Rob McElhenney went from being a struggling actor to one of the most successful sitcom stars and show runners in television history. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, which McElhenney created with his co-stars and which he also writes and (and sometimes even directs), is now the longest running sitcom in American television history. Also, he and his wife/co-star Kaitlin Olson sit on an impressive multimillion dollar net worth.

Related: How Rob McElhenney Gained And Lost Weight For 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia'

Since the success of the show, McElhenney and his co-stars have ventured into other industries and projects. Charlie Day has worked on several box-office smash films like The Lego Movie and Pacific Rim. Danny Devito, who was already a success before coming into the show, has embraced a second career as a celebrity activist. McElhenney, like many other celebrites, has stepped into the restaurant, bar, and sports industries. In 2020, he purchased Wrexham A.F.C., one of the oldest soccer clubs in Wales. So how did Mac from It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia afford a Welsh soccer team?

9 Rob McElhenney's Early Acting Work

Before selling the series to FX, McElhenney was just another struggling actor. He landed bit roles in immemorable 90s and early 2000s films like The Devil’s Own and Wonder Boys and he did commercials like anti-smoking PSAs. He was also in episodes of Law and Order and ER.

8 ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ Premieres But Struggles In The First Season

In 2005, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia premiered after selling a pilot to FX that McElhenney shot with his co-stars Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day. The show was modestly successful but was struggling to find an audience because critics couldn’t understand why people would want to watch a show about four irredeemably self-centered jerks. The show's original budget was so small that McElhenney continued to work as a waiter while making the first season.

7 Danny Devito Joins The Cast In Season 2

The show's struggles came to an end when Danny Devito joined the cast as Frank Reynolds. After a few appearances in what was thought to be an occasional supporting role, Devito quickly became a fan favorite mainstay of the show. He joined the cast in season two and has been with the show ever since.

Related: Danny Devito's Most Iconic Roles According To Fans

6 Rob McElhenney's Other Work Since 'It’s Always Sunny' Became A Success

McElhenney, since the show's success, has found more acting work and created another show. Since its debut he has appeared on Lost, The Mindy Project, Fargo, and Game of Thrones. He now also stars in a show called Mythic Quest which he created in 2020 for Apple TV+.

5 Rob McElhenney's Present Day Net Worth

Along with his wife and co-star Kaitlin Olson, who plays Dee on It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, McElhenney enjoys a combined net worth of approximately $50 million dollars. While he makes a large chunk of his living acting, writing, directing, and producing his successful sitcom, his television paychecks are not the only way McElhenney is making money.

4 Mac’s Tavern In Old Town Philly

In the mid-2010s, McElhenney and Olson opened a bar and restaurant in Old Town Philadelphia called Mac’s Tavern, named after his character on the show. The spot has an average 4 out of 5 stars in its reviews and is within walking distance of some of Philadelphia’s most historic sites, like the former homes of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

3 Rob McElhenney's Interest In Soccer

While he does enjoy sports, McElhenney is not what one would call a well-known sports fan. However, he has shown appreciation for Philadelphia’s teams in his show, like the episode where he and the gang try to sneak into a Phillies game or when he tries out for the Philadelphia Eagles. But according to Men’s Health, McElhenney bought Wrexham soccer team on a whim, and he had some help to do it.

Related: Ryan Reynolds Wants To Buy A Soccer Club...For A Documentary

2 Rob McElhenney Bought The Team With Ryan Reynolds

McElhenney put $2 million American (which is about 1.5 million in U.K currency) to buy the Welsh team with Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds, like McElhenney, has a few other ventures to his name outside of acting. Recently, the Canadian actor bought Mint Mobile and has been appearing in its commercials and he recently signed a deal with exercise company Peloton. Allegedly, the two had never met in person before deciding to buy the team together.

1 What Does The Future Hold For Rob McElhenney?

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia recently became the longest running live-action sitcom in television history, a title that previously belonged to a much less expletive-laden show titled Ozzie and Harriet. Ryan Reynolds admitted that he and McElhenney “don’t know anything about running a football club,” so their new sports venture is both a learning opportunity for them and a risky gamble for the team. However, the team finished in fourth place in the fifth tier of the national league and they ended 2021 with a record of 10 wins, 4 losses, and 6 ties, which isn’t going to send them to the championship match but is still not a bad track record for a team owned by two novices. Whatever happens to the team, for better or worse, McElhenney has several other successful projects to fall back on.

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