Ty Burrell
has forever cemented his status as America’s favorite dad. Through an iconic run as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, Burrell’s quirky humor, heartfelt moments, and perfect comedic timing have made him a household sitcom name. However, beyond television, Burrell has also built an impressive filmography. For instance, he’s surprisingly a member of the iconic Black Hawk Down cast, in which he delivers an unsuspectedly grounded performance. Amid the film’s gripping intensity, Burrell proved himself to be a true, versatile actor.
Burrell’s performance in Modern Family remains by far his most iconic, with Mr. Dunphy’s hilarious, signature sense of childlike wonder redefining the otherwise cheesy sitcom dad. Additionally, as a member of the Mr. Peabody & Sherman voice cast, Burrell’s versatility extends beyond live-action media. This unexpectedly dynamic career is filled with diverse roles, making it hard to pick 10 of the best, especially with so many projects we forgot Ty Burrell was in besides Modern Family. With the ability to effortlessly coexist in many different movie settings, Burrell’s career is certainly one worth analyzing.
10
Finding Dory
As Bailey (2016)
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7.3/10
Finding Dory
PG
ComedyAnimationAdventure
The sequel to Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Finding Dory focuses on the character of Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) as she sets off to locate her parents. Still living with amnesia after the events of Finding Nemo, Dory is unable to remember her parents, but an unexpected flashback prompts her to find them. Her journey takes her not only across the ocean but also out of it, enlisting all manner of marine life to help her in her quest.
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Release Date
June 17, 2016
Runtime
97 Minutes
Franchise(s)
Finding Nemo
, Disney
Cast
Ellen DeGeneres
, Idris Elba
, Michael Sheen
, Eugene Levy
, Ty Burrell
, Kaitlin Olson
, Albert Brooks
, Diane Keaton
, Ed O’Neill
, Dominic West
, Hayden Rolence
Director
Angus MacLane
, Andrew Stanton
Writers
Andrew Stanton
, Victoria Strouse
Prequel(s)
Finding Nemo
Expand
Ty Burrell brought his signature humor to Pixar’s Finding Dory without even having to show his face. Bailey, the lovable beluga whale with a knack for self-deprecating charm, proved to be the perfect animated role for America’s favorite dad. Burrell in Finding Dory generated a heartwarming subplot in the film, making him a standout in the ensemble. With witty dialogue and wholesome chemistry with characters, Burrell brings a lot to the table when it comes to Finding Dory‘s success as a film.
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His ability to infuse a playful awkwardness into the character solely with his voice chops adds a crucial relatability. He demonstrates similar skills in Modern Family, another reason this show was so popular over the years. Burrell’s over-dramatic persona pairs with the roles he plays best. It’s no surprise fans still joke about Bailey being the marine version of Phil Dunphy. It’s honestly just as funny as it is interesting that such a strong personality can permeate through different character roles.
9
Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
As Mr. Peabody
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10/10
Mr. Peabody and Sherman
PG
AnimationAdventureFamily
Mr. Peabody and Sherman is an animated film directed by Rob Minkoff. The plot centers around Mr. Peabody, a highly intelligent dog, and his adopted human son, Sherman, as they use their time-traveling device, the WABAC, to embark on various historical adventures. Ty Burrell voices Mr. Peabody, and Max Charles voices Sherman. The pair must navigate the challenges of parenting and the consequences of tampering with history.
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Release Date
February 7, 2014
Runtime
92 Minutes
Cast
Ty Burrell
, Max Charles
, Ariel Winter
, Allison Janney
, Stephen Colbert
Director
Rob Minkoff
Writers
Craig Wright
In 2014, Burrell stepped into the polished, once again animated shoes of Mr. Peabody. Taking on the role of a hyper-intelligent dog (practically still Phil Dunphy) and adoptive father, Burrell’s portrayal perfectly balances Peabody’s intellect with fatherly clumsiness. The results are quite brilliant; Mr. Peabody & Sherman is hilarious and Burrell steals the spotlight, especially during scenes where Mr. Peabody is navigating through historical monuments including King Tut and Leonardo da Vinci.
Ty Burrell was initially hesitant to take on the role of Mr. Peabody because he felt the character’s iconic voice, originally performed by Bill Scott, was so beloved and unique.
One of the most iconic recurring themes in this film is Peabody’s pun-filled personality. To defuse tense situations, the dog voiced by Burrell constantly fills the room with humorous quips. Overall, Burrell’s nuanced performance directly ensures that his character feels both relatable and extraordinary. He nailed this with Bailey, and certainly with Phil Dunphy. It’s simply Burrell’s genius portrayal of the everyday hero.
8
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
As Jean Pierre Napoleon
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8/10
Muppets Most Wanted
PG
FamilyMusical
A sequel to 2011’s The Muppets, Muppets Most Wanted is a musical comedy film that sees the titular Jim Henson Muppets on the run from the law in Europe when a criminal genius named Constantine, who looks exactly like Kermit the Frog, replaces him after completing a major heist. The movie follows the Kermits as one tries to hide amongst his innocent friends, and the other tries to escape prison and clear his name.
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Release Date
March 21, 2014
Runtime
107minutes
Franchise(s)
Muppets
Cast
Tina Fey
, Ty Burrell
, Ricky Gervais
Director
James Bobin
Writers
James Bobin
, Nicholas Stoller
Prequel(s)
The Muppet Christmas Carol
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The beloved actor’s role in Muppets Most Wanted turn as Jean Pierre Napoleon is purely a comedic goldmine. Portraying a flamboyant, theatrical Interpol agent, it’s no wonder why Burrell shines, from the way the role was written to the way it was cast. That lingering French accent paired with hilarious incompetence allows for Burrell’s performance to deliver a surplus of easy laughter. It’s over-the-top, yet rarely overshadows the Muppets’ charm in their movie.
Napoleon’s comedic rapport with Sam is one of the genre-bending film’s highlights. This dynamic showcases Burrell’s ability to embrace absurdity while maintaining impeccable timing. This eccentric European character is a fresh look for Burrell. His performance is genuinely hilarious, and Muppets Most Wanted just wouldn’t be the same without the inclusion of Burrell.
7
Black Hawk Down (2001)
As Wilkinson
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10/10
Black Hawk Down
R
WarDramaHistory
Black Hawk Down recounts the harrowing true story of a U.S. military mission gone awry in Somalia. Tasked with capturing a warlord, elite soldiers find themselves in a fierce battle against Somali militia forces.
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Release Date
January 18, 2002
Runtime
144 minutes
Cast
Jason Isaacs
, Eric Bana
, Josh Hartnett
, Ewan McGregor
, Tom Sizemore
, Tom Hardy
, Hugh Dancy
, Orlando Bloom
Director
Ridley Scott
Writers
Ken Nolan
Burrell showcases a much more dramatic side as well as joins a sizable group of actors you forgot were in Black Hawk Down. The actor steps out of his (future) comfort zone as Timothy A. Wilkinson, a pararescue officer navigating the chaos of war. With limited screen time, Burrell uses scarce minutes to present himself in a grounded, mature way, trading lighthearted humor with the gritty consequences of death.
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Burrell’s subtle yet impactful performance perfectly captures the high-stakes energy of Black Hawk Down, marking this as perhaps his most unique role. Obviously, this offering is notable in its stark contrast to Burrell’s comedic repertoire. It’s incredible to see how expertly the actor’s versatile abilities are put to use, especially in such a bleak film. Most people who recognize Burrell as Phil Dunphy are often surprised by his serious turn in personas.
6
Storks (2016)
As Henry Gardner
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Storks
PG
AnimationComedyFamily
Written by Nicholas Stoller and directed by both Nicholas Stoller and Doug Sweetland, Storks is a 2016 animated film that follows the story of a group of storks that stop delivering babies and begin to deliver products after a mishap causes one of the children to become orphaned.
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Release Date
September 23, 2016
Runtime
87minutes
Cast
Andy Samberg
, Kelsey Grammer
, Danny Trejo
, Jordan Peele
, Anton Starkman
, Ty Burrell
, Keegan-Michael Key
, Jennifer Aniston
, Katie Crown
, Stephen Kramer Glickman
Director
Nicholas Stoller
, Doug Sweetland
Writers
Nicholas Stoller
In the 2016 animated masterpiece Storks, Burrell brings a different kind of charm as Henry Gardner. Voicing a workaholic dad struggling to reconnect with his family, the comedic timing and relatable delivery present in this role add depth and capture the balancing act of modern parenting. Burrell’s dynamic with Jennifer Aniston also creates a heartwarming subplot that further complements the main stork adventure. Despite being a supporting character, Burrell’s portrayal deeply resonates with the audience, injecting moments of humor and sincerity into the high-energy film.
Henry continues to serve as a reminder of Burrell’s flexibility as an actor. Effortlessly transitioning from the quirky humor of Modern Family to the heartfelt tones of an animated family film, Burrell’s ability to infuse emotional nuance into the role enhances the movie’s themes of connection and rediscovery. While the storks and wolves dominate the flashy laughs, Burrell ensures Henry remains a memorable part of the cast, proving that animated dads can get some memorable laughs in an otherwise hectic film.
5
Rough Night (2017)
As Pietro
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Rough Night
R
Comedy
Rough Night is a dark comedy film directed by Lucia Aniello. Released in 2017, it stars Scarlett Johansson, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, Zoë Kravitz, and Kate McKinnon as a group of friends who reunite for a bachelorette party in Miami. Their celebration takes a drastic turn when a male stripper accidentally dies, leading them into a series of chaotic and comedic misadventures as they attempt to deal with the situation.
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Release Date
June 16, 2017
Cast
Kate McKinnon
, Ilana Glazer
, Jillian Bell
, Scarlett Johansson
, Zoë Kravitz
Director
Lucia Aniello
Writers
Paul W. Downs
, Lucia Aniello
Burrell takes a refreshing crack at adult humor in Rough Night, portraying a wealthy, eccentric neighbor. This adds a fun depth to the film’s bachelorette party premise with Burrell’s portrayal another delightful departure from his typical roles. This once again showcases the actor’s strengths in embodying a character that’s both peculiar and relatable at the same time. His interactions with the main cast, including Scarlett Johansson and Kate McKinnon, provide many unexpectedly memorable moments, blending his usual fare with risqué humor.
One particularly memorable scene involves Pietro’s overly enthusiastic participation in a party game, leading to a series of awkward and hilarious encounters. These highlight Burrell’s impeccable comedic timing, and fans of Modern Family might find humor in seeing their beloved innocent Phil Dunphy “gone wild.” Embracing a more liberated and uninhibited persona, this role not only adds to the film’s crazy charm but also acts as another iconic moment in Burrel’s catalog.
4
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
As Leonard Samson
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12
7.2/10
The Incredible Hulk
PG-13
Sci-FiActionAdventureSuperhero
The second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is The Incredible Hulk, which was released in 2008. The film introduced a new backstory for the Hulk to differentiate it from the 2003 movie, Hulk. Actor Edward Norton played the role of the green hulk, and his alter ego Bruce Banner. He is joined by actress Liv Tyler who plays his love interest, Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Ross. Betty’s father, General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt), is hoping to recreate a World War II supersoldier program and, in the process, exposes Bruce to gamma radiation that transforms him into the Hulk. He flees to find a cure for himself but is eventually tracked down by Thunderbolt, who forms an alliance with Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth). After The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo took over the character for subsequent movies in the MCU.
Release Date
June 13, 2008
Runtime
112 minutes
Franchise(s)
Marvel Cinematic Universe
, Hulk
Cast
Edward Norton
, Liv Tyler
, Tim Roth
, William Hurt
, Tim Blake Nelson
, Ty Burrell
, Lou Ferrigno
Director
Louis Leterrier
Writers
Zak Penn
Expand
It’s only right for the MCU to have a legendary Ty Burrell moment, too. Burrell portrays Dr. Leonard Samson, a psychiatrist and the love interest of Betty Ross. Burrell’s screen time is limited in this production, but his featured moments deliver psychological complexities to Bruce Banner, overall adding personal depth to the Hulk’s story. Amidst the CGI-heavy scenes, Burrell provides a grounding aesthetic of normality to the film. Interestingly enough, the character becomes a gamma-powered superhero known as Doc Samson in the comics.
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Characterized by green hair and superhuman strength, the Doc Samson era could have been very fun to indulge in, especially with Burrell’s portrayal. Since this possibility first surfaced, plenty of memes and concept art have arisen, portraying Burrell’s face as angry, Hulk-like, and sporting some serious green hair. Maybe one day the world will get a gamma-irradiated Phil, but for now, audiences should chalk it off as a win to witness Burrell’s career extend toward superhero movies.
3
The Skeleton Twins (2014)
As Rich Levitt
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The Skeleton Twins
R
Drama
The Skeleton Twins follows estranged twins Maggie and Milo, who reunite after narrowly escaping death on the same day. As they reconnect, they confront their troubled pasts and explore the potential for healing by mending their fractured relationship.
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Release Date
June 5, 2014
Runtime
92 minutes
Cast
Bill Hader
, Kristen Wiig
, Luke Wilson
, Ty Burrell
, Boyd Holbrook
, Joanna Gleason
, Kathleen Rose Perkins
, Adriane Lenox
, Sydney Lucas
, Eddie Schweighardt
, Paul Castro Jr.
, Benjamin McGowan
, Jennifer Smith
, Genevieve Adams
, Truck Hudson
, Cliff Moylan
, Ian Hyland
, David Garelik
, Jennifer Lafleur
, Noah Segura
Director
Craig Johnson
Writers
Mark Heyman
Expand
In the indie dramedy The Skeleton Twins, Burrell portrays a high school teacher who has a complicated past with a former student, perhaps one of his most morally complex roles. His performance is spectacular, with tense interactions with one of Bill Hader’s most iconic characters, perfectly capturing the internal conflict of a man grappling with his past. This film explores morally complicated themes of personal demons, crucial decisions, and moral values, allowing Burrell’s performance to raise critical questions about humanity.
A standout moment is a quietly intense conversation between Rich and Milo in a bookstore, where unspoken emotions simmer beneath the surface. This is just one of many examples that perfectly showcase Burrell’s capacity for dramatic depth in The Skeleton Twins. This role is also a significant departure from his comedic persona. Burrell’s ability to embody such a multifaceted character screams versatility, proving that this actor is adept at navigating both the shining and shadowed aspects of human nature.
2
Butter (2011)
As Bob Pickler
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Butter
R
Comedy
Butter (2012) is a comedy film set in a small Iowa town, centered on an adopted girl who discovers her talent for butter carving. She competes in a local contest against a determined woman, highlighting themes of ambition and rivalry within the community.
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Release Date
October 5, 2012
Runtime
90 minutes
Cast
Jennifer Garner
, Yara Shahidi
, Hugh Jackman
, Ty Burrell
, Olivia Wilde
, Alicia Silverstone
, Rob Corddry
, Ashley Greene
, Pruitt Taylor Vince
, Kristen Schaal
, Phyllis Smith
, Garrett Schenck
, Judy Leavell
, Joe Chrest
, Deana Ricks
, Kelly Tippens
, Dodie Brown
, Brett Hill
, Mark Oliver
, Cindy Creekmore
, Jeanne Evans
, Corena Chase
, Jason Yudoff
, Andy Daly
, Heather Cates
Director
Jim Field Smith
Writers
Jason A. Micallef
Expand
Alternatively, taking on a much goofier role, Burrell portrays Bob Pickler. He’s a competitive butter-carving sensation whose retirement sets off a competitive frenzy in a small Iowa town. Butter has an absolutely perfect setup to be hilarious, and Burrell absolutely kills it with his role as a man whose identity so deeply revolves around butter. The actor hilariously pokes fun at Middle America in this well-meaning satirical treat.
One particularly amusing scene features Bob attempting to mentor his ambitious wife in the art of butter carving. Overshadowed by ruthless determination, Burrell’s charmingly offbeat flavor is something to remember. Butter acts as the one inevitable cult classic most beloved actors tend to accumulate in their careers, and Burrell just does not disappoint. There are a lot of his most famous characters packed into this role, with a signature sense of easygoing that makes this film so much fun to watch.
1
Dawn Of The Dead (2004)
As Steve Marcus
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10/10
Dawn of the Dead
R
ActionHorror
A remake of George A. Romero’s classic of the same name, the movie follows a nurse, a policeman, a young married couple, a salesman and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, who take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall.
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Release Date
March 19, 2004
Cast
Sarah Polley
, Ving Rhames
, Mekhi Phifer
, Jake Weber
, Ty Burrell
, Michael Kelly
Director
Zack Snyder
Writers
George A. Romero
, James Gunn
In the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead, Burrell plays Steve Marcus. He’s a sarcastic and self-serving survivor of the zombie apocalypse, making for another standout role in Burrell’s repertoire. This again showcases his range through the impeccable embodiment of a decidedly unheroic persona. Steve’s cynical outlook and biting humor provide a counterbalance to the film’s intense horror elements. One memorable moment in particular is Steve’s nonchalant reaction to the chaos around him.
Burrell’s portrayal inspires memes juxtaposing Steve’s apathy with Phil Dunphy’s enthusiasm. Humorous captions often tie together Modern Family and Dawn of the Dead, leaving lots of opportunities for creative references from fans. Dawn of the Dead showcases Ty Burrell’s range by letting him fully embrace a darkly comedic, selfish character. This once again unexpected performance makes it something that fans still celebrate for its adrenaline-rushing edge.
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Ty Burrell
Birthdate
August 22, 1967
Birthplace
Grants Pass, Oregon, USA
Notable Projects
The Incredible Hulk
, Finding Dory