Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson Episode: TY BURRELL — on almost not getting the role of Phil Dunphy on ‘Modern Family’ and his family’s tip for evading the cops Release Date: March 25, 2025

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Dinner’s on Me, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with his longtime friend and Modern Family co-star, Ty Burrell. The duo reconnects in a cozy Utah Airbnb, sharing candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes insights from their time on the beloved sitcom.

Reuniting Over Familiar Faces and Fond Memories

The episode kicks off with Jesse reminiscing about unforgettable moments shared with Ty and the entire Modern Family cast. From witnessing Ty's transformation into the iconic Phil Dunphy to memorable encounters with celebrities like Audra McDonald and President Obama, Jesse highlights the unique bond that developed over the show's 11-season run.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (00:30): "I watched Ty Burrell turn Phil Dunphy into a sitcom legend... The entire cast of that show shares a rare, unshakable bond."

Ty echoes these sentiments, recalling their time together at the SAG Awards and the spontaneous humor that defined their friendship.

Behind the Curtain: Auditioning for Phil Dunphy

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Ty's journey to landing the role of Phil Dunphy. Ty shares his initial struggles during auditions, including flopping his first attempts and receiving blunt feedback.

Ty Burrell (26:38): "He's not funny."

Jesse reflects on the intense audition process, emphasizing how different it was when Ty finally nailed the role through improvisation and a single-camera audition setup.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (26:45): "It's amazing the hoops you have to jump through. Wildly fascinating that that's how it is."

Life Beyond the Screen: Family and Relocation to Utah

Transitioning from professional experiences, Jesse and Ty discuss Ty's personal life, particularly his decision to move to Utah. Ty explains how his relationship with Holly and his early involvement with the Utah Shakespeare Festival influenced his choice to establish a family-oriented life away from the bustling Los Angeles scene.

Ty Burrell (13:44): "Holly's from here. That was a big part of it. I did some of my first theater at Utah Shakes... I fell in love with it."

Jesse admires Ty's ability to balance work and family, noting the wholesome and nature-connected lifestyle Utah offers, which resonates with the values portrayed in their on-screen family dynamics.

Adventures and Misadventures: From Massage Rooms to Police Chases

The conversation takes an entertaining turn as Jesse and Ty share amusing and occasionally chaotic stories from their lives. One standout moment is Ty recounting a harrowing yet funny incident involving his vintage VW Bug and a police chase.

Ty Burrell (34:05): "They give up."

The exchange between Jesse and Ty, punctuated by laughter, showcases their deep friendship and ability to find humor in unexpected situations.

Reflections on Modern Family: The Final Season and Its Impact

As the episode progresses, both hosts reflect on the emotional final season of Modern Family. They discuss the surreal experience of bidding farewell to a show that felt like a dream come true, grappling with the realization that such perfect jobs are rare.

Ty Burrell (42:55): "It was such a dream, such a daydream of a show that it was hard to make sense of what a perfect job it was."

Jesse adds his perspective on the show's legacy, highlighting the lasting impact it has had on both their personal and professional lives.

Looking Ahead: New Projects and Continued Creativity

Excitement builds as Ty introduces his upcoming project, Tightrope. The innovative show leverages green screen technology to place Ty into an old 1950s TV show, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling techniques.

Ty Burrell (45:17): "I'm playing the lead character in this pretty poorly made TV show from the 50s... It's all on green screen."

Jesse expresses enthusiasm for Ty's creative endeavors, anticipating the fresh dynamics and humor Ty will bring to his new role.

Heartfelt Goodbyes and Future Connections

Wrapping up the episode, Jesse and Ty exchange warm sentiments, celebrating their enduring friendship and the joy of reconnecting after years apart. They share a light-hearted moment in the Airbnb's hot tub, symbolizing the comfort and ease of their relationship.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (46:43): "I love you so much."

Ty Burrell (46:44): "I love you, too."

Notable Quotes:

• Ty Burrell (00:14): "If the police are chasing you, just leave. Just leave."
• Jesse Tyler Ferguson (07:08): "I miss you so much."
• Ty Burrell (26:38): "He's not funny."
• Ty Burrell (34:05): "They give up."
• Jesse Tyler Ferguson (42:55): "It was such a dream, such a daydream of a show that it was hard to make sense of what a perfect job it was."

This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives of two cherished actors, blending humor, sincerity, and nostalgia. Whether you're a fan of Modern Family or simply enjoy stories of friendship and personal growth, Jesse and Ty's conversation is both entertaining and inspiring.