Long before gaining fame on the hit show Modern Family, actor Ty Burrell had a rather memorable experience involving an unfortunate accident in Times Square.
In a candid piece for the New York Times' “My First Time” column, Burrell shared the story of how nerves got the best of him during a crucial meeting with an agent, leading to an unexpected mishap that left him in an awkward situation.
Prior to becoming an acclaimed actor, many celebrities, including A-listers, had humble beginnings in various roles, ranging from soap operas to romantic comedies.
Leonardo DiCaprio, for instance, faced four Oscar nominations before finally clinching the prestigious award for his role in The Revenant at the 2016 ceremony.
Recalling the pivotal moment when he was torn between impressing the woman he had relocated to New York for, who happened to be an actress, and facing the daunting prospect of the agency meeting, Burrell described feeling caught in a dilemma.
Ultimately, he decided to proceed with the meeting, albeit battling nervousness by resorting to frequent sips of water to mask his anxiety.
During the meeting with the agent, Burrell was given feedback that suggested he might have a shot at work if he made certain physical alterations, such as shaving his arms.
However, he was also informed that his facial features were deemed too prominent for television or film roles, which left him disheartened.
Subsequent to the encounter, as Burrell exited the meeting venue and found himself standing in the bustling Times Square, he suddenly realized the unfortunate consequence of his overwhelming emotions – he had involuntarily soiled himself.
Despite the initial shock and disbelief, he remained rooted in place, observing the continuous flow of people around him, until the reality of the situation sank in.
In a moment of reflection, Burrell likened the experience to a symbolic shedding of the negative aspects of the entertainment industry that had clouded his passion for acting.
Disposing of his underwear in a nearby trash bin, he metaphorically discarded the anxieties that had plagued him moments earlier, feeling a sense of liberation and newfound clarity as he emerged from the restroom back into the vibrant energy of Times Square.
Concluding his recollection of the incident, Burrell expressed a sense of catharsis and renewal, symbolizing his emergence from a challenging setback as a transformative step towards embracing a fresh perspective on his journey in the entertainment world.
