sarah Hyland’s wedding (Fox News).
  • He did not attend the Modern Family reunion special.

What’s unclear

  • Exact reason for missing the reunion (prior commitments, no official elaboration).
  • Specific health reasons for canceling Sarah Hyland’s wedding officiation.
  • Whether he will ever return to regular acting.
  • His net worth: $26 million per one 2025 ranking; other estimates vary.

In his own words

“I don’t have any regrets [about leaving Hollywood]. It’s been spectacular for our family.”

Ty Burrell, Fox News interview

“He’s like a dad to me. I was so disappointed, but I understand. Life happens.”

Sarah Hyland, speaking to People magazine

“Burrell does voiceover work so he can spend more time with family and enjoy the Utah outdoors. He’s itching to get back in front of the cameras.”

E! News correspondent, E! News YouTube

For Burrell, the choice to prioritize family over fame is clear. Whether Hollywood will welcome him back if he decides to return is an open question. His fans can at least take comfort knowing that America’s favorite TV dad is exactly where he wants to be — enjoying a quiet, happy life with his wife and daughters in Utah.

Fans of beloved sitcoms who want to understand similar career moves in television might find it interesting that similar career moves in television also explore why actors step away from iconic roles.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Ty Burrell doing now?

Ty Burrell lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife and two daughters. He does occasional voiceover work but has largely stepped away from acting to focus on family.

How tall is Ty Burrell?

Ty Burrell is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall, according to most biographical sources.

What is Ty Burrell’s age?

Ty Burrell was born on August 22, 1967, making him 57 years old as of 2025.

Does Ty Burrell have an Instagram account?

No, Ty Burrell does not have a verified Instagram account. He maintains a very low social media profile.

Is Ty Burrell still acting?

Not in a major capacity. He does voiceover work but has not taken any on-screen roles since Modern Family ended.

What other TV shows has Ty Burrell been in?

Beyond Modern Family, Burrell has appeared in Back to You, Out of Practice, and Law & Order, among others.

How did Ty Burrell meet his wife?

Ty Burrell met Holly Burrell while both were living in Los Angeles. They married in 2000.

What is Ty Burrell’s real name?

His full birth name is Tyler Gerald Burrell.

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