McElhenney grew up in Philadelphia, PA where he attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School. In the mid ‘90s, the wannabe-actor left Philly to pursue his creative destiny. Eight years as a New York actor brought him little success – some “Law and Order” (NBC, 1990- ) episodes, small film roles, commercial and low-profile theater work. During his NY tenure and the several years he spent in Los Angeles before “Sunny,” he also appeared in films including “A Civil Action” (1998), “Wonder Boys” (2000), “Thirteen Conversations About One Thing” (2001), an independent film called “Latter Days,” (2003) and on an episode of “ER” (1994- ).
Although he had worked on some impressive projects (if not in particularly impressive roles), even by 2004, McElhenney was still waiting tables and unhappy with the state of his career. He penned the script for the “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” pilot and pitched it to his friends, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton. The trio shot, starred in and produced the episode using McElhenney’s digital video camera and operating with a budget of $200. Ultimately, their work found its way to executives at FX, who paid the threesome to produce seven episodes for the summer of 2005.
McElhenney’s show pushed the envelope, mocking everything from racism to gun control to the disabled, while managing to retain a unique comedic sensibility that did much to prevent viewers from shying away, despite perhaps their normal inclination to do so. Although the show’s initial viewership was limited, FX renewed “Sunny” for 10 episodes during the summer of 2006.
Although McElhenney and his partners never ruled out delegating responsibilities to other writers, producers and actors, they remained the show’s lead writers, actors and producers through the beginning of its 2006 season. A larger marketing push and the addition of several new characters (including the semi-retired Danny DeVito) to the cast were expected to make the show’s second season a success.