Long before Ty Burrell became a household name as the lovable Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, he appeared in one of Ridley Scott’s war movies. He starred in one of the most influential war movies of the past two decades. It marked one of his earliest appearances in a movie, setting the stage for his later fame.
Based on the 1999 non-fiction bestseller, the movie tells the harrowing story of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, where U.S. military forces faced disastrous setbacks in Somalia. At this point, you might have already guessed the movie’s name. Yes, Burrell appeared in Ridley Scott’s 2001 hit, Black Hawk Down, a landmark movie that continues to redefine the war movie genre.
Ty Burrell appeared in the war movie Black Hawk Down before finding fame in Modern Family
In Ridley Scott‘s 2001 epic Black Hawk Down, Ty Burrell played a small but significant role as Pararescue Officer Timothy A. Wilkinson, a medic attending the first downed Black Hawk crash site. Though his role was brief, it marked a key moment early in Burrell’s career.
At that time, Burrell was still an up-and-coming actor, and Black Hawk Down was just his second feature film following his appearance in Evolution. The war film featured an ensemble cast, including Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Eric Bana, and Orlando Bloom. It was also the film debut of Tom Hardy. Surrounded by a star-studded cast, Burrell’s role as a medic in the middle of the chaotic battle was a far cry from the comedic, goofy character that would later become his iconic role.
Burrell’s portrayal in the movie may have flown under the radar at the time, but it is clear that the experience played an important part in shaping the struggling actor’s career. After that, he went on to appear in many brief roles on TV and in movies. Burrell would appear in films like The Incredible Hulk and National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Ultimately, he landed his breakthrough role as Phil Dunphy in Modern Family in 2009, earning him two Primetime Emmy Awards. Yet, it all began with his role in this harrowing war epic that would go on to influence countless other war movies.
Black Hawk Down turns 24 this year—the movie that defines modern war cinema
This year marks the 24th anniversary of Black Hawk Down, a film that continues to be regarded as one of the most influential war movies ever made. Based on the 1999 non-fiction bestseller Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War by journalist Mark Bowden, the film depicts the disastrous 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. Celebrating its 18th anniversary, Bowden reflected on the lasting impact of the movie in an interview with Deadline. Bowden shared,
Black Hawk Down has influenced every film about war since. The colors, the sound, the soundtrack, the camera angles, the editing… I have not seen a movie about war in the last 18 years — and there have been a lot of them — that doesn’t owe a debt to Ridley’s movie.
Scott’s precise direction and innovative cinematic techniques have set a new standard for the genre, with movies adopting many of Black Hawk Down‘s visuals and thematic elements.
Bowden also noted how the movie’s depiction of modern warfare tactics, specifically small, special ops units supported by helicopters, has become a defining characteristic of the genre. Even today, these elements remain central to how war movies are made, making Black Hawk Down feel just as relevant now as it did when it was first released.
As the movie celebrates its 24th anniversary, its impact continues to resonate, both for the actors involved and the filmmakers who have since followed in Ridley Scott’s footsteps.
Black Hawk Down is available to stream on Netflix.
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