Rob McElhenney, the star of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” has initiated a legal name change to Rob Mac, a move confirmed by his representative. This decision was driven by the frequent global mispronunciation of his last name, especially as he expands his storytelling ventures internationally.
In an interview with Variety, McElhenney explained, “As our business and our storytelling is expanding into other regions of the world and other languages in which my name is even harder to pronounce, I’m just going by Rob Mac.” This adjustment comes amid his involvement in the docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham,” which focuses on the Wrexham AFC football club, purchased by McElhenney and actor Ryan Reynolds in 2020.
McElhenney’s journey with the team has also led to significant investments in South American soccer clubs. The challenges in pronouncing “McElhenney” became a humorous point when Reynolds celebrated McElhenney’s birthday by creating a musical tribute, featuring various celebrities and local figures attempting to teach fans the correct pronunciation of his last name.
Kaitlin Olson, his wife and co-star, mentioned the transition will take some getting used to, particularly for their children, who hold the McElhenney surname. However, she acknowledged that some family members have already adapted the spelling of their last name.
McElhenney recognized his internal struggle with this decision, reflecting on the potential impact on his heritage. Ultimately, he discovered that family members had also considered modifying their name, making the decision feel less disrespectful.
As for future projects, there is an ample timeframe to update credits with his new name, as “Welcome to Wrexham” has been renewed for a fifth season, and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is currently preparing for its 18th season. This new chapter in his life could pave the way for broader recognition and ease in his global endeavors, marking a positive transition for McElhenney.