Ty Burrell, the beloved actor known for his role as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, has always been private about his personal life. However, he has occasionally shared glimpses into his enduring and loving relationship with his wife, Holly Burrell. Despite their preference for privacy, their story is one of commitment, mutual support, and shared passions.
Meeting and Early Romance
Ty and Holly Burrell’s love story began in the late 1990s when they were both working at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. Ty recalls knowing Holly was the one from their very first date. “We were understudying lovers in Twelfth Night,” Ty told Redbook. This instant connection led to a whirlwind romance, and by 2000, the couple had secretly tied the knot.
Building a Family Together
A decade into their marriage, Ty and Holly decided to expand their family through adoption. In 2010, they welcomed their first daughter, Frances, followed by their second daughter, Greta, in 2012. Ty has expressed the profound impact parenthood has had on him. “You actually fall in love with children,” he shared with Elle in 2011, emphasizing how his love for his daughters deepened over time.
Holly’s Shift from Acting to Culinary Arts
While Ty continued to pursue his acting career, eventually landing his iconic role on Modern Family, Holly found her calling elsewhere. After a few years of acting, she realized it wasn’t her true passion. She decided to explore her love for cooking, enrolling in the French Culinary Institute at the International Culinary Center in New York. Holly graduated with honors from the pastry program and began working in a small bakery.
Moving to Los Angeles and Utah
Following Ty’s success with Modern Family, the Burrell family relocated to Los Angeles. Despite the move, Holly remained dedicated to her culinary passions. Eventually, the family settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, a place that had long held a special place in their hearts. Ty had previously performed at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and fallen in love with the state. “After she and I fell in love, it was always in the back of our minds to live here someday,” Ty said.
Holly’s Culinary Philosophy
Despite her prestigious culinary education, Holly prioritizes practicality in her home kitchen. She values meals that can be prepared quickly and healthily, a necessity given the busy lives of their family. “Someday when our kids are grown, I’ll relish taking half a day to prepare something,” Holly told Utah Farm and Fork. “But right now I want something healthy, tasty, and reliably fast.”
Supporting the Community
The Burrells are not just focused on their own family but also on their community. In 2020, Ty and Holly donated $100,000 to support service industry workers in Salt Lake City affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city used this generous donation to create the Tip Your Server program, providing grants to laid-off restaurant and bar employees. Ty, who has firsthand experience as a waiter, empathizes deeply with those struggling in the service industry. “The job is essentially a cash situation because of tips — and when that’s cut off there’s no safety net,” he explained to Deseret News.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In addition to their charitable efforts, Ty and Holly have ventured into the food and beverage industry. They are part-owners of several establishments in Utah, including Bar-X, Beer Bar, the Cotton Bottom Inn, and The Eating Establishment. Their goal is to revitalize and preserve these local gems, bringing them back to their former glory while adding their own unique touches.
A Private, Yet Public Love
Despite their public presence, the Burrells prefer to keep their personal life private. Holly, in particular, is known for her shyness and reluctance to be in the spotlight. She rarely participates in public events and is not active on social media. However, Ty has no qualms about expressing his deep love and admiration for his wife. Reflecting on his decision to propose, he told Elle about the overwhelming emotion he felt, realizing Holly loved him for who he was, despite his uncertain future.
A Lasting Partnership
Ty and Holly’s relationship is a testament to the power of unconditional love and mutual respect. They have built a strong foundation through their shared experiences, from their early days in Washington, D.C., to their current life in Utah. Their journey together continues to inspire, demonstrating that with love, commitment, and a shared vision, a relationship can indeed grow stronger with each passing year.
