Rob McElhenney

Robert McElhenney III (/ˈmækəlhɛni/; born April 14, 1977) is an American actor, producer and writer. He is best known for his role as Ronald “Mac” McDonald on the FX/FXX comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–present), which he created and co-developed and on which he serves as an executive producer, co-writer, and occasional director. He is also known for his role as Ian Grimm on the Apple TV+ comedy series Mythic Quest (2020–present), which he co-created and on which he serves as a co-writer and executive producer.

Robert McElhenney III was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 14, 1977, the son of parents who were both of Irish descent.[1] He was raised Catholic.[2] Through his father, he is a cousin of Olympic rower Marcus McElhenney. When he was eight years old, his parents divorced after his mother came out as a lesbian.[2] He and his two younger brothers were primarily raised by their father, though their parents remained close after the divorce.[2] His two brothers are also gay,[2] which led him to describe himself as having “always been part of the gay community”.[3] Through his father’s subsequent marriage, he also has a half-sister and step-sister. He attended Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia.[4][5] He later briefly attended Temple University and then temporarily lived on the Fordham University campus with friends, but chose not to enroll.