Ty Burrell perfectly portrayed Phil Dunphy in Modern Family, but he was almost played by another actor who had gained fame in a previous successful show, Friends.
“Modern Family,” created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, was a highly successful sitcom that aired for almost 11 years. It consistently received high ratings, won numerous awards and nominations, and had a dedicated fan base. The show tackled important themes and systemic issues while providing viewers with valuable life lessons. Phil Dunphy, played by Ty Burrell, became a beloved and relatable television father figure in pop culture.
It was Matt LeBlanc who played Joey Tribbiani on Friends.
During an interview with USA Today, The actor from “Friends” stated that he was offered the role of Phil Dunphy in the pilot episode of “Modern Family.” Matt LeBlanc acknowledged that he was not the right fit for the character and that the role was originally written for Ty Burrell, who ultimately portrayed Phil. Despite this, the network had pushed for another actor, and LeBlanc was approached in 2009.
“I remember reading it thinking, This is a really good script, but I’m not the guy for this.’ I’d be doing the project an injustice to take this. I know what I can do, I know what I can’t do. Plus, I’m having too much fun laying on the couch,” LeBlanc said.
Ultimately, everything turned out well for all the actors involved. LeBlanc went on to star in the series “Episodes,” in which he plays a fictionalized version of himself in a satirical show business setting. The show was a commercial and critical success airing for five seasons. Matt LeBlanc was nominated for four Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series; he won a Golden Globe in 2011 for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Episodes.
