Charlie Day, American actor, producer, and screenwriter

Charles Peckham Day, born on February 9, 1976, is a highly versatile American talent renowned for his work as an actor, comedian, writer, and producer. His career is characterized by a distinctive high-energy comedic style and a knack for portraying endearingly eccentric characters across various mediums, from long-running television series to major motion pictures and animated features.

Iconic Television Presence: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Day is arguably most widely recognized for his portrayal of Charlie Kelly in the critically acclaimed and enduring FXX sitcom, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Since its debut in 2005, the series has become one of the longest-running live-action comedy shows in American television history, largely due to its unique brand of dark humor and morally ambiguous characters. As Charlie Kelly, Day embodies an unhinged, often illiterate, yet strangely endearing member of "The Gang," whose bizarre schemes and passionate outbursts have resonated deeply with audiences.

His performance as Charlie Kelly has not only garnered a dedicated cult following but also critical recognition, leading to a nomination for a Critics' Choice Television Award in 2011 for Best Actor in a Comedy Series, as well as a Satellite Award nomination in the same year. Beyond his iconic on-screen performance, Charles Day is also a key creative force behind It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, serving as an executive producer and a principal writer alongside co-creators Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton. This significant behind-the-scenes involvement has been crucial in shaping the show's distinctive voice and maintaining its consistent quality over nearly two decades.

Expanding Horizons: TV Creation and Production

In 2020, Day further expanded his creative footprint in television by co-creating the popular Apple TV+ comedy series Mythic Quest. Collaborating once again with Rob McElhenney and joined by Megan Ganz (known for her work on Community and Modern Family), Day helped bring to life a smart and witty workplace comedy set in a video game development studio. The series has been praised for its sharp writing, character development, and humorous insights into the tech and gaming industries, proving Day's capacity to develop compelling narratives beyond his established roles.

Furthermore, from 2018 to 2019, Day lent his production expertise as an executive producer for the Fox comedy series The Cool Kids. This role underscored his growing influence and contribution to the television landscape, showcasing his ability to guide and shape comedic projects from a broader strategic perspective.

Diverse Filmography: From Comedy to Blockbusters

Charles Day's talents extend well into the realm of film, where he has carved out a niche with a variety of memorable roles, often infusing his characters with a blend of nervous energy and comedic timing.

• Comedic Highlights: He is notably recognized for his role as Dale Arbus in the hit ensemble comedy Horrible Bosses (2011) and its 2014 sequel, where he played one of three friends plotting against their tyrannical employers. His portrayal of Dale, characterized by his high-strung demeanor, provided significant comedic relief alongside co-stars Jason Bateman and Jason Sudeikis. He also featured in the 2017 comedy Fist Fight.
• Voice Acting Successes: Day has lent his distinctive voice to several beloved animated films. He voiced the eccentric, free-spirited monster Art in Disney-Pixar's Monsters University (2013). Perhaps even more famously, he brought to life Benny, the enthusiastic "1980-something spaceman" with a penchant for spaceships in The Lego Movie (2014) and its 2019 sequel, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. His energetic vocal performance as Benny quickly made the character a fan favorite.
• Genre Crossover: Demonstrating his versatility, Day also took on live-action roles in major science fiction films. He portrayed the quirky and brilliant Dr. Newton Geiszler, a Kaiju expert, in Guillermo del Toro's epic monster film Pacific Rim (2013) and reprised his role in its 2018 sequel, Pacific Rim: Uprising. These performances showcased his ability to contribute effectively to action-heavy blockbusters while retaining his unique comedic flair.

Through his multifaceted career as an actor, writer, and producer, Charles Day has cemented his status as a prominent and influential figure in contemporary American entertainment, consistently delivering memorable performances and contributing to critically and commercially successful projects across film and television.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Day

What is Charlie Day best known for?

Charles Day is primarily best known for his long-running role as Charlie Kelly on the hit FXX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a show he also writes for and executive produces. He is also recognized for his roles in films like Horrible Bosses and voice work in The Lego Movie series.

Beyond acting, what are Charlie Day's other contributions to his projects?

In addition to acting, Charles Day is a prolific writer and producer. He is an executive producer and a principal writer for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also co-created and executive produces the Apple TV+ series Mythic Quest and served as an executive producer for the Fox comedy The Cool Kids.

What kind of roles does Charles Day typically play in films?

Charles Day often plays high-energy, eccentric, and sometimes socially awkward characters, often providing comedic relief. Examples include Dale in Horrible Bosses and Dr. Newton Geiszler in the Pacific Rim films, as well as his distinctive voice roles.

What notable animated films has Charles Day lent his voice to?

Charles Day has provided voice talent for several major animated films, including Art in Disney-Pixar's Monsters University (2013) and the fan-favorite character Benny the Spaceman in The Lego Movie (2014) and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019).

What TV series has Charles Day co-created?

Charles Day co-created the acclaimed Apple TV+ comedy series Mythic Quest in 2020, alongside his It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia collaborators Rob McElhenney and Megan Ganz.