Glenn Howerton Almost Walked Away from ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’
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Glenn Howerton, known for his role as Dennis Reynolds in the hit TV show ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ recently shared during a PaleyLive panel commemorating the show’s 20th anniversary that he contemplated leaving the series back in 2018. Howerton, who is not just an actor but also a writer, producer, and co-creator of the show, expressed feeling confined by the multiple roles he played on the show and the limitations they imposed on his career opportunities outside the sitcom.
The 49-year-old actor revealed that his decision to consider quitting the show came before the production of season 12. He expressed concerns about potentially overstaying their welcome and reaching a creative peak. Howerton shared, “I hadn’t figured out yet how to stretch myself and be able to do other things that I wanted to do with my career outside of the show. I just hadn’t figured out how to do that yet. I was aching to do other things, and so I was starting to feel a little boxed in, frankly.”
Despite his uncertainties, Howerton did temporarily step back from his writing responsibilities for seasons 13 and 14 but later returned to his previous roles. His co-star and fellow co-creator of the show, Rob McElhenney, humorously recounted that Howerton had multiple attempts to quit but was persuaded to stay each time, with the writers cleverly integrating his character back into the storyline.
In a previous interview in 2018, during his break from writing for ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ Howerton clarified his intentions, emphasizing that the focus should be on the fate of his character, Dennis, rather than his own status with the show. He highlighted the importance of keeping the show fresh after being on air for over a decade, striving to explore new avenues for the characters and the storylines to prevent stagnation.
As the show gears up for its 17th season premiere, fans can look forward to more outrageous antics from Howerton’s character, Dennis Reynolds, and the rest of the gang. ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ has become a beloved and enduring comedy series, attracting a dedicated fan base over the years. The dynamic between the main cast members, including Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, Rob McElhenney, and Kaitlin Olson, continues to captivate audiences and keep them coming back for more.
The success and longevity of ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ stand as a testament to the creativity and talent of its ensemble cast and crew. With Howerton’s brief contemplation of leaving the show adding a touch of behind-the-scenes drama, it offers a glimpse into the challenges and decisions faced by actors in long-running television series. Despite the ups and downs, fans can rejoice as the gang prepares to return for more wild adventures in the forthcoming season.
In conclusion, Glenn Howerton’s candid revelation about his near departure from ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ sheds light on the complexities of balancing career aspirations with the demands of a successful TV show. His eventual return to the series reaffirms his commitment to the project and his dedication to bringing the iconic character of Dennis Reynolds to life. As fans eagerly await the new season, the future looks bright for this enduring comedy series that continues to entertain and delight audiences worldwide.