Modern Family Cast: Each Actor’s Funniest Line in the Series
Modern Family has become a critically acclaimed sitcom since it first premiered in 2009. The show captivates audiences by showcasing the familial relationships between three different branches of the family. Each branch is made up of two main couples and their children, making this a dynamic and memorable show that has had viewers laughing throughout the entire run of the series.
The show has been award-winning for years, and many of these awards are attributed to the impeccable writing and the amazing performances by each actor. One of the main reasons why Modern Family is so successful is because of each actor’s comedic timing as they bring life to some of the funniest lines in the series. In this article, we will be taking a look at some of the most memorable and funniest lines delivered by each actor in the series.
Ty Burrell
Ty Burrell plays Phil Dunphy, the father figure of the Dunphy family. Phil is known for his lovable-yet-goofy demeanor, add to that his witty quips and deadpan delivery, and you get some of the funniest lines in the series.
Here are some of the funniest lines delivered by Ty Burrell’s Phil Dunphy:
- “She’s wrong, but I’d like to hear why”
- “I used to think my life was a tragedy, but now I realize, it’s a comedy.”
- “I don’t know what I expected…she IS my daughter”
- “Am I…daring? No, that’s my middle name.”
- “Family, ugh…”
Julie Bowen
Julie Bowen plays Claire Dunphy, the matriarch of the family and Phil’s wife. Her smart and sassy attitude is always entertaining and her witty comebacks never fail to make viewers laugh. Here are some of the funniest lines delivered by Julie Bowen’s Claire Dunphy:
- “I’m a party planner, not a miracle worker”
- “Well, sometimes before you act, you have to think about consequences!”
- “What did you learn today? Nothing, I can’t keep track of it all!”
- “I think it’s time to bring out the nuclear option. First we take away her television privileges, then her phone, then her iPod, and finally… the internet.”
- “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Except the money; that part has to come home with me.”
Ed O’Neill
Ed O’Neill plays Jay Pritchett, the patriarch of the family and father of Claire and Mitchell Pritchett. Jay is an old-school attitude kind of man, who also has a great sense of humor that often causes some of the funniest moments in the show. Here are some of the funniest lines delivered by Ed O’Neill’s Jay Pritchett:
- “Don’t let the opinions of others stop you from following your dreams. Unless it’s your boss.”
- “That’s why they call it a compromise – because neither one of us gets exactly what we want.”
- “Don’t make me choose between my two children. You know I hate it when you do that.”
- “It’s not that I’m lazy, I just don’t care.”
- “Claire, I think you’re making too big a deal out of this. If I was you, I’d just do the opposite of what she said.”
Sofia Vergara
Sofia Vergara plays Gloria Pritchett, Jay’s wife who is originally from Colombia. Her strong accent and sassy attitude make for some very humorous moments. Here are some of the funniest lines delivered by Sofia Vergara’s Gloria Pritchett:
- “You know marriage is like a table. Four legs – honesty, respect, love, and trust – but you don’t just have to have all four. Two legs, is ok, if you lean on each other.”
- “A one piece bathing suit is more modest, but a bikini says, ‘Hey, I’m still sexy!’”
- “Learn the difference between a situation you can control and the one you can’t. And the one you can’t, just let it go.”
- “You know, sometimes I forget how old I am. Especially when I am with Jay.”
- “You know I can’t answer the phone when I’m with Jay. He gets very jealous!”
Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Jesse Tyler Ferguson plays Mitchell Pritchett, Claire and Mitchell’s brother and Jay’s son. His witty and sarcastic jokes often add a fun element to the show and make for some of the funniest lines. Here are some of the funniest lines delivered by Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Mitchell Pritchett:
- “It’s like your brain knows what you should do, but your heart just won’t let you.”
- “Nobody said marriage was easy. Although my grandmother said it was a lot easier if you just go to bed mad.”
- “It’s like I always say: if you don’t have anything nice to say, say something ridiculous instead.”
- “Look, sometimes you have to choose between being right and being nice.”
- “Let me just say this one thing. I hate to be harsh, but… I’m gonna be harsh.”
Eric Stonestreet
Eric Stonestreet plays Cam Tucker, Mitchell’s husband and father of their adopted daughter Lily. Cam is a unique character in the show, who is often trying to prove that he is the fun parent. His jokes and puns often entertain viewers and make for some of the funniest lines. Here are some of the funniest lines delivered by Eric Stonestreet’s Cam Tucker:
- “It’s so funny how a little bit of math can take an ordinary situation and suddenly make everyone a moron.”
- “There’s a fine line between being edgy and being a misfit. That’s why I always wear a belt.”
- “Life is like a game of chess – you just have to make the right moves. Or else the robots will win.”
- “It’s not easy being this irresistible. People can barely concentrate on a sentence when they’re around me.”
- “I don’t think I need to remind anyone that I’m the fun parents, and clearly, I raise the fun.”
Sarah Hyland
Sarah Hyland plays Haley Dunphy, the oldest daughter of the Dunphys. She is often at odds with her parents, making for some of the funniest moments. Here are some of the funniest lines delivered by Sarah Hyland’s Haley Dunphy:
- “I am so OVER being the responsible one!”
- “I thought it would be cute if we all wore the same shirt, then realized that was a thing ten years ago, and it stopped being cute.”
- “I mean, who am I kidding? I’m not a ‘play it by ear’ kind of girl. I like structure. Structure is good.”
- “Mom, you have to stop worrying about me all the time. I mean, it’s like you don’t even trust me.”
- “I’m not psychic, and I’m not a mind-reader. Although, I really want to be.”
Ariel Winter
Ariel Winter plays Alex Dunphy, the brainy middle child of the family. Her witty comments often make viewers chuckle, and she has quite a few memorable lines throughout the series. Here are some of the funniest lines delivered by Ariel Winter’s Alex Dunphy:
- “You think I don’t know what everyone calls me behind my back? Miss Perfect.”
- “He forgot to bring me a present. I know it’s the thought that counts…but still.”
- “It’s good to challenge yourself, but why not do something you’re actually good at?”