From his humble beginnings in Grants Pass, Oregon, Ty Burrell has found success in both his professional and personal life. Known for his role as Phil Dunphy on the beloved TV series Modern Family, Ty is also a devoted husband to his wife, Holly Burrell, and a loving father to their two daughters, Frances and Greta.
Born in August 1967 to Sheri and the late Gary Burrell, Ty grew up alongside his younger brother, Duncan. After tying the knot with Holly in August 2000, the couple welcomed Frances in March 2010 and Greta in March 2012 through adoption.
In 2020, following the conclusion of Modern Family, Ty made the decision to relocate with his family to Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite initially feeling like outsiders in the outdoorsy community, Ty expressed his love for their new home in an interview with People in August 2025. He shared how the move has been wonderful for raising their kids, highlighting the beauty and benefits of their new surroundings.
Ty’s mother, Sheri, played a significant role in his upbringing as a dedicated teacher who instilled important values in him. Reflecting on his childhood, Ty praised his mother’s methodical teaching style and compassionate boundaries, which he now implements in his own parenting.
The actor’s father, Gary, a family therapist who worked in the foster system, left a lasting impact on Ty’s life. Despite his passing at a young age, Ty fondly remembers his father’s kindness, humor, and genuine interest in others. He credits his parents for taking chances and creating a memorable childhood for him and his brother.
As for Duncan Burrell, Ty’s younger brother, he has made a name for himself as a co-owner of various hospitality businesses in Utah. Duncan, who briefly appeared on Modern Family in 2013, is married to Kristine Noel and shares a child with her.
In his personal life, Ty found his soulmate in Holly, whom he met while working at the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, DC in the late ’90s. Their love story began during the opening night of a play they were both understudying, and Ty knew from their first date that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
Through their shared experiences and adventures, Ty and Holly have built a strong foundation for their family, cherishing the joys of parenthood and the bond they share with their daughters. As they navigate the ups and downs of life together, Ty remains grateful for the love and support of his family, both on and off the screen. NBC’s hit drama series, Parenthood, captured the hearts of viewers with its emotional storylines and relatable characters. The show, which aired for six seasons from March 2010 to January 2015, delved into topics such as cancer, marriage, bullying, and the challenges of parenting.
Peter Krause portrayed Adam Braverman, the responsible and caring patriarch of the Braverman family. Lauren Graham played Sarah Braverman, a single mother trying to navigate the ups and downs of life. Dax Shepard brought humor and charm to the role of Crosby Braverman, the youngest sibling in the family.
One of the standout aspects of Parenthood was its ability to tackle tough issues with sensitivity and authenticity. From Adam’s wife Kristina’s battle with breast cancer to Max Braverman’s struggles with Asperger’s syndrome, the show didn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of life.
Off-screen, the actors behind the beloved characters also had their own stories to tell. For instance, actress Monica Potter, who played Kristina Braverman, revealed that she had initially pursued a career in acting before finding her true passion in cooking. Potter attended culinary school in New York and eventually became a part-owner of a popular restaurant in Salt Lake City.
Another actor from the show, Ty Burrell, who portrayed Julia Braverman’s husband Joel Graham, also had a fascinating journey outside of Hollywood. Burrell and his wife Holly adopted two daughters, Frances and Greta, and have shared their adventures as a family, including traveling together and creating lasting memories.
Parenthood may have ended its run on television, but its impact on audiences and its cast members continues to resonate. The show’s themes of love, family, and resilience are timeless, making it a beloved favorite among fans.
