Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell Find Advertisers Still Crave ‘Modern Family’
Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell, best known for their roles as Claire and Phil Dunphy on the hit show “Modern Family,” have teamed up once again for a new marketing campaign. This time, they are working with pharmaceutical giant GSK to raise awareness about meningitis risks for teens and young adults. In a nearly eight-minute video, the duo educates viewers about the disease, how it is transmitted, and its effects, while also promoting GSK’s drugs Bexsero and Penmenvy.
During a recent interview, Bowen expressed her surprise at how little she knew about meningitis and its transmission, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the disease. Despite the end of “Modern Family” in 2020, Bowen and Burrell still have a strong on-screen chemistry that makes them a compelling duo for advertisers.
In addition to their work with GSK, Bowen and Burrell have also appeared in commercials for Meta’s WhatsApp and Greenlight, showcasing their versatility as actors. Their appeal lies in their relatability as “America’s parents,” as they have been a fixture in many households for years through their roles on “Modern Family.”
Thanks to the enduring popularity of streaming, Bowen and Burrell continue to be recognizable figures, even to younger audiences who are just discovering the show. The pair often receive praise from fans who have grown up watching them on TV, showcasing the lasting impact of their work on “Modern Family.”
Advertisers have long recognized the value of featuring the cast of “Modern Family” in their campaigns, integrating their products seamlessly into the show’s storylines. From cars to retail giants, the series has been a lucrative platform for advertisers looking to reach a wide audience.
Bowen and Burrell appreciate the opportunities that advertising offers them, allowing them to endorse products they believe in while balancing their careers with family life. They note the evolving collaborative nature of ad creation, with agencies becoming more open to outside input to make ads more engaging and humorous.
Overall, Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell’s continued success in the advertising world speaks to their enduring appeal and talent as actors, making them valuable spokespeople for a variety of brands. Their work with GSK on raising awareness about meningitis risks serves as a reminder of the important role celebrities can play in educating the public about health issues. Advertising in the past five years has seen a shift towards a more collaborative approach, according to industry insiders. Gone are the days of a single creative director dictating the direction of an ad campaign. Instead, there is now a more open environment where a team of people come together to pitch ideas and decide on the best ones.
One such example of this collaborative approach can be seen in a recent campaign by GSK focusing on the risks of meningitis. The campaign features a longer video starring Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell, known for their roles on television. The video, described as a “social-first piece” by GSK’s executive, has been cut into different versions for YouTube and Instagram. Bowen herself shared a trailer of the video on her social media channels, helping to reach the target audience of parents of 16-to-23-year-olds.
The involvement of popular TV personalities like Bowen and Burrell in advertising campaigns is not new. In fact, they have proven to be effective social media influencers, helping to connect with a wider audience beyond traditional TV viewers. This shift towards a more collaborative and inclusive approach to advertising has opened up new opportunities for brands to engage with consumers in a more authentic and relatable way.
As advertising continues to evolve, it is clear that the days of a single creative genius driving a campaign are long gone. Instead, a team of diverse talents come together to pitch ideas, share jokes, and ultimately decide on the best approach. This collaborative spirit not only leads to more creative and engaging campaigns but also reflects the changing landscape of advertising in the digital age.



