Rob McElhenney is an American actor, producer, and writer with an estimated net worth of $50 million. This fortune is shared with his wife, actress Kaitlin Olson. McElhenney is widely recognized for his role as “Mac” on the long-running comedy series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” He is also a key figure behind the scenes, serving as a writer, director, producer, and co-creator of the show.
In addition to his work on “It’s Always Sunny,” McElhenney has ventured into other successful projects. He co-created and starred in “Mythic Quest,” a comedy series on Apple TV+ about a video game development studio, showcasing his diverse talents. The show premiered in 2020.
Another major achievement came in 2020, when McElhenney, alongside fellow actor Ryan Reynolds, purchased the Welsh football club Wrexham A.F.C. Their ownership and experiences with the club have been documented in the television series “Welcome to Wrexham,” which debuted in 2022.
Born on April 14, 1977, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rob McElhenney grew up in a working-class family. His mother, Helena, was a nurse, while his father, Robert, held various jobs. McElhenney attended Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia before briefly attending Temple University. Ultimately, he decided to pursue acting, relocating to New York City. There, he worked as a waiter while auditioning for roles and landing small parts in film and television.
Before achieving stardom with “It’s Always Sunny,” McElhenney had a series of minor roles in films and TV shows. His film debut came in 1997 with “The Devil’s Own,” starring Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt. He also appeared in movies like “A Civil Action” (1998) and “Wonder Boys” (2000). On television, he had guest roles in popular shows such as “Law & Order” (1997), “ER” (2004), and “Lost” (2005).
At 25, Rob McElhenney moved to Los Angeles, where he formed a creative partnership with Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences working in restaurants, McElhenney envisioned a show about a group of morally questionable friends running an Irish bar. With a budget of just $200, they filmed a pilot, which caught the attention of multiple networks. They ultimately chose to air the show on FX.
Since its premiere in 2005, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” became a cult hit and received critical acclaim. McElhenney continues to devote significant time to the show, although he also takes on other acting roles, including appearances in “Lost” and “Fargo.” As of 2022, the show became the longest-running live-action comedy series in U.S. history.
In 2020, McElhenney expanded his portfolio by creating and starring in the Apple TV+ series “Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet.” The show, which explores the inner workings of a fictional video game studio, highlighted his skill as both a writer and actor. Additionally, he co-created and served as executive producer for “Welcome to Wrexham,” a documentary about his and Ryan Reynolds’ ownership of the Wrexham football club.
McElhenney’s personal life is closely intertwined with his professional career. He met actress Kaitlin Olson while working on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and the two became romantically involved. They married in 2008 and have two sons. McElhenney often refers to his wife as “the funniest woman in show business.”
In November 2020, McElhenney and Reynolds bought Wrexham A.F.C., a move that captured significant media attention. They invested in the club’s infrastructure and helped lead it to success, with Wrexham being promoted to League Two in 2023.
In 2022, McElhenney co-founded a new tech and entertainment company called Adim, alongside several other industry professionals.
McElhenney and Olson have also made notable real estate investments. In 2008, they purchased a $2.1 million home in Sherman Oaks, California. They sold this property in 2018 for $2.5 million. The couple also owns Mac’s Tavern in Philadelphia, which they bought in 2009 and renamed from “Skinner’s Bar.”
McElhenney’s career has been marked by success in multiple fields, from television to business ventures, making him one of the most versatile figures in entertainment today.
