Frances Burrell may be best known for his hilarious role as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, but at home, he plays the much more meaningful role of “Dad.” Among the most private parts of his personal life is his relationship with his two adopted daughters, especially his oldest, Frances Burrell. Although Frances stays far from the public spotlight, she has become a figure of quiet interest to fans curious about the real family life of one of television’s most beloved dads.
In recent years, more people have searched for information about Frances—not for fame or gossip, but to understand how a high-profile family manages to stay grounded and connected. With thoughtful parenting, intentional choices, and a deep commitment to privacy, the Burrells have created a life where Frances can thrive well away from the Hollywood glare. This article takes a closer look at everything we know about Frances Burrell, her early years, her family dynamic, and the quiet life she shares with her parents.
Quick Bio: Frances Burrell
| Full Name | Frances Burrell |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 2010 |
| Adoption Date | March 2010 |
| Parents | Ty Burrell and Holly Burrell |
| Siblings | Greta Burrell (younger sister) |
| Place Raised | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Being the daughter of actor Ty Burrell |
| Media Exposure | Extremely limited |
| Father’s Career | Actor (Modern Family, The Incredible Hulk, more) |
| Mother’s Career | Chef and former actress |
Who Is Frances Burrell?
Frances Burrell is the adopted daughter of Emmy-winning actor Ty Burrell and his wife, Holly Burrell. She joined the family in March 2010 and has been raised largely away from media attention. Unlike many celebrity children who grow up in the spotlight, Frances has enjoyed a private, grounded upbringing, thanks to the efforts of her parents to keep their family life personal and protected.
Her life, while shielded from fame, has become a quiet point of interest as fans admire how her parents have built a stable, intentional home life far removed from the chaos of Hollywood. Though little is publicly known about Frances’s daily life, her story speaks volumes about family values, adoption, and the choices made to protect a child’s well-being in a public world.
Frances’s Early Life And Adoption Story
In March 2010, just as Modern Family was becoming one of the most talked-about shows on television, Ty and Holly Burrell adopted Frances. The decision to adopt came from the couple’s long-held desire to grow their family in a meaningful way. Ty has spoken openly about how the process of adoption changed his life for the better and brought him a deeper understanding of love, patience, and responsibility.
Frances was their first child and instantly became the center of their world. In 2012, they expanded their family by adopting a second daughter, Greta. The Burrells have never shared the specifics of Frances’s adoption background, choosing instead to focus publicly on the joy she brought into their lives and how adoption has shaped their family journey.
Growing Up With A Famous Father
Growing up as the daughter of a television star like Ty Burrell could have meant endless red carpets, paparazzi, and exposure—but that’s never been the case for Frances. Ty and Holly made a conscious decision early on to prioritize normalcy over celebrity. Even during the peak of Modern Family’s success, the couple protected their daughters’ identities and routines.
Ty has said in interviews that being a father is the most important role of his life, and that fame never got in the way of his parenting. Instead, he treated fatherhood as a sacred responsibility, staying as present as possible and shielding his daughters from the pressures that often come with being the child of a public figure.
A Close Bond With Holly Burrell
Frances’s mother, Holly Burrell, has played a central role in shaping the family’s calm and grounded lifestyle. Once an aspiring actress herself, Holly left the entertainment industry early in her marriage and later became a professional chef. She studied pastry arts at the French Culinary Institute in New York and graduated with honors.
Holly’s presence in Frances’s life has been defined by creativity, warmth, and consistency. She and Ty share a deep belief in raising children with love, compassion, and boundaries—values that Holly emphasized both at home and in interviews. As a full-time mother who later helped launch family-owned businesses like Bar X and Beer Bar in Salt Lake City, Holly has modeled resilience and reinvention, showing Frances what it means to live with purpose beyond fame.
A Family Decision To Move To Utah
After Modern Family ended in 2020, Ty and Holly made a bold decision to leave Los Angeles and relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah. This choice was driven by their desire to raise Frances and Greta in a quieter, more community-oriented environment. In interviews, Ty has said the move was the best thing they could have done for their family.
At first, they felt like “cosplayers” pretending to be outdoorsy people, but over time, they embraced their new lifestyle. For Frances, this meant growing up with access to nature, away from Hollywood’s high-pressure environment. The Burrells found Utah to be the perfect place to focus on parenting, personal growth, and community.
Teenage Years And New Experiences
Now in her mid-teens, Frances is at an age where many kids begin seeking more independence, interests, and identity. While specific details about her hobbies and school life remain private, Ty has opened up about how he and Holly are navigating this new stage of parenthood.
In a 2025 interview, Ty shared that traveling with Frances has opened up new conversations and deeper connections. He recalled taking her on a spring break trip to Chicago—just the two of them—and said it was one of the most meaningful bonding experiences they’ve shared. These one-on-one trips are part of the Burrells’ commitment to staying connected with their daughters as they grow into young adults.
The Bond Between Frances And Greta
Frances shares a close bond with her younger sister, Greta, who was adopted in 2012. Though the family doesn’t speak publicly about the girls’ day-to-day relationship, Ty and Holly have emphasized the importance of sibling connection. Raising two adopted children close in age means focusing on fairness, mutual respect, and helping both girls feel equally loved and supported.
Their shared journey as adopted sisters likely creates a unique bond between Frances and Greta—one built on understanding, empathy, and a deep sense of family belonging. As they grow, their relationship appears to be one of the many quiet strengths of the Burrell household.
Frances’s Life Away From The Spotlight
Unlike many celebrity children, Frances has almost no public social media presence and rarely, if ever, appears in the media. This is a deliberate choice made by her parents, who believe that children deserve to grow up without the pressure of public opinion or online scrutiny. Ty and Holly have consistently protected their daughters’ privacy, only occasionally mentioning them in interviews—and never in a way that compromises their personal lives.
This choice reflects a broader parenting philosophy: to raise children who can decide for themselves when and how they engage with the public world. For Frances, this has meant the freedom to enjoy a private life, where she is known not as Ty Burrell’s daughter, but simply as herself.
Is Acting In Her Future?
Fans often wonder whether Frances will follow in her father’s footsteps and become an actor. At this time, there is no public indication that she has shown interest in pursuing acting or any other entertainment-related field. Ty himself has said that he and Holly encourage their daughters to discover their own paths and support them in whatever brings them happiness and purpose.
Whether she chooses to remain out of the spotlight or someday steps into it, Frances’s future is her own to shape. What’s clear is that she’s being raised in a home that values individuality, self-expression, and freedom of choice—qualities that will serve her well no matter what path she takes.
How Ty Burrell Protects His Family’s Privacy
Ty Burrell has always been intentional about how much he shares with the public. While he is open about his love for fatherhood and his admiration for his wife, he never reveals personal details that would violate his daughters’ privacy. In every interview, he draws a clear boundary between his public persona and his private role as a father.
This approach has helped protect Frances from the pressures many celebrity kids face. She has grown up in a supportive home where the emphasis is on personal development, not public image. That kind of privacy is rare in Hollywood and is a testament to Ty and Holly’s thoughtful parenting.
Final Thoughts On Frances Burrell’s Life
Frances Burrell may not be a household name, but her story is quietly powerful. As the daughter of a beloved TV actor, she could have grown up surrounded by cameras and headlines. Instead, she’s been raised in a home filled with love, intention, and a commitment to staying grounded. Her adoption was a life-changing moment for Ty and Holly Burrell—and for Frances, it marked the beginning of a life built on care and connection.
As she enters adulthood in the coming years, Frances will continue writing her own story—on her own terms. Whether she chooses to live privately or step into public life, she already carries with her the values and strength instilled by her parents. Her life may be quiet, but it’s no less meaningful. And in many ways, that’s what makes her story so remarkable.
FAQs About Frances Burrell
Who Are Frances Burrell’s Parents?
Frances is the adopted daughter of actor Ty Burrell and his wife Holly Burrell. They adopted her in 2010 and have raised her away from the public spotlight.
When Was Frances Burrell Adopted?
Frances was adopted in March 2010, making her the oldest of the Burrells’ two daughters.
Does Frances Have Any Siblings?
Yes, Frances has a younger sister named Greta Burrell, who was adopted by Ty and Holly in 2012.
Where Does Frances Burrell Live?
Frances lives with her family in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Burrells moved there after Modern Family ended in 2020 to enjoy a quieter lifestyle.
Is Frances Burrell Interested In Acting?
There’s no public indication that Frances plans to follow in her father’s footsteps as an actor. Her parents support whatever path she chooses.
Does Frances Appear In Public Or On Social Media?
Frances is not active on public social media and is rarely seen in public. Her parents have been careful to maintain her privacy.
What Has Ty Burrell Said About Being A Father?
Ty has said that fatherhood is the most important role of his life. He’s spoken about how adoption changed him and how much he values one-on-one time with his daughters.
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