February 10, 2012 12:39 PM PDT

Modern Family: Look Who's Playing Cam's Dad

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Michael Ausiello

Barry Corbin has snagged a pivotal branch on the Modern Family tree.

The veteran actor — whose myriad TV credits include Northern Exposure, One Tree Hill and, more recently, The Closer (playing dad to Kyra Sedgwick’s Brenda) — has been cast as Merle Tucker, the father of Eric Stonestreet’s Cam, a show rep confirms to TVLine.

Merle, who surfaces during May sweeps, is described as solid, masculine and gruff.

On Thursday, Stonestreet tweeted a photo of Corbin at the table read for the episode above the caption, “Fans of Modern Family: Please meet Cam’s Dad, Merle Tucker.”

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Tags: ABC, Barry Corbin, Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

Comments (11)

Perfect. I will always remember him as the General from Wargames. Colonel, take us to DEFCON 1.
Comment by Tikkanen – February 10, 2012 12:44 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Agree!
  Comment by suzanne – February 10, 2012 05:17 PM PDT Reply To This Post
You can test your knowledge of the “Modern Family” family tree at the site linked to my name.
Comment by Rock Golf – February 10, 2012 12:47 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I remember him from the movie Six Pack with Kenny Rogers. I loved him as Whitey on OTH and hated that he’s been gone from it now.
Comment by Linda – February 10, 2012 12:53 PM PDT Reply To This Post
YEAH I like him! Loved him on Northern Exposure and OTH
Comment by sarah – February 10, 2012 12:55 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Aww, Whitey! Love him and I wish he were appearing in the final season of OTH, but I can’t wait to see him on Modern Family.
Comment by Liz – February 10, 2012 12:57 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Cool! Good choice. And I remember him from Wargames, too.
“Mr. McKittrick, after very careful consideration, sir, I’ve come to the conclusion that your new defense system sucks.”
Comment by PJM – February 10, 2012 01:37 PM PDT Reply To This Post
WHITEY!!!!!
Comment by Captain – February 10, 2012 01:41 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I love Barry Corbin, I love Modern Family, and I am currently overcome with my love for YOU, Mr. Ausiello, for using the word “myriad” properly!
Comment by Sherri Marshall – February 10, 2012 01:59 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Wait, does this mean he’s Brenda’s brother? Oh, wait he lives in NYC with his ‘roommate’ in a tiny one bedroom. (Sorry, you have to be a Closer geek to get that).
Comment by TaMara – February 10, 2012 02:48 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Love modern family…too funny ..the whole cast is perfect…don’t change a thing!!
Comment by Rach – May 17, 2012 09:03 PM PDT Reply To This Post