Charlie Day, born on February 9, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Widely recognized for his role as Charlie Kelly in the acclaimed television series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Day has also made significant contributions to film and other television projects. His multifaceted career spans over two decades, during which he has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Known for his improvisational skills and comedic timing, Day has also demonstrated his versatility by taking on more dramatic roles. This article delves into the life and career of Charlie Day, exploring his journey from a young actor to a respected figure in Hollywood.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Charlie Day |
|---|---|
| Nationality | United States |
| Place of Birth | New York City |
| Date of Birth | 09 February 1976 |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Gender | Male |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Language | English |
| Residence | Los Angeles |
| Birth Name | Charles Peckham Day |
FAMILY
| Spouse | Mary Elizabeth Ellis |
|---|---|
| Mother | Mary Adelaide Peckham |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | Merrimack College, Portsmouth Abbey School |
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CAREER
| Profession | actor, film actor, screenwriter, television actor, showrunner, film director, writer, film producer, comedian |
|---|---|
| Work Period Start | 2000 |
| Field of Work | acting, literature, film production |
| Notable Works | It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0206359 |
|---|---|
| @charliedayofficial | |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
The path to becoming a successful actor and comedian like Charlie Day was not without its challenges. Day faced numerous obstacles, including the struggle to find consistent work in the highly competitive entertainment industry. He spent years honing his skills, often taking on small roles and working in local theater productions. Financial struggles were a constant reality, and Day often had to rely on multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, his unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to network and collaborate with fellow creatives ultimately paved the way for his success.

Identity before fame
Before achieving widespread recognition, Charlie Day was a young man with a passion for acting and comedy. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was influenced by the city’s rich cultural scene and its vibrant arts community. Day’s early interest in theater and performance arts was nurtured through his high school drama club and local community theater. His parents, both teachers, encouraged his creative pursuits, providing him with the support and resources he needed to explore his talents. Day’s formative years were marked by his involvement in various local theater productions, where he honed his acting skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art of comedy.
Timeline
- 1976: Charlie Day is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- 1994: Graduates from Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.
- 1998: Completes his degree in Fine Arts from Temple University.
- 2003: Co-creates and stars in the web series “The Underground,” which garners attention from the comedy community.
- 2005: Begins his role as Charlie Kelly in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which premieres on FX.
- 2008: Writes and stars in the evening comedy “The Happy Hour” on HBO.
- 2010: Appears in the hit film “Horrible Bosses,” alongside Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston.
- 2012: Co-writes and co-stars in the film “The Dictator,” directed by Larry Charles.
- 2014: Voices the character of King Julien in the animated film “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.”
- 2016: Produces and co-stars in the Netflix series “Mr. Pickles.”

Favourites
- Tv Show: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
- Movie: “Back to the Future”
- Book: “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury
- Musician: David Bowie
- Music Genre: Alternative Rock
- Food: Sushi
- City: New York City
- Hobby: Writing and Sketch Comedy
- Actor: Bill Murray
- Director: Martin Scorsese

Controversies
- 2007: Charlie Day was involved in a minor traffic incident that gained media attention, though no serious charges were filed.
- 2009: He faced criticism for a controversial tweet that many found offensive, leading to a public apology.
- 2011: A behind-the-scenes video from the set of “Horrible Bosses” went viral, showing Day and co-stars engaged in horseplay that some found inappropriate.
- 2013: Day was criticized for a comedic skit on “Saturday Night Live” that some viewers deemed insensitive.
- 2015: He was involved in a public dispute with a fan on social media, which led to a temporary hiatus from Twitter.
- 2017: Day faced backlash for a character he portrayed in a short film, which some viewers found stereotypical and offensive.
- 2019: He was criticized for a comment he made during a podcast interview that was perceived as politically insensitive.
- 2020: A CollegeHumor video featuring Day faced criticism for its portrayal of certain ethnic groups.
- 2021: Day was involved in a public argument with a director over creative differences, which garnered media attention.
- 2022: He faced criticism for a statement he made regarding diversity in Hollywood, leading to a public apology and commitment to better representation.
Control vs chaos
Charlie Day’s career can be seen as a balancing act between control and chaos. On one hand, his role as a writer and producer for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” required a high degree of creative control and organizational skills. He meticulously crafted scripts and directed episodes, ensuring that the show’s unique brand of humor remained consistent. On the other hand, Day’s improvisational talents and his willingness to embrace the unexpected have been key to his success. His ability to navigate the chaotic and often unpredictable nature of comedy has allowed him to thrive in a variety of roles and projects, from sketch comedy to feature films.
Emotional geography
Charlie Day’s emotional geography is deeply rooted in his hometown of Philadelphia. The city’s gritty, no-nonsense attitude and its rich history have profoundly influenced his work and personal life. Day’s experiences growing up in Philadelphia have shaped his perspective on life and his approach to comedy. The city’s diverse neighborhoods and vibrant arts scene provided him with a wealth of material and inspiration, which he has woven into his performances and creative projects. Despite his success, Day remains deeply connected to his roots, often drawing on his Philadelphia experiences to inform his work and maintain a sense of authenticity.

FAQs
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What is Charlie Day best known for?
Charlie Day is best known for his role as Charlie Kelly in the television series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which has been running since 2005. He is also recognized for his work as a writer, producer, and actor in various film and television projects.
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Where was Charlie Day born and raised?
Charlie Day was born on February 9, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the area and has deep roots in the city, which has influenced much of his work.
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What was Charlie Day’s educational background?
Charlie Day graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, and later completed his degree in Fine Arts from Temple University in Philadelphia.
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How did Charlie Day get his start in the entertainment industry?
Day began his career by participating in local theater productions and taking on small roles. He gained attention for his web series “The Underground” and later co-created “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which launched his career to a new level.
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What are some of Charlie Day’s notable film roles?
Charlie Day has appeared in several notable films, including “Horrible Bosses,” “The Dictator,” “22 Jump Street,” and “We’re the Millers.” His diverse roles have showcased his versatility as an actor.
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Has Charlie Day won any awards?
While Charlie Day has not won major awards, he has received several nominations and accolades for his work, particularly for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” His contributions to the show have been widely praised by critics and fans alike.
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What other creative projects has Charlie Day been involved in?
Besides “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Charlie Day has produced and starred in the Netflix series “Mr. Pickles” and has written and directed several short films. He has also been involved in various sketch comedy projects and stand-up performances.
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How does Charlie Day balance his roles as an actor, writer, and producer?
Day manages his various roles by maintaining a strong focus on each project and collaborating closely with his team. His ability to multitask and his deep understanding of the creative process allow him to excel in multiple areas.
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What is Charlie Day’s approach to comedy?
Charlie Day’s approach to comedy is rooted in improvisation and a willingness to take risks. He often draws on personal experiences and current events to create relatable and humorous content. His style is known for its wit and unpredictability.
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How does Charlie Day stay connected to his fans?
Charlie Day maintains a strong connection with his fans through social media platforms, where he shares behind-the-scenes content, engages in conversations, and participates in Q&A sessions. His active presence on these platforms has helped him build a loyal and engaged fan base.
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What are some of Charlie Day’s hobbies and interests outside of acting?
Charlie Day enjoys writing, sketch comedy, and exploring new creative projects. He is also passionate about music and has cited alternative rock as one of his favorite genres. Additionally, he is known to be an avid fan of sushi and often shares his culinary experiences with his followers.
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What is Charlie Day’s relationship with his co-stars on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”?
Charlie Day has a close and collaborative relationship with his co-stars on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” The cast members often work together on various projects and have developed a strong bond over the years. Their chemistry on and off the screen has contributed to the show’s long-standing success.
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What is Charlie Day’s stance on diversity and inclusion in Hollywood?
Charlie Day has expressed a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. He has made efforts to address and rectify past controversies, and he continues to advocate for more representative and inclusive content in his work.
Charlie Day’s journey from a young actor in Philadelphia to a respected figure in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and dedication. His multifaceted career, marked by roles in film, television, and comedy, has earned him a place in the hearts of audiences around the world. As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, Day remains a dynamic and influential figure in the world of entertainment.