7 Shocking Transformations: David Hornsby's Journey From 'Rickety Cricket' To Broadway Writer And Executive Producer

Few actors in television history have managed to create a character as utterly destroyed and yet beloved as David Hornsby’s Matthew "Rickety Cricket" Mara from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. As of December 15, 2025, Hornsby’s career is in a fascinating state of duality, balancing his iconic on-screen degradation with major behind-the-scenes success as a writer and executive producer on the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series, Mythic Quest, and a significant new venture into musical theatre on Broadway. His ability to navigate the dark comedy of Paddy’s Pub and the corporate satire of a fictional gaming company showcases a versatility that few in Hollywood can match, making his latest projects a must-watch for fans.

The latest updates confirm that Hornsby is not slowing down, with his work extending far beyond the world of The Gang. Fans can anticipate his appearance in the upcoming Amazon crime drama *Scarpetta*, where he will star alongside A-list talent like Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, a clear signal of his rising profile outside of comedy. Simultaneously, he has co-written the book for a major theatrical adaptation: *The Lost Boys* musical, which is slated for a Broadway run, solidifying his status as a multi-hyphenate talent in 2025. This article dives deep into the life and career of the man who has mastered the art of playing a man losing everything, while quietly building one of the most successful careers in Hollywood.

David Hornsby: Complete Biography, Profile, and Filmography

David Alan Hornsby is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer whose career is defined by his sharp comedic writing and memorable character portrayals.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Full Name: David Alan Hornsby
• Born: December 1, 1975
• Age (as of 2025): 50
• Birthplace: Newport News, Virginia, U.S.
• Hometown (Grew up in): Houston, Texas
• Nationality: American
• Education: Carnegie Mellon University (Drama Major)
• Spouse: Emily Deschanel (m. 2010)
• Children: Two sons
• Best Known Roles: Matthew "Rickety Cricket" Mara (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), David Brittlesbee (Mythic Quest)

Selected Filmography & Television Roles

Hornsby’s career spans over two decades, including significant roles in film, television, and voice acting. His work as a writer and producer is equally notable.

Television (Actor, Writer, Producer)

• It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–Present): Actor (Matthew "Rickety Cricket" Mara), Writer, Consulting Producer, Co-Executive Producer
• Mythic Quest (2020–Present): Actor (David Brittlesbee), Writer, Executive Producer
• Fanboy & Chum Chum (2009–2014): Voice Actor (Fanboy)
• Unsupervised (2012): Co-Creator, Writer, Executive Producer, Voice Actor
• How to Be a Gentleman (2011–2012): Actor (Andrew Carlson), Writer, Co-Executive Producer
• Bones (2005): Guest Role
• Six Feet Under (2001): Guest Role

Film (Actor & Writer)

• Merry Little Batman (2023): Voice Role
• The Watch (2012): Actor (Robert)
• Flags of Our Fathers (2006): Actor (PFC Louis Sirko)
• Minority Report (2002): Actor (Flicker)
• Pearl Harbor (2001): Actor (Pilot)
• The Cool Kids (2017): Writer (Short Film)

The Dual Life of a Comedic Genius: Cricket vs. Brittlesbee

David Hornsby has carved out a unique niche by embodying two radically different, yet equally memorable, comedic characters on television. This dichotomy highlights his range as a performer and his mastery of character development.

Matthew "Rickety Cricket" Mara: The Ultimate Descent

Cricket is arguably the most tragic and hilarious character in modern dark comedy. He begins the series as a clean-cut, defrocked priest who still holds affection for Dee Reynolds. Over 17 seasons of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, his life is systematically destroyed by the machinations of The Gang.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

His transformation from a respectable man to a homeless, drug-addicted, scarred, and often-injured street vagrant—a "street rat"—is a running gag that defines the show's nihilistic humor. Hornsby’s commitment to the role, from the physical transformation to the delivery of increasingly desperate lines, is what has made Cricket a fan favorite and a cultural touchstone. The character’s enduring popularity proves that audiences are fascinated by the absolute rock bottom, especially when portrayed with Hornsby’s comedic precision.

David Brittlesbee: The Hapless Corporate Executive

In stark contrast to Cricket, Hornsby's character David Brittlesbee on the Apple TV+ series Mythic Quest is the executive producer of the titular video game. While Brittlesbee is not physically destroyed, he is a different kind of victim: a soft-spoken, perpetually stressed, and often-ignored middle manager trying to herd a group of eccentric creative geniuses.

Hornsby’s role in Mythic Quest is a multi-layered one. Not only does he star as David, but he also serves as a writer and executive producer, working closely with creators Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day (his co-stars from It's Always Sunny). This behind-the-scenes influence allows him to shape the show’s tone and narrative, solidifying his role as a key creative force in the modern comedy landscape.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

2025: Broadway, Amazon, and the Future of the Sunny Universe

The current year marks a significant expansion of David Hornsby’s creative portfolio, pushing him into new and high-profile arenas outside of his established sitcom success.

The Lost Boys Musical: A Broadway Debut

Perhaps the most unexpected and exciting project for Hornsby is his role as a co-writer for the book of *The Lost Boys* musical. Based on the iconic 1987 cult-classic vampire film, this adaptation is set to debut on Broadway, with a book co-written by Hornsby and Chris Hoch.

This move into musical theatre demonstrates Hornsby’s ambition to tackle different narrative forms and genres. The challenge of translating the dark, stylish, and comedic elements of the original film into a musical format is a massive undertaking, and his involvement signals a major career pivot toward serious, large-scale writing projects. The news, circulating in late 2024 and early 2025, confirms his commitment to this new creative direction.

Joining the A-List in Amazon's 'Scarpetta'

Hornsby is also set to appear in the upcoming Amazon crime drama, *Scarpetta*, an adaptation of the popular series of novels by Patricia Cornwell. His casting alongside powerhouses like Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis is a significant step, placing him in a high-caliber dramatic environment.

While details about his specific role are tightly guarded, his presence in a prestige drama like *Scarpetta* suggests a desire to showcase his acting talent beyond the comedic realm he is most known for. This project, along with his continued work on Season 17 of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, ensures that Hornsby will remain a prominent figure on screens both big and small throughout 2025 and beyond.

Continued Legacy on 'It's Always Sunny'

Despite his new ventures, Hornsby remains deeply connected to the show that made him a cult icon. As It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia continues its historic run into Season 17, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter of Cricket’s suffering. Hornsby's involvement as a writer and executive producer, in addition to his acting, is a testament to his value to the show's creative team, helping to maintain the series' unique, anarchic voice.

The complexity of his career—from playing a man who trades his life for a six-pack of beer to writing a Broadway musical and producing a major tech-industry satire—cements David Hornsby’s reputation as one of the most versatile and influential comedic minds working today. His journey proves that sometimes, the most successful people are those who are best at playing the absolute worst.