‘Modern Family’ star says show ‘normalises’ gay couples
By Nick Levine
Modern Family
star Ty Burrell has discussed the impact of the hit US sitcom on people’s perceptions of gay couples and gay marriage.
The ensemble comedy centres on three interlocking set of parents – including a gay couple, Mitchell and Cameron, who have an adopted Vietnamese daughter called Lily.
Burrell, who plays hapless dad Phil Dunphy in the show, said in an interview with The Telegraph: “This is probably a little overwrought, but I do actually think the writers [of Modern Family are making the world a better place.”
He continued: “It’s one of my favourite things about the show. I love it when I talk to conservatives and they’re describing all three couples, and they never mention that one of them is gay.
“That’s the brilliance of the writing. In a completely unaggressive, apolitical way, they are showing this couple as completely normal dealing with ordinary stuff. The banality of it is the most revolutionary thing.”
Burrell went on to suggest that the show could even help conservative US viewers to alter their views on gay marriage, saying: “I think if you turned around and asked that same conservative person how they felt about gay marriage, that probably hasn’t changed for them, but the seed has been planted none the less. It’s progress and it’s the coolest thing.”
Modern Family debuted on US network ABC in 2009 and is now onto its fifth season. In the UK, the show airs on Sky1. In addition to picking up numerous Emmy and Golden Globe awards, it has twice been named Outstanding Comedy Series at the GLAAD Media Awards.
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