20 ‘Modern Family’ Facts That Are Even Wackier Than The Characters On The Show
In Modern Family, America saw itself reflected on the screen. By shedding light on families with multiple marriages, age gaps, and diversity, the show tackled functional dysfunction and celebrated identity. Audiences have been cackling alongside the characters that make up the Dunphy and Pritchett families for over a decade! And with such a huge ensemble cast, naturally, a lot happened off camera that factored into the show's success.
1. Ed Saw Opportunity: When Ed O'Neill — who played Al Bundy in Married... With Children — first read through the Modern Family script, he recognized greatness. So much so that he predicted the show would last ten years. And wouldn't you know it, it did!
2. Almost Not Phil: Ty Burrell is Phil Dunphy. However, initially, the show's creators weren't convinced the actor was right for the part. To test him, they had him and Sarah Hyland act out their father-daughter roles in the creator's own home.
3. Possible Phils: Other actors could have potentially taken the role of Phil had his audition not gone so hot. Rob Huebel regretted passing up the part, but he scored a spot as Phil's rival, Glen Whipple. Two other curious choices were Matt Leblanc and Hollywood novelty Brendan Fraser.
4. Sarah's Health: Her character might be a bit of a shallow teenage goof, but Sarah Hyland has had to face serious personal hardships. In 2012, she received a kidney transplant from her father while battling kidney dysplasia. Unfortunately, her body rejected it, and she had to undergo a second transplant from her brother in 2017.