Robert McElhenney III (born April 14, 1977) is an American actor,
director, producer, and screenwriter. He is known for playing Ronald
"Mac" McDonald on the FX/FXX comedy series It's Always Sunny in
Philadelphia. He is also one of the developers, executive producers,
and the creator of the show, which has provided him with writing and
directing credits for various episodes.McElhenney was born in
Philadelphia, the eldest of three children. Both of his parents are of
Irish descent. He was raised Roman Catholic. When he was eight years
old, his parents divorced after his mother came out as a lesbian.
McElhenney was primarily raised by his father, but has said that his
parents remained close after their divorce. McElhenney also has two
brothers that are gay, and has "always been part of the gay
community". Through his father's subsequent marriage, he also has a
half-sister and stepsister. One of his closest friends, Joseph
Dougherty Jr. of Delaware County, suggested the idea for what later
would become It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.He attended Saint
Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia. After graduating, he
attended Temple University. McElhenney moved to New York City,
temporarily lived on the Fordham University's campus with friends, but
chose not to enroll.McElhenney scored his first major role with a
small part in The Devil's Own, followed by small parts in A Civil
Action, Wonder Boys, and Thirteen Conversations About One Thing,
though his role in The Devil's Own was cut out of the final edit. He
later had more substantial parts in Latter Days and The Tollbooth, and
a small role in the Law & Order episode "Thrill". At the age of 21, a
debut script by McElhenney was optioned with writer-director Paul
Schrader attached to direct, before the project fell through after one
year of edits and rewrites.
director, producer, and screenwriter. He is known for playing Ronald
"Mac" McDonald on the FX/FXX comedy series It's Always Sunny in
Philadelphia. He is also one of the developers, executive producers,
and the creator of the show, which has provided him with writing and
directing credits for various episodes.McElhenney was born in
Philadelphia, the eldest of three children. Both of his parents are of
Irish descent. He was raised Roman Catholic. When he was eight years
old, his parents divorced after his mother came out as a lesbian.
McElhenney was primarily raised by his father, but has said that his
parents remained close after their divorce. McElhenney also has two
brothers that are gay, and has "always been part of the gay
community". Through his father's subsequent marriage, he also has a
half-sister and stepsister. One of his closest friends, Joseph
Dougherty Jr. of Delaware County, suggested the idea for what later
would become It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.He attended Saint
Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia. After graduating, he
attended Temple University. McElhenney moved to New York City,
temporarily lived on the Fordham University's campus with friends, but
chose not to enroll.McElhenney scored his first major role with a
small part in The Devil's Own, followed by small parts in A Civil
Action, Wonder Boys, and Thirteen Conversations About One Thing,
though his role in The Devil's Own was cut out of the final edit. He
later had more substantial parts in Latter Days and The Tollbooth, and
a small role in the Law & Order episode "Thrill". At the age of 21, a
debut script by McElhenney was optioned with writer-director Paul
Schrader attached to direct, before the project fell through after one
year of edits and rewrites.
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