Why Modern Family’s Ty Burrell Left Hollywood

by

Ty Burrell had a plan post-Phil Dunphy.

In fact, the former star of Modern Family, together with his wife Holly Burrell and their two adolescent daughters Frances Burrell and Greta Burrell, moved from California to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ty, aged 57, shared with People magazine in an article released on August 3 that the experience has been nothing short of fantastic. He and his family relocated here shortly after Modern Family concluded, and he expressed no remorse about their decision. It’s been delightful for them, and it’s proven to be a wonderful environment for their children to grow up in.

Tyler, who portrayed the Dunphy family matriarch Phil for almost eleven years in the show “Modern Family”, disclosed that his family needed time to adjust to living in a mountainous region.

Initially, upon moving here, it seemed as if we were merely dressing up for a role, acting as though we were outdoor enthusiasts, he confided. However, over time, our affection for the outdoors has become genuine and sincere.

In 2023, the main cast of a show where Ty acted alongside Julie Bowen, Sofia Vergara, Ed O’Neill, Eric Stonestreet, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson for 11 seasons gathered again, but Ty was not present. Among those who reunited were his onscreen children, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, and Sarah Hyland.

This situation sparked doubts among fans about Ty’s well-being, since it was peculiar that everyone was dressed in black and were displaying a framed photo of him.

Ariel assured everyone on Instagram that while it may seem otherwise, Ty is perfectly fine. Rest assured, he’s planning to attend the following event.

In the same vein, Ariel too decided to leave Hollywood behind in the year 2020, seeking a more peaceful existence with her partner, Luke Benward, in the tranquil setting of Tennessee.

 

Ariel, 27, shared with TopMob News in October that Los Angeles never truly felt right for her, but she was anxious. However, when an opportunity came along, she realized it was a time of change in her life and she was eager to heal, grow, and evolve. This opportunity has expanded her horizons significantly.

Keep reading for more stars who left Hollywood…

 

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share some news about Ellen DeGeneres. Her talk show, famously known as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” concluded in 2022 after an impressive 19-season run. The decision came following allegations of a challenging work environment, leading to an internal probe, dismissals of executives, and public disapproval.

Fast forward two years, Ellen made her comeback with her standup special “For Your Approval” on Netflix in September 2024. Prior to this release, she confessed a significant change in her life – she was bidding farewell to Hollywood altogether.

During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, she informed a gathering that it would be the final time they’d see her. Following her Netflix special, she said she would retire. Ellen and her wife Portia de Rossi moved to England in November 2024, following Donald Trump’s reelection, as confirmed by Ellen to broadcaster Richard Bacon in July 2025.

One of the factors that prompted the host of America’s Next Top Model to relocate to Australia was her desire to expand her ice cream brand, SMiZE and Dream. In an episode of Today with Jenna & Friends in April 2025, Tyra Banks explained that her company had primarily been supplying ice cream for businesses like airlines and cruises. However, she had been frequently traveling to Australia due to the production of her ice cream in a large facility there. She fell in love with Australia each time she visited, and it also seemed like a promising market for her business. Tyra Banks, along with her son York (fathered by her ex Erik Asla) and boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin, decided to move to Australia, with Tyra stating that the country had been a dream come true for herself and her family.

Although it’s been some time since the character portrayed by Desperate Housewives star resided on Wisteria Lane, she has relocated in reality. In an interview with Marie Claire in November 2024, Eva expressed her feelings about departing from Los Angeles, stating that even before the pandemic, the city was undergoing a transformation. The atmosphere shifted, and the arrival of Covid-19 accelerated this change, pushing her to move on. She mentioned factors such as homelessness and taxes, but emphasized that she didn’t intend to criticize California. Instead, she felt that this phase in her life was coming to a close.

For several years, Eva, her husband José Bastón, and their son Santiago have divided their time between Mexico and Spain. She acknowledged her privilege for being able to relocate and expressed concern for those Americans who are stuck in what she described as a dystopian country.

Eva clarified that her decision to move wasn’t based on the political climate, but rather due to her professional commitments. She explained this during an appearance on The View: Behind the Table podcast in November 2024. Her work took her to various locations, such as Catalonia for Land of Women and Mexico for Searching for Mexico, which led to her extended stay in those countries.

Since moving, Eva has remained active, with roles in projects like Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.

The actor, who was previously residing in Chicago, has decided to move to Madrid, Spain with his family. This change is due to the fact that his wife is Spanish and they have been together for about seven years. The move is also beneficial for their young sons Alexander and James as they will be immersed in the Spanish language and culture. Richard, who also has an adult son Homer from a previous relationship, mentioned that their family is already thriving in this new environment and they are extremely happy.

The singer (Christina) is currently residing in Paris, and has been doing so for the past few years. This decision was made to allow her children, including daughter Violet, son Isaiah, and son Kenna, to study in France. This move seems to have positively impacted their lives, as they are happy there and learning French. Christina’s daily routine involves spending quality time with her family during the day and working at night due to her work schedule being ahead of regular hours.

As someone who’s had her fair share of rumors swirling around, I decided it was time to clear the air about my departure from Los Angeles. Reflecting on my chaotic work schedule and the party scene during the aughts, I shared with Bustle in March 2024:

“I sometimes feel that my work got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of fuss when I was younger, and that can be quite frustrating.” The alum of ‘The Parent Trap’ added, “I wish that aspect didn’t happen. It seemed like it took on a life of its own. So, that’s why I chose to vanish. I thought, ‘Unless there’s no story here, they’re not going to focus on just my work.'”

After leaving LA, I embarked on a journey first to London and then Dubai, also opening beach clubs in Greece. However, my desire for a life away from the limelight was driven by another factor as well.

The actress from Mean Girls reflected, “I wondered, ‘What if I never experience love? What if it never happens for me?’ But as I took time for myself, opportunities began to present themselves – the chances I was eager to embrace.”

Later on, Lindsay found love with Bader Shammas and they got married in 2022, welcoming their son Luai a year later. Although they reside in Dubai, she hasn’t entirely parted ways with Hollywood, appearing in films like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.

After some introspection, Josh decided to bid farewell to Hollywood. He explained to People magazine in July 2024 that Hollywood represents more than a location; it symbolizes a particular mindset. Being surrounded by people who primarily discuss the movie industry can make one’s life monotonous, which was something he had always avoided. Instead, he yearned for more diversity.

He further expressed his desire to be in the company of individuals engaged in various activities that would help him divert his attention from work and foster personal growth. In his opinion, this is what adds zest to life.

Consequently, Josh, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, relocated to the Hampshire countryside in England. He told The Guardian in July 2024 that time flies by rapidly, especially with four kids demanding attention. Despite appearing less eventful, essential events were transpiring more frequently.

Despite his move, Josh has continued to keep himself occupied and has secured roles in Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.

It appears that Jesse no longer resides in Los Angeles if you haven’t been keeping up with your social media recently. In a 2025 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, he revealed that he has spent much of the last decade in Indiana and feels most at ease there. He prefers not to be immersed in an industry that seems unstable to him.”

“Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse leads a rather ordinary life with his wife Anna Strout and son Banner. He stays away from social media and doesn’t maintain frequent contact with industry people, so his life remains largely separate from the world of constant self-evaluation in the industry.

Following stints on shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the 2000 film “Bring It On”, Eliza disclosed in September 2024 that she had obtained certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and was continuing her education as a mental health specialist.

She shared with Boston Magazine that she discovered a path in life where she could focus on healing herself to better assist others in their healing. It would be unfair not to express the change, serenity, and enthusiasm this journey has brought me. This, without a doubt, is my true vocation, my genuine purpose.

The actress who played a role in “The Flintstones” shared that she relocated to Ireland with her youngest son, Clay, in January 2025. She is currently pursuing Irish citizenship since her grandparents are originally from the European nation. However, Rosie mentioned recent political changes as the reason for her departure, but she didn’t exclude the possibility of returning home at some point in the future.

In a TikTok video, she expressed her longing, saying, “I miss my other children and friends. Life was good at home, and I’m working hard to find a new home here in this lovely country. As soon as all citizens have equal rights in America, we will think about returning.

Actress who plays a role in Ant-Man and the Wasp revealed her decision to temporarily step away from acting following two decades in show business.

In her Instagram post in June 2024, Evangeline expressed her happiness and contentment, stating, “I’m brimming with joy today as I follow my dream. I’m incredibly thankful for all the blessings in my life. Sometimes, choosing a path other than wealth and fame may seem daunting, but embracing your purpose replaces those fears with a sense of accomplishment.

However, she didn’t definitively close the door on a potential return to Hollywood. Instead, she expressed, “Although I may revisit Hollywood someday, for now, this is where I feel at home.

As a lifestyle expert, I would say: Ever since wrapping up my role in Netflix’s 2019 series “V-Wars,” the actor from “The Vampire Diaries” has chosen to focus on a personal endeavor closer to his heart – combating climate change by dedicating himself to the betterment of our planet’s soil.

Approximately four years ago, Ian decided to take a break from his acting career to focus on raising his children and developing his businesses. In an interview with TopMob News in November 2023, he discussed launching the documentaries “Kiss the Ground” (in 2020) and its sequel “Common Ground.” These films highlight the importance of regenerative farming practices. Ian shares two kids with his wife, Nikki Reed.

Speaking about the future, the actor stated, “I envision myself as a rancher and creating enduring brand names, whether it’s my bourbon or my health and wellness business. My commitment to regenerative agriculture and soil management practices will also be part of this journey, as they are deeply ingrained in my life and my family’s lifestyle. This is the path I see for myself. Therefore, when people ask ‘Why do you take an interest?’ – it’s because this is who I am, this is what I aspire to become.

Back in February 2021, during an episode of her intriguingly named podcast “Empty Inside,” the radiant star from iCarly, revealed to my beloved Anna Faris that she made a life-altering decision a few years ago – stepping away from acting. Now, she’s chasing new dreams in the realms of writing, directing, and, of course, gracing our ears with her captivating podcast hosting skills. I can hardly contain my excitement for this multitalented artist!

Jennette candidly admitted that her acting past fills her with regret, as she expressed in her 2022 memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died. She harbors resentment towards her career, feeling deeply unsatisfied by the roles she played, which she found cheesy and embarrassing. From the age of 13 to 21, she starred in various shows, but even at 15, she felt embarrassed about it. Her peers at that age didn’t share her enthusiasm, finding her Nickelodeon appearances more cringe-worthy than cool.

While she hasn’t definitively ruled out a return to acting, she expressed during an interview with TopMob News in October 2022 that writing the book has given her new perspective. She suggested that if she were to write something for herself, it might provide an opportunity to revisit acting in a way that doesn’t burden her with the past experiences she carried for so long.

It seemed quite obvious to consider this opportunity. If we had a chance to marry Prince Harry, devote ourselves to charitable work that truly matters to us, and even get access to the Queen’s stunning collection of tiaras, saying goodbye to Hollywood might not seem so bad.

Moving along a similar trajectory to Grace Kelly who transitioned from Hollywood to Monaco’s Palace, Meghan relinquished her residence in Toronto and her popular role in Suits, venturing into life with The Firm. However, after Harry and Meghan stepped down from their senior positions and settled in Montecito, Calif., she has been gradually re-entering the business sphere, notably through a multi-year production deal with Netflix.

The Duchess of Sussex has recently unveiled her 2022 docuseries titled Harry & Meghan and her 2025 lifestyle show named With Love, Meghan, both on the streaming service. Additionally, she has introduced podcasts and her brand As Ever.

Since she first appeared in “The Mask” in 1994, the actress had been involved in more than 40 films. By the time shooting ended for “Annie” in 2014, it was clear that a well-deserved break was long overdue.

She shared with her friend Gwyneth Paltrow that she had made a change in her life, seeking new experiences instead. For years, she had been pushing herself to the limit, working tirelessly on films, and it was exhausting. When filming a movie, it’s as if they have control over you, demanding 12 hours of your day for months at a time, leaving no room for anything else.

Besides delving deeper into various interests, such as writing (having published her 2013 New York Times best-seller “The Body Book” followed by “The Longevity Book” in 2016) and starting a family with husband Benji Madden, there are still many unexplored areas. However, as she expressed to InStyle in 2019, “I don’t miss performing. Right now I’m focusing on wellness,” it seems she might reconsider and perform again under the right circumstances.

In a conversation with TopMob News, Jamie Foxx expressed his fervent appeal to Cameron Diaz for the 2025 Netflix film “Back in Action”. He shared, “We were practically begging and expressing our deep admiration, something like, ‘Could you do it one more time?'” He added, “We adore her, we’ve been eagerly anticipating this moment, and this is going to be simply extraordinary.

After completing a five-year stint on Empire, the actor firmly declared that there would be no more performances following his run. When Extra asked Terrence about his plans before the sixth and final season of the musical drama series in 2019, he plainly stated, “I’ve had enough acting. I’m done with pretending.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, let me share some insights from my recent conversations. Despite revisiting the stage for several ventures, the esteemed Oscar nominee expressed his intention to retire from acting in 2022, during the promotion of his Peacock series, “The Best Man: The Final Chapters.” He confided in ET that he feels he has delivered the utmost as an actor and is now relishing the emergence of fresh talent. He doesn’t wish to imitate his past performances anymore.

In spite of those earlier remarks, it’s worth noting that Howard has made appearances in additional shows and movies since then. For instance, he can be seen in the TV series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” and the Netflix film “Shirley”. Moreover, there are several projects scheduled for him in the coming times.

After King Joffrey’s unexpected and purple-tinted demise in 2014, the 21-year-old, who had played this role, shared with Entertainment Weekly that he was stepping away from acting. He clarified his decision by stating, “I’ve been acting since I was 8 years old. Lately, I just haven’t found as much joy in it as I used to.

As a child star, the charm had faded over time. Previously, it was simply something I did for fun with my friends or during summer breaks, but now there’s an opportunity to make a career out of it. Jack explained, “I enjoyed it, but when you turn it into a profession, your perspective shifts. It’s not the same as before; it’s no longer what I want to do.

After a six-year hiatus, he was prepared to reclaim his position, taking on roles in BBC’s series “Out of Her Mind” starting from 2020. Since then, Jack has also been seen in films such as “Rebecca’s Boyfriend” and “In the Land of Saints and Sinners”, as well as television shows including “Safe Harbor” and “The Famous Five”.

In September 2020, when Jennifer Aniston played her role in a virtual table read for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”, she married fellow actor Kevin Kline in 1989. They decided to take turns in their work commitments so that they would never both be working simultaneously, as a way to balance caring for their son Owen and daughter Greta (who is now known as Frankie Cosmos in her singing career).

Whenever Phoebe was scheduled to work, she opted instead to stay with the children. Despite making a brief appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 indie film “The Anniversary Party,” Cates primarily focuses on managing her New York City boutique Blue Tree.

In the peak of his popularity for “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”, the ’80s actor reduced his involvement in movie-making shortly following his wife’s death due to breast cancer in 1991, choosing instead to prioritize raising his children Rachel and Mitchell.

Despite not taking on a live-action film role since 1997, even declining a cameo in Paul Feig’s 2016 Ghostbusters remake, Rick remains a beloved cultural figure. This was evident by the public outcry over reports of him being assaulted while walking in New York City in 2020. Fortunately, there’s exciting news for fans: He will reappear alongside Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney film, Shrunk.

After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, the prominent actress from “Never Been Kissed” suggested that she might be considering a departure from movies. As she put it to Vogue, “Ninety percent of acting roles require a lot of intimate scenes with other actors, and I’m not interested in that.” She further explained, “It’s a peculiar flame to deal with, and our relationship is robust enough to endure it. However, if you’re going to traverse through fire, there has to be something extraordinary waiting on the other side.

After my son Martin joined my older daughter Louisanna in 2014, my resolve to step away from movie endeavors became unwavering. I now consider myself more of an outsider, a mom primarily. As I expressed at a 2016 event to Us Weekly, I assist Kimmel with his business and occasionally paint as a hobby. My main focus is my children, which is the primary reason I chose to disengage from the movie world.

She had watched “Ally McBeal”, followed by “Nip/Tuck”. Later, she moved on to “Arrested Development” before ultimately concluding that perhaps it was time for her to move forward with something new, as the Australian discovered.

In her appearance on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show in 2018, she shared that she was nearing 45 and found herself contemplating something new and difficult to undertake. She had a sense of what her acting career might look like for the next decade or two, so she decided to step away from it and start a business instead.

She still had one more item to complete for her evolving consumer-focused business, General Public.

I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the mastermind behind ‘Arrested Development’, expressing that if there’s a fifth season, I won’t participate due to my retirement from acting. He appeared sympathetic and completely grasped the situation. We had an enjoyable chat, and afterward, he included me in five episodes.

As a die-hard admirer, I find myself pondering: When a performer has amassed three Academy Awards, what’s left to conquer? Yet, here we are, basking in the afterglow of his sixth Oscar nomination for his swan song, “Phantom Thread” in 2017. In an unexpected twist, his team announced that he would be hanging up his acting boots forever. He expresses profound gratitude to all those who’ve been part of his journey over the years. This is a personal decision and neither he nor his representatives will provide any more insights on this matter.

As I was about to step away from the world of films, my son Ronan Day-Lewis drew me back in. In October 2024, Focus Features revealed that the Oscar winner like myself would be part of the cast for Anemone, a project penned jointly by me and my son who will also take on the director’s role.

In 2018, the actress previously known for “Good Luck Charlie” decided to step away from the limelight and instead focused on her studies. She completed a master’s degree at MIT and later earned a doctorate from the same university. Additionally, she attended Harvard Law School.

Moreover, not only did Bridgit establish her venture, Northwood Space, but also she took on the role of CEO for this company starting in February 2023. Northwood Space is dedicated to constructing ground satellite stations for transmitting and receiving data from space.

Watch

TopMob News

weeknights Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m., only on TopMob.

Read More

2025-08-04 16:20