Recently, Rob McElhenney visited a breathtaking new hotel in West Hollywood to speak at a conference, and he couldn't resist capturing the beauty of the place on his cellphone. "I’d never been there before, and it was stunning," he shared. "So I took a bunch of pictures because I was like, 'Kaitlin would love this. It’s right up her alley. And wouldn’t it be nice to just go and have a little staycation here, if only for one night?'" This sweet gesture reflects McElhenney's thoughtfulness as a husband, especially while being married to Kaitlin Olson for nearly 17 years. It also highlights the enduring strength of their relationship, which has solidified them as one of the most influential couples on television today.
Days later, McElhenney recounted this heartwarming tale while seated in his West L.A. office, with Olson by his side on a plush couch, and a cardboard cutout of Ryan Reynolds looming above them. They discussed how they maintain their bond despite their busy lives, which include raising two children, managing their burgeoning Wrexham football empire, and Olson's new hit show, “High Potential.” “Yeah, we still like each other,” Olson affirmed. The couple first met in 2005 when McElhenney cast her as Sweet Dee in FX's “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Now, their teenage sons are old enough to binge-watch the series.
McElhenney shared a nostalgic moment: “Our 15-year-old was just watching ‘Sunny’ the other night…” Olson corrected him, “He’s 14.” To which McElhenney responded, “He’s almost 15!” They reminisced about how different they looked back then. "We look like little kids! We’re different people — so different from the characters, but also so different from then," he said, reflecting on the surreal experience of their son watching their earlier selves on screen.
Fast forward twenty years, and the couple has become a significant force in the entertainment industry. Both McElhenney and Olson have invigorated struggling sectors — linear television and English football. Olson's “High Potential” has emerged as a major success for ABC, injecting new life into network television. In the series, which is based on the French/Belgian format “HPI” and adapted by Drew Goddard, Olson portrays a single mother with a talent for solving crimes.
Meanwhile, McElhenney and Reynolds have transformed their Wrexham football club into a sensation in the U.K. The team has achieved remarkable success, advancing through back-to-back promotions in the English Football League and recently shocking the world by reaching the Championship level, just one step away from the prestigious Premier League.
Olson is also making waves as a recurring guest star on Max's “Hacks,” where she has secured consecutive Emmy nominations for her role as the daughter of Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart. Smart has praised Olson, saying, “She’s so talented, so exceptional. And it’s so overdue, the attention she’s getting now.” McElhenney has also won two Emmys for his FX unscripted series “Welcome to Wrexham,” which chronicles his and Reynolds' journey with the football team.
In addition to their television success, the couple has ventured into business together, co-owning the Philly bar Mac’s Tavern, named after McElhenney's character on “Sunny.” They are also expanding their production company, More Better Productions, which now includes Four Walls Whiskey, a collaboration with co-stars Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton. FX boss John Landgraf remarked on their magic, stating, “If he decides, ‘I want to buy an old soccer team in the U.K. with Ryan Reynolds,’ they go out and find a team.”
The bond between McElhenney and Reynolds has deepened as they navigate their business ventures. McElhenney shared how both couples have supported each other, particularly during Reynolds’ public legal challenges. “It’s just our way of staying connected and navigating something together,” he explained. Their friendship is evident in the playful exchanges they have, including a humorous music video Reynolds created for McElhenney’s birthday.
As McElhenney's business grows, he is considering rebranding himself as “Rob Mac” to simplify his name for international markets. He expressed a desire to respect his heritage, revealing that even some family members have considered changing their last name. Olson humorously added that their kids aren't too thrilled about the idea, as they share McElhenney's surname.
The couple's love story began during the early days of “Sunny,” created on a shoestring budget. Ironically, McElhenney was initially hesitant about casting Olson, but she impressed everyone during her audition. After some back and forth, Olson accepted the role of Sweet Dee, and their romantic relationship blossomed over time.
McElhenney and Olson married in 2008 and welcomed their first son, Axel, in 2010, followed by Leo in 2012. They cherish the work-life balance that their careers allow, especially since they film locally. They adhere to a "two-week rule" to ensure they spend quality time with their children, emphasizing that their family remains their top priority.
As their children grow older, they are becoming more aware of their parents' fame. Olson expressed concerns about their sons being seen publicly, especially after they appeared in “Welcome to Wrexham.” “We’d talked about not showing their faces,” she stated. McElhenney, on the other hand, sees the positive side of their kids being recognized by fans.
Amidst the glitz and glamour, McElhenney and Olson are candid about the challenges of marriage. “Marriage is really hard,” McElhenney admitted. They both believe in the importance of therapy to help navigate their differences and improve communication. Olson reflected, “I’m really proud of us for making our marriage important and a priority.”
As they ponder life as empty nesters, McElhenney and Olson cherish the simple moments with their family, like enjoying dinner together. “If I could be anywhere in the world right now, it would be at home,” McElhenney said, encapsulating the essence of their relationship and family life.
