Charlie Kelly – Television's Wild Card

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Character on FX Network's TV Show

Nov 9, 2009

Charlie Kelly, the charmingly self-destructive character on FX Network's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has become a television icon with large appeal.

Charlie Kelly is played by Charlie Day, who co-created the FX Network's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and continues to be a co-writer for the television show.

Day's character, a depressed, chemically-dependent janitor at Paddy's Pub who, despite rough circumstances, remains both affable and humorously reckless, has built up a dedicated fan base in the show's five seasons.

The FX Network's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia chronicles the misadventures of "The Gang," a bunch of solipsistic, misguided friends who manage a second-rate bar called Paddy's Pub. The television show co-starts Danny DeVito (as Frank Reynolds), and creates absurd plot lines capable of showcasing the group's eccentricities.

In addition to Kelly and Frank, the other members of "The Gang" are Mac (played by Rob McElhenney), Dennis Reynolds (played by Glenn Howerton), and Deandra Reynolds (played by Kaitlin Olson).

Throughout the FX Network's show, it's clear that Charlie has a rather extensive history of drug and alcohol use. However, due to his meager earnings and substandard financial conditions, Charlie is seen on the show primarily huffing glue at home in his trademark paper bag.

Once, before an infamous scene in which Charlie and Dennis compose a song entitled "Dayman, Fighter of the Nightman," Charlie is shown inhaling spray paint through a sock.

While there is obviously nothing funny about chemical dependence in the real world, Charlie's creative drug use is a satirical element in the show and often a humorous part of his personality, which in the world of sitcoms makes him endearing.

While Charlie went to high school with the rest of the gang, it's made clear throughout the FX Network's television show that he is mildly illiterate, a fact Charlie is quick to deny.

Of course, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia makes sure to milk this character trait as often as possible, even basing an entire episode on Charlie's writing of and producing a musical.

Charlie's Obsession with the Waitress on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

One of the elements which makes Charlie endearing to viewers is his hopeless obsession with a nameless coffee shop waitress, who rebuffs him at every turn. Yet, despite countless humiliations and rejections, Charlie remains hopeful, as the waitress, or the idea of the waitress, gives him something for which to strive.

Many viewers are unaware of the irony surrounding this on-screen situation, for the waitress, played by Mary Elizabeth Ellis, is actually married to Charlie Day in real life.

Watch Charlie Kelly and Episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Online

There are several places online in which one can find full episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia for free. Such sites exist because both the FX Network and its contracted content providers, including Hulu.com, provide few full episodes for viewers to watch.

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