Ty Burrell Clears Up “Modern Family” Death Rumor
The Dunphy family bond remains strong, even off-screen. “Modern Family” star Ty Burrell, known for his role as the lovable Phil Dunphy, recently addressed a circulating rumor about his supposed death. During an appearance on former co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast, “Dinner’s on Me,” Burrell, 57, explained how missing a cast reunion sparked the online speculation about his passing. This revelation provides clarity for concerned fans of the hit sitcom.
The Genesis of the Rumor: Missed Reunion Fuels Speculation
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, 49, reminisced about a past “Modern Family” gathering, prompting Burrell to recall, “That I couldn’t make it to.” Ferguson jokingly added, “That hilariously,” leading Burrell to state wryly, “Well, I died. Remember how I died? Do you remember when I died?”
Social Media Sets Off Frenzy
The confusion began in November 2023 when Sofia Vergara shared photos on Instagram from what she dubbed the “first ‘Modern Family’ reunion!” The snapshot featured Vergara, Ferguson, Ed O’Neill, Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, along with series creators Christopher Lloyd and Steve Levitan.
Burrell was notably absent, but present in a framed photograph held by the group. A subsequent video message from the cast saying, “We miss you, Ty!” only amplified online chatter and misinterpretation.
Burrell’s Explanation: Surgery, Not Passing
Burrell clarified to Ferguson, “Everybody in the cast was telling me that, you know, apparently I passed.” The reality was that Burrell had undergone a necessary surgical procedure, preventing him from attending the reunion. Photos circulating online of his absence were simply images from his hospital stay.
SAG Awards Appearance Dispels Rumors
Just months later, the six “Modern Family” parents – Burrell, Bowen, Ferguson, O’Neill, Stonestreet, and Vergara – presented an award at the 2024 SAG Awards. This public appearance effectively quelled any lingering doubts about Burrell’s health.
Ferguson recounted on “The Tonight Show,” “We all canceled those very important things, and we figured out a way to come together because the last time we had a reunion, Ty Burrell wasn’t able to come, and so we posed with a photo of Ty… and then the internet thought he was dead!”
Fan Interest in a “Modern Family” Reboot Remains High
Beyond the rumor, fans continue to express enthusiasm for a potential reboot of the acclaimed series, which aired on ABC for 11 seasons between 2009 and 2020. Julie Bowen expressed her eagerness for a revival to the New York Post in October, stating, “Of course, I would be game. I can’t imagine any of us wouldn’t be. We’re stupid for each other.”
However, the likelihood of a reboot remains uncertain. Bowen acknowledged, “I have no idea. You know, that’s up to [Steven] Levitan and [Christopher] Lloyd in the end.”