‘Modern Family’ Fans Remember Fred Willard as a Member of the Dunphy Family
Although Fred Willard recently died, his legacy lives on through his work. For some fans, this actor is best known for his appearance on Modern Family as Phil Dunphyās father. Hereās what cast members had to say about working with this comedy legend prior to the comedy showās final season.
Fred Willard appeared on ABCās award-winning comedy series, āModern Familyā
The Dunphyās always have their lights on, but, unfortunately, 2020 brought the end of ABCās award-winning comedy series. Modern Family ended with its 11th season this spring, with fans saying goodbye to characters like Claire, Phil, Mitch, Cam, Gloria, and Jay.
Fans also said goodbye to Phil Dunphyās father, Frank Dunphy, who was portrayed by comedian, actor, and writer Fred Willard. As an extended member of the āDunphy clan,ā this character offered love and support for Alex, Luke, and Haley.
Fred Willard portray Phil Dunphyās best friend and father, Frank Dunphy
As a remember of the extended Dunphy family, Fred Willard portrayed Frank Dunphy, Philās goofy and fun-loving father, who lives in Florida. He would appear for some episodes, even one regarding death and its impact on the Dunphy-Pritchetts.
For one episode, Phil Dunphyās mother passed away. As a result, the entire family went to Florida for the funeral. Fred Willard, as Philās dad, appeared throughout the episode, offering kind words to Alex and reassurance to Phil. In fact, Fred Willard portrayed Philās dad for a number of episodes.
As the show wrapped on one of their last seasons, Frank Dunphy passed away. During his confessional, Phil said, āwhen I was growing up, he was the cool dad. He knew all the dances from GreaseĀ and he knew all the expressions. BFF: best friends forever, TMI: too much Information, BJ: blue jeans. [It] makes me feel lucky. ā
āWe didnāt do much that day, but it might have been one of the best days Iāve ever had with my dad,ā he continued. āI just didnāt know it would be the last.ā
āModern Familyā fans shared their appreciation for Fred Willard on social media
On May 15, Fred Willard passed away at 86-years-old. Although Modern Family recently came to a close, fans of the award-winning comedy series took to social media, sharing their love for this actor. Even cast members wrote messages regarding Fred Willard following his passing.
āRest In Peace sweet Fred Willard. You will always be a true original and I am so honored that our lives intersected. No one will ever come close to replacing your genius,ā Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who portrays Mitch on Modern Family, tweeted.
āRIP to one of our family members. It was always a pleasure having you on set. Thank you for the laughs! You will be missed, Mr. Willard,ā Rico Rodriguez, (who portrays Manny,) tweeted.