Screenshot
He’s paying the troll toll. Rob McElhenney, the creator and star of the hit series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” has stirred conversation with a snarky monologue explaining his decision to legally change his name to “Rob Mac.” The announcement, made last week, left many fans puzzled, but McElhenney, now 48, assures them that the change is here to stay.
In a video shared online, Mac addressed the name change with his characteristic wit. “I’m going to dedicate exactly one minute to this,” he began, sounding both exasperated and amused. “Yes, I’m shortening my name to ‘Rob Mac.’ Mostly a stage name, but I digress.” He continued with a self-deprecating humor, “Is it kinda douchey? Sure. But the amount of time that I have wasted trying to get people to either say or spell my name correctly is literally days of my life.”
Family Ties and Heritage
Mac further explained that the decision was not just about convenience but also about family heritage. He shared how his family’s surname has been spelled inconsistently across generations. “My grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and I all share [the name] and I love them and I want to stay connected,” he said. However, he noted with humor, “There’s heritage, except, it’s not even really our f–king name.”
He pointed to government documents and family photos that display variations like “McElhennie” and “McIllhenny.” Despite the change, Mac emphasized that his family supports his decision and hopes fans can focus on more pressing global issues than his name change.
Reactions from Family and Fans
Mac’s wife and co-star, Kaitlin Olson, 49, had previously expressed skepticism about the name change during an interview with Variety in May. “The kids are really not happy about it, because they have that last name. And so do I, legally!” she shared. Despite initial reservations, the family appears to be on board with Mac’s decision.
To underscore the triviality of the name change, Mac listed famous entertainers who adopted stage names, including John Wayne, Gene Wilder, and Lady Gaga. This move, he suggests, aligns him with a long tradition of performers seeking simpler or more memorable monikers.
Business Motivations and Future Plans
Beyond personal reasons, Mac’s decision is also driven by professional considerations. His expanding business empire, “More Better Industries,” is a significant factor in streamlining his name. As he ventures further into the business world, a simpler name could aid in brand recognition and management.
The name change comes as the 17th season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is set to premiere on July 9, promising to bring more of the irreverent humor that has made the show a cult favorite.
Looking Ahead
As Mac embraces his new identity, he remains focused on his creative and business endeavors. The name change, though unexpected, is a strategic step for the actor and entrepreneur. Fans of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” can look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds, both on and off the screen.
Meanwhile, Mac’s decision serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of personal and professional identities in the entertainment industry. As he humorously noted, “More importantly it means thousands of you have had minutes of your life stolen by me because of my last name, including this one.”
