“Meeting with Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell over Zoom was a surreal experience in the best way. To most people, they are forever known as Claire and Phil Dunphy, the hilariously chaotic couple from ‘Modern Family.’ Their recent partnership with GSK on the ‘Ask2BSure’ public health campaign aims to educate parents about meningitis B and the importance of vaccination, especially before milestones like college move-in day and team sports.
In their seven-minute video ‘Mening-Itinerary,’ Bowen and Burrell seamlessly transition from sitcom parents to public-health advocates while maintaining their signature banter. During our conversation, they shared their thoughts on the campaign, their approach to balancing serious health topics with humor, and their personal experiences with meningitis B.
They highlighted the importance of parents having conversations with their doctors about meningitis B vaccination, as it may not always be part of routine discussions. The randomness and lack of awareness surrounding the disease surprised them, prompting them to spread awareness through their involvement in the campaign.
Additionally, Bowen and Burrell shared insights from their conversations with meningitis survivors and affected families, emphasizing the survivors’ passion for educating others. Despite their comedic background, they were moved by the survivors’ stories and dedication to raising awareness.
On a lighter note, they also discussed their skincare routines, upcoming projects, and the challenges of balancing work with family life. Overall, their dedication to raising awareness about meningitis B shines through in their informative and engaging approach to public health advocacy.”
There’s a fleeting moment of connection with teenagers, and spending time with them feels like the right choice at this point.”
Julie: “They may not need us frequently, but when they do, being there for them is essential. I have turned down some work because of this, and I wouldn’t have it any other way right now.”
We had the privilege of working in Los Angeles for 11 years on Modern Family, and we recognized its uniqueness as it unfolded. Lightning rarely strikes twice—unless you’re Ed O’Neill, in which case it happens repeatedly.
I have some projects in the works, and if they make it to TV, you’ll be the first to know.”
Not to make this about me, but I do have a 12-month-old, so I feel compelled to ask: Any parenting advice?
Ty: “Embrace the present moment. Each stage has its own charm. However, it does get more complex. It shifts from physical exhaustion to emotional exhaustion as they grow older.”
Julie: “Were you like me, meticulously planning the optimal nap schedule with charts and graphs?”
NewBeauty: “No, I lean more towards being a laid-back mom.”
Julie: “That’s wonderful. I wish I had been more relaxed. My advice would be to not stress over every chart and graph. I recall after having twins, thinking, ‘Maybe I’ll have another child and this time I’ll just wear the baby and go with the flow.’
While that didn’t happen, it remains my one regret. I wish I had been more easygoing.”
Ty: “But then you wouldn’t be you.”