Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Apart fromFRIENDS, Matt LeBlanc had the chance to join another immensely popular show in the late 2000s,Modern Family.Surprisingly, LeBlanc, post-Joey, turned down the opportunity to portray the iconic character of Phil Dunphy. Considering his prior association with Joey, it’s intriguing to contemplate now what might have been if he had taken on the role instead of Ty Burrell.
Also Read:“I Am Not Kidding About This”: Matthew Perry Had Recurring Nightmares About FRIENDS
Matt Leblanc Was Almost Phil Dunphy inModern Family!
Prior to casting Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy inModern Family, ABC initially eyed Joey actorMatt LeBlancfor the role of the comedic and quirky father figure. In an interview withUSA Today,LeBlanc disclosed the behind-the-scenes details of what occurred during that period. He said,
“I remember reading it thinking, this is a really good script, (but) I’m not the guy for this. I’d be doing the project an injustice to take this. I know what I can do, I know what I can’t do. Plus, I’m having too much fun laying on the couch.”
Turns out the actor declined the opportunity as he didn’t believe he would fit the character well, and to some degree, he was correct. Despite being an outstanding actor, having previously portrayed Joey, audiences might have struggled to differentiate between the two characters, potentially diminishing the charm of the role. This paved the way for Ty Burrell to step into the part, and he truly nailed it, doing absolute justice to the character.
Also Read:Matt LeBlanc and Courteney Cox Reveal Never Told Before Stories of Matthew Perry in Emotional Posts After His Tragic Death
Matt LeBlanc Instead Enjoyed Some Much-Deserved Time off on His Couch
Following the unsuccessful run of theFRIENDSspinoffJoey, Matt LeBlanc acknowledged that he learned a lesson or two. The actor realized that theModern Familycharacter simply didn’t reflect him. Despite loving the script, he sensed that it was tailored for someone specific, and therefore, declined the opportunity. Furthermore, he was tired. He revealed toThe Mirror,
“I was burnt out. I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere. I was in a position to do that. My agent was bummed. Most actors call their agents and say, ‘What’s going on?’. I’d call mine and say, ‘Please lose my number for a few years,”
While the script was being offered to him, LeBlanc was focusing on a much-deserved hiatus from the camera after starring for numerous years in one of the world’s most renowned and beloved series. This break from the spotlight led him to exercise extreme caution before committing to any new projects. He then made a comeback again in 2020.
Also Read:“You’re keeping the 20 buck you owe me”: Matt LeBlanc’s Emotional Farewell to Matthew Perry Leaves Fans Inconsolable After FRIENDS Star’s Tragic Death
Sampurna Banerjee
Articles Published :1803
Sampurna Banerjee is an Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, and she’s written over 1,700 articles! She covers everything from celebrity news to the latest superhero buzz, streaming shows, and fan theories. If it’s trending in pop culture, Sampurna’s probably already on it.When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her rewatching The Office (again), getting into debates about Marvel’s timeline, or diving deep into Christopher Nolan movies for the hundredth time. She’s not just writing about entertainment, she’s living it.
