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The Gang’s Massive Payday: What The 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' Actors Are Doing Now And Their $100M+ Empire

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The Gang is back, but they're richer, busier, and more powerful than ever. As of December 22, 2025, the stars of the longest-running live-action sitcom in television history, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (IASIP), have parlayed their cult-hit success into a massive entertainment and sports empire, with individual projects that are just as compelling as their roles at Paddy's Pub. The series, which premiered in 2005, has cemented its place in pop culture, allowing its core five actors to launch major side quests while preparing for the highly anticipated Season 17.

The transition from a low-budget passion project to a global phenomenon has been remarkable. The creators, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day, famously took less money upfront to maintain creative control, a decision that has paid off handsomely, allowing them to build a topical authority that spans comedy, drama, and even professional sports. Here is a deep dive into the lives and latest career moves of the five main actors, confirming that they are far from being "just" the cast of a single sitcom.

The Complete Biography and Profile of The Gang

The core five actors—known collectively as "The Gang"—have become synonymous with their dysfunctional characters: Dennis, Dee, Charlie, Mac, and Frank. Their real-life profiles, however, reveal a group of accomplished writers, producers, and directors who have shaped modern comedy.

Glenn Howerton (Dennis Reynolds)

  • Full Name: Glenn Franklin Howerton III
  • Born: April 13, 1976 (Age 49)
  • IASIP Role: Dennis Reynolds, the narcissistic, sociopathic co-owner of Paddy's Pub and Dee's twin brother.
  • Key Non-Sunny Roles: Dr. Jack Griffin in the NBC comedy A.P. Bio (2018–2021), Cliff Gilbert on The Mindy Project (2012–2017), and a critically acclaimed performance as Jim Balsillie in the 2023 film BlackBerry.
  • Latest 2025 Project: Howerton has secured a recurring role as Ethan Corbin in the Netflix limited series Sirens, co-starring Kevin Bacon.

Kaitlin Olson (Deandra "Sweet Dee" Reynolds)

  • Full Name: Kaitlin Willow Olson McElhenney
  • Born: August 18, 1975 (Age 50)
  • IASIP Role: Deandra "Sweet Dee" Reynolds, the aspiring actress and Dennis's twin, frequently referred to as a "bird."
  • Key Non-Sunny Roles: Mackenzie "Mickey" Murphy in the Fox sitcom The Mick (2017–2018), and a memorable guest role in the HBO Max series Hacks. Olson began her career in The Sunday Company at the Groundlings.
  • Latest 2025 Project: Olson is currently leading the new ABC crime dramedy series High Potential as Morgan Gillory, a cleaning lady with an extraordinarily high IQ recruited by the police. The show is set to return for its second season.

Rob McElhenney (Mac)

  • Full Name: Robert McElhenney III (now also professionally known as Rob Mac)
  • Born: April 14, 1977 (Age 48)
  • IASIP Role: Ronald "Mac" McDonald, the self-proclaimed security of Paddy's Pub and Dennis's best friend. He is also the creator, executive producer, writer, and director of the series.
  • Key Non-Sunny Roles: Co-creator and star of the Apple TV+ comedy Mythic Quest (2020–present).
  • Latest 2025 Project: McElhenney continues to expand the Mythic Quest universe with the spin-off series, Side Quest, which is scheduled to stream on Apple TV+ in March 2025. His high-profile ownership of the Welsh football club Wrexham A.F.C. remains a major focus, documented in the series Welcome to Wrexham.

Charlie Day (Charlie Kelly)

  • Full Name: Charles Peckham Day
  • Born: February 9, 1976 (Age 49)
  • IASIP Role: Charlie Kelly, the illiterate, glue-sniffing co-owner of the pub and Frank's roommate. He is also an executive producer and writer for the show.
  • Key Non-Sunny Roles: Dale Arbus in the film series Horrible Bosses, and roles in major films like Pacific Rim and The Lego Movie.
  • Latest 2025 Project: Day is starring in the dark comedy film Honey Don't! and the Hulu film Summer of 69, both slated for 2025 releases. Furthermore, he and Rob McElhenney are developing a new half-hour comedy series in partnership with Ubisoft.

Danny DeVito (Frank Reynolds)

  • Full Name: Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.
  • Born: November 17, 1944 (Age 81)
  • IASIP Role: Frank Reynolds, the wealthy, morally bankrupt father figure and co-owner of Paddy's Pub. DeVito joined the cast in Season 2.
  • Key Non-Sunny Roles: Louie De Palma on the sitcom Taxi (1978–1983), The Penguin in Batman Returns, and roles in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Twins, and Matilda.
  • Latest 2025 Project: DeVito is slated to appear in Chris Pine's directorial debut, Poolman, and the upcoming film A Sudden Case of Christmas (2024). He is also reportedly involved in The Roses (2025), a remake of The War of the Roses.

The Unconventional Business Empire of IASIP's Creators

The success of the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast extends far beyond acting, positioning Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day as major players in the modern media landscape. Their model of creative ownership, which was unconventional at the time of the show's inception, has become the template for many Hollywood creators seeking control over their intellectual property.

The trio's production company, RCG (Rob, Charlie, Glenn), is the engine behind their continued success. This company not only oversees the production of IASIP but also incubates new projects, ensuring a consistent output of their unique brand of dark, character-driven comedy. The co-creators have mastered the art of the "side quest," using their downtime between *Sunny* seasons to produce other highly successful shows and films.

Rob McElhenney's involvement with Wrexham A.F.C. is perhaps the most high-profile example of this expansion. The purchase of the Welsh football club with Ryan Reynolds has generated massive media attention and resulted in the Emmy-winning documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham. This venture is a testament to McElhenney's entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to turn a passion into a globally marketable entity.

Meanwhile, Charlie Day and McElhenney's partnership with Ubisoft to develop a new comedy series highlights their continued interest in blending comedy with the world of gaming and technology, following the success of the workplace comedy Mythic Quest. This strategic diversification across television, film, and sports ensures that The Gang's influence remains pervasive and their financial standing continues to grow, with their collective net worths often cited in the hundreds of millions.

What to Expect from 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' Season 17

For fans of the long-running sitcom, the biggest news is the concrete update on the show's future. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is not only returning but is set to break its own record as the longest-running live-action comedy in U.S. television history. The show's enduring popularity is a direct result of its willingness to tackle sensitive and often controversial topics with its signature brand of satire.

The 17th season of *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* will officially kick off on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, on FXX. The season premiere will feature two new episodes, with the rest of the season airing weekly. This announcement confirms that despite their busy schedules—including Kaitlin Olson's commitment to High Potential and Glenn Howerton's work on Sirens—the core cast and creative team remain dedicated to the show that started it all.

While specific plot details for Season 17 remain tightly guarded, series creator Rob McElhenney has previously shared exciting updates, suggesting that The Gang will continue their dysfunctional, self-serving antics at Paddy's Pub. The show’s writers are known for adapting to current events and social trends, so audiences can expect a fresh batch of politically incorrect, highly satirical episodes. The show's longevity is attributed to its "low-cost production model" and the creative freedom granted to the executive producers, which allows them to maintain the show's unique and anarchic voice.

The Impact of The Gang on Modern Comedy

The legacy of the IASIP actors goes beyond their individual projects and massive wealth. They pioneered a style of dark, cringe-worthy, and character-driven comedy that has influenced countless sitcoms that followed. By focusing on five deeply flawed, irredeemable characters, they created a unique comedic space free from the need for emotional growth or traditional sitcom morality.

The Gang, which includes the recurring but vital character of Frank Reynolds, has maintained a consistent level of quality for two decades. The creative partnership between McElhenney, Day, and Howerton (the "three-headed monster" of writing and production) is a rare feat in Hollywood. They have managed to balance their roles as co-stars, writers, and producers, ensuring that the comedic vision remains intact.

As they move into their 17th season, the actors of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia are not just reprising old roles; they are returning to the creative wellspring that launched their multi-faceted careers. Their ability to switch between the low-brow comedy of Paddy's Pub and high-profile dramatic and business ventures proves that The Gang is, in fact, the most successful and resilient group of miscreants on television.

it's always sunny in philadelphia actors
it's always sunny in philadelphia actors

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