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Rob McElhenney facts for kids

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Rob Mac
Rob McElhenney (2016 crop).jpg
Mac in 2016
Born
Robert McElhenney III

(1977-04-14) April 14, 1977 (age 48)
Other names Rob McElhenney
Education Temple University (dropped out)
Occupation
  • Actor
  • writer
  • producer
  • podcaster
  • businessman
Years active 1996–present
Spouse(s)
(m. 2008)
Children 2
Relatives Marcus McElhenney (cousin)

Rob Mac (born Robert McElhenney III on April 14, 1977) is an American actor, writer, producer, and businessman. He is famous for playing Mac in the TV comedy series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also created and helps produce this show.

Rob Mac also stars as Ian Grimm in the Apple TV+ comedy series Mythic Quest. He helped create this show too. In September 2020, Rob Mac became a co-owner of the Welsh football club Wrexham A.F.C. with actor Ryan Reynolds. Their journey with the club is shown in the Emmy Award-winning TV series Welcome to Wrexham. In 2025, he officially changed his name to Rob Mac.

Early Life and Education

Robert McElhenney III was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 14, 1977. His parents were of Irish background. He was raised in the Catholic faith. His parents separated when he was eight years old. He and his two younger brothers were mainly raised by their father. Rob Mac has always been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He also has a half-sister and step-brother from his father's later marriage.

Rob Mac went to Waldron Mercy Academy and St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia. He later attended Temple University for a short time.

Rob Mac's Acting Career

Rob McElhenney (28295155670)
Mac in July 2016

Rob Mac started his acting career with small roles in movies. His first big part was in the 1997 film The Devil's Own, but his scenes were cut. He also had small roles in films like A Civil Action. He later got bigger parts in movies such as Latter Days. He also appeared in a TV episode of Law & Order.

When he was 25, Rob Mac moved to Los Angeles. He was working as a waiter while trying to get acting jobs. He met Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day around this time. Rob Mac had an idea for a TV show starring the three of them. They filmed a pilot episode for only $200. Many TV networks were interested, but Rob Mac chose FX. They gave him more creative freedom. The show became It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Rob Mac spends most of his year working on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He has also appeared in other shows. He was a guest star in two episodes of Lost. He is a big fan of Game of Thrones. In 2019, he had a small cameo role in a Game of Thrones episode.

In 2017, Rob Mac played a police officer in the TV series Fargo. Critics praised his performance. In 2020, he helped create the Apple TV+ comedy series Mythic Quest. He also stars in the show as Ian Grimm. The series has been very popular with critics.

From 2021 to 2023, Rob Mac, Charlie Day, and Glenn Howerton hosted The Always Sunny Podcast. They talked about their show and shared behind-the-scenes stories. Other cast members also joined the podcast.

Business Ventures

In 2009, Rob Mac and his wife Kaitlin Olson bought a bar in Philadelphia. It is now called Mac's Tavern.

On September 23, 2020, it was announced that Rob Mac and actor Ryan Reynolds were planning to buy the Welsh football team Wrexham AFC. They officially took over the club on November 16, 2020. Under their ownership, Wrexham was promoted to League Two in April 2023. This was a big moment as it brought Wrexham back to the English Football League after 15 years. In April 2024, Wrexham was promoted again to League One.

In June 2022, Rob Mac launched a new company called Adim. It focuses on entertainment technology. In 2023, Rob Mac, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day started an Irish American Whiskey company. They named it Four Walls, inspired by the bar in their TV show. In June 2023, Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds also became investors in the Alpine F1 Team. In October 2024, they bought a majority share in Wrexham Lager.

Personal Life

Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson (12064473996)
Mac and his wife Kaitlin Olson in July 2010

Rob Mac hired actress Kaitlin Olson to play Dee Reynolds on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. They started dating during the show's second season. They got married in California on September 27, 2008. They have two sons together.

In July 2023, Rob Mac shared that he had been diagnosed with some learning differences. In June 2025, he officially changed his last name from McElhenney to Mac. This was to help avoid confusion with his character on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Body Transformations

For the seventh season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob Mac gained 60 pounds. He did this to make his character funnier. His co-star Charlie Day joked that it was "disgusting." After filming, Rob Mac lost the weight quickly.

For the show's 13th season, he changed his body again. This time, he became very fit and muscular. He joked on Instagram about how much hard work it took. He mentioned lifting weights, eating healthy, and getting lots of sleep.

Influences

Rob Mac has said that he is inspired by many comedians and writers. Some of his comedic influences include the Marx Brothers, Woody Allen, and Larry David.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Rob McElhenney para niños

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