TY BURRELL

It will be the end of an era for the two-time Emmywinning actor when Modern Family airs its finale (April 8 on ABC) and Burrell, 52, wraps up his role as Phil Dunphy. The groundbreaking comedy that follows the lives of the large and blended PritchettDunphy-Tucker clan ran for 11 seasons.

What are you most proud of about the show?

There’s an inclusive quality. It brings people together. When we started, people actually watched it on Wednesday nights with their family—and that, hopefully, contributed to stronger families. That makes me really proud.

What was most fun about playing Phil?

I really liked all of the physical things that I’ve gotten to do. I learned to ride a motorcycle. I’ve walked a tightrope, been on the trapeze, ridden a jet pack. I’ve just had one amazing physical experience after another. I was very lucky that that’s part of who Phil is.

Tell us about the animated sitcom you’re in on Fox.

Duncanville is about this spectacularly average 15-year-old kid, Duncan, who is willing to do anything to achieve his dreams, except try. He really believes that he should be famous, but without the effort. I play Jack, his dad, who is trying everything he can to be a better dad, and Amy Poehler plays the mom.

Now that Modern Family is over, how will you spend any extra downtime?

I anticipate spending the first part of my downtime with my kids. Then a lot of fishing. I’m a fly fisherman, and I’m pretty obsessed with it. And after, we’ll see if I’m going stir-crazy or not.