Danny DeVito has long been a staple in Hollywood, and at this point, the man can nab any role he wants. After all, he's worth tens of millions, and he has his diverse portfolio to thank for it. So it makes sense that he's reasonably choosy about what parts he plays (plus what films he produces).
But one show wasn't necessarily Danny's top choice for a career move. And yet, he took on the role in an effort to impress his kids.
After all, what kind of actor dad doesn't agree to star on his adult kids' favorite show just to keep it from going off the air?
The story goes, Mental Floss explains, that the first season of the show 'Always Sunny in Philadelphia' was skating on thin ice. Not only did the show's creators film their pilot with a meager budget of $100, but the first season did abysmally in terms of ratings.
FX knew they needed someone recognizable to cast alongside creator and lead actor Rob McElhenney, who was still working a day job in addition to acting on the sitcom. TBH, most folks probably wouldn't recognize the list of cast names these days, and they likely didn't when the show started, either.
But like Danny, his kids knew how to recognize comedy gold when they saw it. Though Danny hadn't really been interested in the show, his three kids, actress Lucy, relative unknown Gracie Fan, and Jacob, were fans of it.
And given Danny's connection to 'Always Sunny' supporter, FX's John Landgraf, talks started about DeVito joining the cast. He became Frank Reynolds, much to his kids' delight, and the show marched on.
Still, Danny wasn't the sitcom's sole saving grace. The move to DVD releases and Hulu showings helped develop a larger audience for 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' which led to a longer run.
Of course, it hasn't all been roses for DeVito. Mental Floss recapped that at least one episode nearly cost Danny his life; an underwater scene required him to be 'weighed down,' after which he nearly drowned.
Still, though he left for the day following that event, Danny kept showing up for the series. And ultimately, it all worked out for the best: the show is primed to enter its 15th season, noted CNN back in May of 2020.
While COVID threw a wrench in the filming schedule, it's clear that 'Always Sunny' isn't going anywhere just yet. At least, not while Danny's still around to save it.