10 Potential TV Castings We’re SO Glad Didn’t Happen
9. Matt LeBlanc As Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)
Modern Family isn’t for everyone. It’s a throwback TV sitcom, with classic setups, cheesy wit and ridiculous set pieces. It follows on from the ‘90s laugh track comedy of Friends, mixing it with a mockumentary style storytelling which they use and avoid in equal measure whenever necessary.
If you can look past the slightly camp, almost dated vibe of the jokes through, it’s a seriously funny show with a great cast. With bagfuls of Emmys to its name, it’s one of the most successful TV comedies ever too.
With this ‘90s inspiration, it’s no wonder they turned to a superstar of the era when casting. Matt LeBlanc was offered the role of goofy dad Phil Dunphy, but turned it down, thinking he was wrong for the part.
Phil has well meaning childishness, unstoppable enthusiasm and lack of common sense, so it’s a role with a lot of similarity to LeBlanc’s Joey from Friends. Considering the huge success Ty Burrell had in the role, his decision to turn it down was probably for the best.
In the end, Ed O’Neill as Phil’s father in law Jay ended up being the sitcom veteran who held the cast together.