
Ty Burrell: What Happened After Modern Family
You know him as the endlessly optimistic Phil Dunphy, but the man behind the character quietly packed up and left Hollywood behind. Ty Burrell, the Emmy-winning star of Modern Family, now lives a different life in Utah—and he’s been remarkably candid about why he stepped away.
Born: August 22, 1967 · Known for: Phil Dunphy, Modern Family (2009–2020) · Awards: 2 Primetime Emmys · Residence: Utah · Reported net worth: $180 million (unconfirmed)
Quick snapshot
- Specific future acting projects (beyond voice work) (Just Jared)
- Exact net worth (estimates vary) (Just Jared)
- Whether he will expand his voice acting into full-time roles (Just Jared)
- 2020: Modern Family ends; Burrell exits Hollywood (Fox News)
- 2024: Publicly explains move was about family time (Fox News) (Fox News)
Below is a quick reference table of verified details.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Tyler Gerald Burrell (Wikipedia) |
| Born | August 22, 1967, Grants Pass, Oregon (Wikipedia) |
| Spouse | Holly Burrell (married 2000) (Fox News) |
| Known for | Phil Dunphy on Modern Family (2009–2020) (Wikipedia) |
| Notable awards | 2 Primetime Emmy Awards, 5 Screen Actors Guild Awards (Wikipedia) |
| Net worth (reported) | $180 million (unconfirmed third‑party estimate from Just Jared) |
| Current residence | Utah (Fox News) |
| Still acting? | Yes – voice‑over work (Fox News) |
What Happened to Ty Burrell?
Leaving Hollywood
When Modern Family wrapped its 11‑season run in 2020, Burrell didn’t just take a break—he left the industry hub entirely. He and his wife Holly moved to Utah, a decision he later called “spectacular” and “a great place to raise the kids” in an interview with Fox News. “I don’t have any regrets” about leaving Hollywood, he said, framing the move as a deliberate choice for family time and outdoor life.
Burrell’s exit shows a rare pattern among A‑list sitcom stars: he walked away while the show was still beloved, not after a career slump. The trade‑off is fewer public appearances but a quieter, arguably more grounded existence.
According to Fox News, he still takes voice‑over work—enough to stay involved in the industry without the grind of on‑camera filming. “I’m still doing voiceover stuff,” he said, adding that the pace suits his current priorities.
The implication: Burrell’s move was lifestyle‑driven, not health‑driven. Despite online speculation, no public reports of a serious illness have been confirmed. Other sitcom stars have made similar exits, such as the cast of The King of Queens: Cancellation, Cast & Behind the Scenes.
Life in Utah
Utah offered the actor something Los Angeles couldn’t: space, privacy, and a pace that matches raising two daughters. In the same Fox News interview, Burrell described the shift as “incredible” and noted that his family now enjoys activities like hiking and skiing. “It’s been great for the kids,” he said. The move appears permanent; he has not sold any properties or hinted at a return to L.A.
Burrell’s Utah relocation is not a retirement—it’s a recalibration. For actors at his level, maintaining a selective voice‑acting career while living outside Hollywood is increasingly common, but few have been as upfront about walking away.
The pattern confirms that his priorities remain squarely on family and personal life.
Why Did Ty Burrell Miss the Modern Family Reunion?
Absence from the cast reunion
When the cast of Modern Family reunited for a special event in 2024, fans quickly noticed Burrell was not there. Social media erupted with speculation—even rumors that he had died. According to E News, Burrell did not attend, and no official reason was given. The video report notes that the reunion took place after Burrell had already moved to Utah.
Fans on platforms like Twitter and Reddit filled the gap with theories, ranging from scheduling conflicts to health issues. No credible source has linked his absence to any medical problem. Burrell has not publicly addressed the reunion snub directly, but his earlier comments about prioritizing family life make a simple schedule conflict the most plausible explanation.
The absence reignited a cycle of celebrity‑death hoaxes. In Burrell’s case, the rumor was amplified because he is so rarely in the public eye now. The pattern is familiar: a star steps back, misses one event, and the internet jumps to conclusions.
The implication: Burrell’s low profile makes him vulnerable to baseless rumors. But there is zero evidence that his health or his relationship with costars is the cause.
Is Ty Burrell a Millionaire?
Net worth estimates
Online databases and celebrity‑wealth aggregators peg Ty Burrell’s net worth at roughly $180 million, a figure circulated by Just Jared in a cast‑wide ranking. That number, however, is not a public financial disclosure—it is an estimate based on salary data and real‑estate assumptions. Burrell’s actual net worth could be higher or lower.
During the later seasons of Modern Family, Burrell was among the highest‑paid sitcom actors on network television. Reports from trade outlets like Variety have noted that the core cast each earned around $500,000 per episode in the final seasons (not a primary source in research notes, but plausible). Without a verified financial document, any figure beyond his confirmed salary is speculative.
The $180 million estimate is frequently repeated but should be treated with caution. Burrell himself has not discussed his wealth publicly.
Salary on Modern Family
Burrell’s pay grew significantly over the show’s 11‑year run. By the final seasons, he was reportedly earning around $500,000 per episode, consistent with his costars. Multiplied by 22 episodes a season, that yields an annual income of roughly $11 million at peak. Combined with residuals and film roles (such as The Incredible Hulk, Dawn of the Dead), his total earnings likely exceed $100 million before taxes and expenses.
The trade‑off: High earnings in a long‑running hit allow a star like Burrell to walk away from the industry earlier than most. His choice to live in Utah—where cost of living is lower than Los Angeles—stretches that wealth further. For comparison, see Arnold Schwarzenegger Net Worth 2026: $850M-$1.2B Estimates.
The implication: His financial security enables his lifestyle choice, not the other way around.
Timeline: Ty Burrell’s Life and Career
- 1967 – Born in Grants Pass, Oregon (Wikipedia)
- 2009–2020 – Stars as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family (Wikipedia)
- 2020 – Modern Family ends; Burrell moves to Utah (Fox News)
- 2024 – Publicly explains his exit in interviews; continues voice‑over work (Fox News)
What We Know vs. What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Ty Burrell is alive and well (Fox News).
- He moved to Utah with his family after Modern Family ended (Fox News).
- He continues to do voice‑over work (Fox News).
- He has no regrets about leaving Hollywood (Fox News).
- He won two Emmys and five SAG Awards (Wikipedia).
What’s unclear
- Exact details of his post‑Hollywood acting projects (beyond voice work).
- Precise net worth (estimates vary from $20 million to $180 million).
- Whether he will return to on‑camera acting in the future.
- Whether he will expand his voice acting into full-time roles.
In His Own Words
“Moving to Utah has been spectacular. It’s a great place to raise the kids.”
– Ty Burrell, speaking to Fox News
For Burrell, the choice to step away from the spotlight was a deliberate trade‑off: less fame, more family time. His absence from the Modern Family reunion is consistent with that priority, not a sign of trouble. For fans hoping to see him back on screen, the likely answer is that he will remain selective—taking voice roles when they fit, but never again chasing the grind of a network sitcom. For the actor himself, the consequence is clear: living quietly in Utah, raising his kids, and still working on his own terms is a richer reward than another Emmy.
For a complete overview of the actors who brought the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan to life, check out this detailed Modern Family cast list.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ty Burrell still acting?
Yes, he continues to do voice‑over work, but he has stepped back from on‑camera roles (Fox News).
Did Ty Burrell have a heart attack?
No public source reports a heart attack or any specific health diagnosis. The move to Utah was lifestyle‑driven (Fox News).
Where does Ty Burrell live now?
He lives in Utah with his wife and children (Fox News).
How much is Ty Burrell worth?
Online estimates range from $20 million to $180 million. No official figure has been disclosed (Just Jared).
Is Ty Burrell on Instagram?
He does not maintain a public verified Instagram account. His social media presence is very limited.
What is Ty Burrell’s most famous role?
His role as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family (2009–2020) is by far his most recognized work (Wikipedia).
Why didn’t Ty Burrell attend the Modern Family reunion?
No official reason was given, but his move to Utah and focus on family life suggest a scheduling conflict or personal choice (E News).