Movies

Scheming roomies Danny DeVito and Charlie Day on 20 years of ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’

BBG News

During our video chat with Charlie Day about the upcoming 17th season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” last month, Danny DeVito joined — camera turned off — and expressed his apologies for sounding as if he had emerged from a salt mine. His voice was rough, causing Charlie to worry that he might be unwell.

“I did a lot of yelling this week,” DeVito explains.

You would think he would be practiced at that.

For the past 20 years, DeVito has been using his voice for the character of the troublemaking, unsavory Frank Reynolds, father to Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Dennis (Glenn Howerton), workmate of Mac (Rob McElhenney or Rob Mac as he’s now known), and flatmate of Charlie. In the upcoming season debuting on FXX on Wednesday and available the next day on Hulu, the Paddy’s Pub team finds themselves in even more outlandish predicaments. They appear in a second crossover episode with “Abbott Elementary,” an ABC sitcom; they visit a dog track; Charlie sets up a ghost kitchen in his apartment to make Frank a popular smashburger; and, as hinted at in the trailer, Frank takes part in “The Golden Bachelor.

During the interview, Day and DeVito share an entertaining dynamic similar to Frank and Charlie, reminiscing about their past experiences together, encounters with Bachelor Nation, and occasionally humorously referring to certain topics as “turds.” DeVito is mostly off-camera but makes occasional appearances for added emphasis.

Characters Charlie (played by Charlie Day) and Frank (portrayed by Danny DeVito) throughout the various seasons of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (created by Patrick McElhenney for FX).

Danny, what do you remember about that first meeting you had with the three guys?

Danny DeVito: I had quite a bit of knowledge about the show prior, as I was acquainted with John Landgraf, who is now the chairman of FX Networks. He provided me with the first eight episodes, which I watched with my family. John was discussing these incredibly skilled individuals he was collaborating with, and he was constructing the network over there. To be honest, I can’t recall precisely where we initially met. However, the location was unusual – that detail slightly caught me off guard. Do you happen to remember where it was?

In a casual setting on Beverly Boulevard, it was just Charlie Day, yourself, Rob, and Glenn during lunchtime. There wasn’t an office yet since we were in the middle of writing the second season. After you had signed on for the show, you arrived displaying your character from “Get Shorty”- assertive and commanding. You took charge by ordering food for everyone, then shared a wild tale about your father hoarding boxes filled with teeth and watches. We were all there, jotting down notes as we listened to you. I recall suggesting a few character names, some of which you weren’t fond of, but ultimately you warmed up to the name Frank. Interestingly, Frank was the name of Charlie Day’s step-grandfather.

DeVito: I had an Uncle Frank.

Day: You came in like a tornado. It was great.

In my typical fashion, that’s what I usually do. Before “Get Shorty,” when I’d walk in, everyone would be perusing their menus, and I’d immediately check out the menu myself, then rattle off a handful of dishes, making it seem like I was going to order everything on the menu!

Danny, I want to share something with you. Prior to our first encounter, I took about a week to revisit most of your work. I watched every episode of “Taxi” and almost all the movies I could find. It was like preparing for a fight against you, studying an opponent. The role that really stood out to me was in “Get Shorty.” Instead of focusing on repeating your iconic Louie De Palma character, which you’re incredibly skilled at, I was drawn to the unique and unpredictable qualities of the “Get Shorty” character. It took us a couple of seasons to truly capture that essence, but it felt like destiny when you walked into that meeting embodying that character.

What changes have you noticed in the relationship between Frank and Charlie as time goes by? Or is there something new that you find each season when you watch again?

DeVito suggests that Charlie provides numerous paths for Frank to explore, and he finds the concept of scheming and everyone else’s actions intriguing. They all strive for similar things like making money, gaining recognition, ensuring the bar’s success, and so on. However, whenever Charlie acts, it excites or intrigues Frank. It’s evident when I am genuinely pleased with the material. When I realize we are venturing beyond the ordinary, I exclaim, “Wow, man. We’re testing boundaries.

Day: I truly enjoy composing and shooting scenes within our apartment, as well as on set. The anticipation I feel is always palpable. There’s a certain enchantment in capturing moments in that intimate setting that feels almost magical. Similarly, the small back office at the bar holds its own charm – whenever we’re there, it seems like there’s an endless supply of humor lurking within these tight corners.

DeVito: We’re playing sardines all the time.

Television

As a devoted film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the brilliant minds behind ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ have joined forces to weave a unique tale! They recently delved into the intriguing process of how their shows merged for an exhilarating crossover episode set to premiere on ABC on January 8. Can’t wait to see it unfold!

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about the twist in this season’s narrative. It all starts with the intriguing “Abbott” crossover, and concludes with an unexpected turn as Frank finds himself on “The Golden Bachelor.” I’m eager to know how these plot points came together!

In a nutshell, this show is quite versatile with numerous approaches. Initially, I was keen on two specific episodes – the EMT one and the dog track tale. However, Rob has grand ideas such as purchasing a soccer team, an “Abbott” crossover, and a “Golden Bachelor” episode. Frankly, I wasn’t too thrilled about both. I believe we could pull off either one, not both. The “Golden Bachelor” idea amused me, but I suggested we might create our Sunny characters’ take on it. To his credit, those are the concepts that spark conversation among fans. Although I prefer fewer pop culture references, we often debate and end up doing them anyway. Once we decide, both Rob and I become fully invested, brainstorming the best way to execute the chosen idea.

In the season opener of “It’s Always Sunny,” the trio – Danny DeVito, Charlie Day, and Rob McElhenney – have returned to “Abbott.” (Photo by Patrick McElhenney / FX)

In this image, we see the “Abbott” team – Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Quinta Brunson – during the combined episode (courtesy of Patrick McElhenney / FX).

Danny, what was it like filming Frank’s “Golden Bachelor” moment?

DeVito admitted he was clueless about their plans initially as he’s not a regular viewer of “The Golden Bachelor.” Once he arrived and understood their scheme, he fully embraced it. Being Frank is delightful, he confessed. It offers a multitude of opportunities that one wouldn’t typically encounter. They constantly test boundaries and concoct bizarre ideas, and I play along, smiling the moment my feet touch the ground when I arrive at the location.

Day: Rob, Glenn, and I spent extended periods exploring, debating, and challenging each other beyond our comfort zones in various aspects. Eventually, we all shared the same goal. What truly makes this successful is Danny’s unwavering commitment. Without Danny’s encouragement, it would be quite tough. Essentially, if Danny weren’t so supportive, it would be a struggle. However, almost everything we produce, Danny, you receive with an open mind and say, “I’ll make this happen.” “The Golden Bachelor” was a case in point. We had numerous disagreements about how to approach it or even whether to do it at all. But once we decided to go ahead and write the best version we could, Dan, you stepped up and marketed it exactly as needed.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but there’s also a very sweet “Taxi” reunion in there.

DeVito: That was big for all of us. We were blessed to have that in our show.

Danny, you said you love being Frank. Why do you love it?

DeVito expressed a sense of liberation while portraying The Penguin in “Batman Returns,” and he found similar freedom even in his role on “Taxi.” However, he’s not a bossy type, though he admits to exerting a little control occasionally. What he appreciates about Frank is the chance to be mischievous. He can venture into places other characters can’t, and it feels like we, the audience, are journeying with Frank. It might seem extreme to some, like imagining the taste of a disgusting thing, but it’s such an enjoyable experience to contemplate.

Hey Charlie, I wanted to ask – Lynne Marie Stewart, the actress playing your mom on our show, passed away before the new season came out. Can you tell me how you decided to pay tribute to her?

Day: It was incredibly sad and unexpected. She was on the show, and then approximately a month later, we received an email stating she was near her end. The following day, another email arrived confirming her passing. Mary Elizabeth Ellis (who plays the Waitress and is married to Day) and I were able to attend her memorial service, which had a Hawaiian theme. It was well-attended, and there was an abundance of love for her. She consistently took our written material to new heights, and she was as kind and gracious off-stage as she was on it. I will miss her dearly. At the time of her passing, we were still in the editing room, which led us to decide to create a small tribute to her because she’s been with us since Season 1 and our partnership spans over 20 years. Besides being a sad event, I am unsure how we will handle it next season.

DeVito: She was always a favorite of Frank’s.

Day: And we would always have great stuff for the two of you guys.

DeVito: And maybe one day Charlie and I will sit down and have the talk.

Television

In simpler terms, Kaitlin Olson, the star and producer of the ABC show “The ABC Procedural” that resumes for the second half of its season on Tuesday, has found it an enjoyable test.

For how long do you want to keep coming back to these characters?

DeVito: Well, why does time exist?

Day: We currently have a deal with FX for up to 18 seasons, and everyone here feels confident about meeting this goal. Therefore, we’re looking forward to at least one more season. As for future seasons beyond that, it’s uncertain if they’ll ask for more, so next year might be our last.

DeVito: Yes, it’s possible that something related to their mental abilities could prevent them from requesting more next year. This has often been the case. Additionally, there may be a desire for them to increase our compensation.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I often find myself pondering: Can we pull this off again? Will we manage to create something exceptional this time around? The answer lies in the team we assemble. If we can gather our talented musicians, then we’ll do our best to compose an unforgettable symphony, so to speak.

As a devoted movie critic, I must express my unbridled enjoyment of this production. The camaraderie and laughter are palpable, and the cast never disappoints. Each member brings their A-game, making it an experience that’s hard to beat. Frankly, I can’t bear to part ways with these talented individuals. I find myself constantly in touch with Charlie, checking on Mary Elizabeth and Russell, just to maintain that precious connection. I miss the entire crew – Kaitlin, Rob, Glenn – deeply. Every time I spot Glenn, I do a double-take, such is his penchant for the extraordinary. He’s always surprising us with daring transformations, like shaving his head.

Speaking of shaving, Charlie, you shaved your beard off for a gag this season. What was that like?

Day: The aged appearance beneath the man’s beard was quite unsettling. Removing his eyebrows only added to the eerie effect. Since we had planned to film this scene last, it meant I would have to shave off my beard for it. After completing our work, I went on a short vacation with my wife and son, during which I rarely got recognized, which was amusing. Occasionally, fans of the movie “Pacific Rim,” who didn’t recognize me without a beard as I wasn’t bearded in those films, would ask where I had been and why I hadn’t been working. The irony was that my drastically altered appearance prevented me from unlocking my phone with my face.

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2025-07-09 13:32

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