**Inside the Family Lives of the ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Cast as Season 18 Approaches**
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The beloved sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is gearing up for its highly anticipated season 18 premiere on August 17. Known for its sharp humour and outrageous storylines, the show’s cast also shares a common thread: they are all devoted parents in real life.


Among the central cast are Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, Danny DeVito, and Charlie Day. While DeVito had three adult children when he joined the show in its second season, several of his co-stars have welcomed their kids during the series’ long run. McElhenney and Olson, stars of the sitcom, met and fell in love on set, and they now share two children: Axel Lee and Leo Grey.
Olson’s first pregnancy became a unique storyline in the show’s sixth season, a decision she described as “really awesome.” In an interview from July 2010, she expressed her gratitude for being able to incorporate such a significant part of her life into the narrative. “It just worked out perfectly since I was filming during my second trimester and felt really good,” she recalled.
The couple’s first son, Axel, was born on September 1, 2010, marking a joyful occasion just before their second wedding anniversary. Olson revealed in an October 2011 interview that Axel’s name was inspired by Axel Foley, the character portrayed by Eddie Murphy in “Beverly Hills Cop.” Their second son, Leo, arrived on April 5, 2012, but rather than include this in the show, the couple opted to take a break from filming to adjust to parenting.
Notably, McElhenney has often looked to DeVito and former partner Rhea Perlman for parenting inspiration, admiring their ability to raise three admirable children. “They raised their children in very specific circumstances…and we defer to them,” he shared in an interview in June 2020.
Glenn Howerton, who plays Dennis Reynolds on the show, has two sons with his wife Jill Latiano. The couple wed on September 8, 2009, and welcomed their first child, Miles Robert, just after their second anniversary on September 12, 2011. Their second son, Isley Ray, joined the family in 2014, with Howerton revealing that they chose not to announce the birth right away, partly to enjoy their new family life uninterrupted.
In a heartfelt post shared on social media in March 2025, Howerton expressed the joy of spending time with his boys, writing, “Every day I get to spend with my two boys is the perfect day.” He acknowledged the ups and downs of parenting but maintained a positive outlook on the challenges.
Charlie Day, who portrays the eccentric Charlie Kelly, also balances his career with family life. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, welcomed their son, Russell Wallace, on December 15, 2011. Despite their celebrity status, Day and Ellis have kept Russell mostly out of the spotlight. On occasions, they celebrate milestones in his life, such as a graduation in June 2024, where Ellis affectionately applauded their son’s unique qualities and reassured him of their pride.
Danny DeVito, who plays the outrageous Frank Reynolds, is a father to three children with Rhea Perlman, from whom he is separated but still actively co-parents. Their daughter Lucy, born in March 1983, and daughter Grace, born in 1985, along with their son Jacob, born in 1987, have all pursued careers in the entertainment industry, following in their parents’ footsteps.
Lucy and Jake have made appearances on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” while also collaborating with their father on the cartoon “Little Demon.” Grace has taken a different path as a painter and performance artist, frequently expressing that there was never any pressure on her to pursue acting, but rather encouragement in whatever career she chose.
Finally, David Hornsby, known for his role as Matthew “Rickety Cricket” Mara, is also a father. He and his wife, Emily Deschanel, have two sons, Henry and Calvin. Despite their low profile regarding their children, Deschanel has credited good communication as a foundation for their successful marriage.
As “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” prepares to return, the connection between the show’s comedic chaos and the personal lives of its cast is evident. The blend of parenthood, love, and career appears to resonate with their on-screen personas, creating a unique bond that undoubtedly enriches the beloved series.
