Let’s talk about Ty Burrell, the guy who stole our hearts as Phil Dunphy in "Modern Family." Sure, he’s a comedy genius on-screen, but his real-life story is just as heartwarming. Ty has been living his best life with his wife, Holly Burrell, since 2000. They’ve built a beautiful family together, proving that love and laughter go hand in hand. So, how did these two lovebirds meet? Let’s dive in and find out.
How Did Ty Burrell Meet Holly Burrell?
Now, this is where their love story begins. Ty and Holly first crossed paths on the opening night of the play "Twelfth Night," where they were both understudies. Picture this: it’s opening night at the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, D.C., and Ty sees Holly for the very first time. Sparks flew right there and then. They say love finds you when you least expect it, and for Ty, it was definitely love at first sight.
Ty’s feelings for Holly didn’t take long to develop. He knew she was the one from their very first date. But, like many of us, Ty wasn’t exactly quick to act on his emotions. In a 2010 interview with Redbook, he admitted, “I was slow on the uptake, so it took me a couple of years to work up the courage to ask for her hand in marriage after dating.”
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So, what made Ty finally decide it was time to pop the question? He shared his story with Elle in March 2011: “I was in Mississippi playing Oberon in a not-so-great production of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream.' Against her conservative parents’ wishes, she was coming down to live with me in a roach-infested former army bunker. I was making $250 a week and had zero prospects for the future. Driving to the airport, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion, thinking, I need to marry this woman because she clearly loves me for who I am. I had literally nothing going for me, and she was actually seeking me out.”
Fast forward to 2000, and the couple tied the knot. Over the years, their bond has only grown stronger. In a 2014 interview with Good Housekeeping, Ty revealed, “My wife has taught me about unconditional love. When there’s a conflict, there’s never a thought that we won’t work it out.” And when it comes to ending arguments, Ty has a simple yet effective approach. “To end an argument with Holly, I apologize. That’s normally the accurate response, because I’m usually wrong,” he added.
Now, here’s something interesting about Ty—he’s not your typical romantic guy. In fact, he joked about it in the same interview: “I’m not very romantic. My idea of romance is more practical—like washing the car.” But hey, sometimes the little things matter the most, right?

What Does Holly Burrell Do For a Living?
While Holly initially started her career in acting, she eventually decided that it wasn’t her lifelong passion. Instead, she enrolled in classes at the French Culinary Institute at the International Culinary Center in New York and pursued her dream of becoming a professional chef. Holly’s love for food has become a shared joy in her marriage with Ty. “Food is a primary source of joy for us. We both love to eat. We are definitely not in the first category,” Holly revealed in an interview with The Utah Farm Bureau Federation in August 2020.
Ty and Holly Burrell Welcome Two Daughters
Ty and Holly have expanded their family by welcoming two daughters, Greta and Frances, through adoption. Parenthood has brought a new level of fulfillment to their lives. “There’s lots of problem solving in any marriage, but when you have this collective goal that is a human being, it’s an inspiring rally point,” Ty shared.
Ty is a devoted dad who cherishes every moment with his daughters. He also understands the importance of maintaining a strong connection with Holly. “Before we had our two daughters, Holly and I took spending time together for granted,” he admitted. “Now it requires focus to get away for a date, which I think is kind of cool.”
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One of Ty’s favorite moments of the day involves his daughters. “My favorite part of the day is the moment when one of our daughters climbs into our bed in the morning and physically opens my eyelids—even if I’m not ready to wake up,” he shared with a laugh. It’s these little moments that remind us of the beauty of family life.


