19 Years Strong: Inside Mary Elizabeth Ellis And Charlie Day's Underrated Hollywood Love Story (2025 Update)

One of Hollywood's most enduring and genuinely hilarious marriages belongs to the couple who portray one of TV's most dysfunctional pairings: Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Charlie Day. As of late 2025, the stars of the long-running hit series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia are celebrating nearly two decades of marriage, a remarkable feat in the entertainment industry. Their real-life romance, which began long before they became the obsession-target "The Waitress" and the unhinged "Charlie Kelly," continues to thrive, built on a foundation of mutual support, shared humor, and a surprising number of joint professional projects.

This article dives deep into the private life and booming careers of the power couple, revealing how they navigate life in the spotlight, their latest ventures including Netflix's *A Man on the Inside* and Charlie Day's numerous film roles, and the sweet, low-key details of their family life. From their humble beginnings at a New York bar to their current status as comedy legends, Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Charlie Day prove that the best love stories are often the funniest and most unexpected.

Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Charlie Day: Complete Biography and Profile

Here is a detailed profile of the celebrated acting and writing couple, Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Charles Peckham Day.

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• Mary Elizabeth Ellis (The Actress)
  • Full Name: Mary Elizabeth Ellis
  • Born: May 11, 1979
  • Age (2025): 46 years old
  • Birthplace: Laurel, Mississippi, U.S.
  • Education: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
  • Notable Roles: The Waitress (*It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*), Nick's ex-wife Caroline (*New Girl*), Debbie Sanderson (*The Grinder*), Emily (*A Man on the Inside*).
• Charlie Day (The Actor, Writer, Producer)
  • Full Name: Charles Peckham Day
  • Born: February 9, 1976
  • Age (2025): 49 years old
  • Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Education: Merrimack College
  • Notable Roles: Charlie Kelly (*It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*), Dale Arbus (*Horrible Bosses*), Art (*Fist Fight*), Luigi (voice, *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*), Producer/Writer (*Mythic Quest*).
• Relationship Timeline
  • Met: 2001 (at a bar in New York City)
  • Marriage Date: March 4, 2006 (New Orleans)
  • Son: Russell Wallace Day (born 2011)
  • Marriage Status (2025): 19 years married

The Hilarious Origin Story: From NYC Bar to Paddy's Pub

Unlike the toxic, one-sided obsession portrayed on screen, the real-life love story of Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Charlie Day is genuinely sweet and started with a simple glance across a crowded room. The couple first met in 2001 at a bar in New York City. Day was immediately struck by Ellis, and their initial connection was described as an instant spark, leading to a relationship that would soon become one of the most stable in Hollywood.

Their professional lives became intertwined shortly after they began dating. Ellis appeared in the pilot episode of *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* in 2005, a show co-created by Day, Rob McElhenney, and Glenn Howerton. Her recurring role as "The Waitress"—the object of Charlie Kelly's bizarre and relentless affection—cemented their iconic on-screen dynamic. The irony is not lost on fans: the man who is constantly rejected by The Waitress in the show is happily married to her in reality.

The couple married in 2006 in New Orleans, a low-key ceremony that reflected their grounded nature. They welcomed their son, Russell Wallace Day, in 2011. This foundation of family and shared professional history is a key factor in their longevity. They often speak about their relationship with a refreshing lack of drama, celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary in 2025 as a testament to their enduring partnership.

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Current Projects and Professional Support in 2025

In 2025, both Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Charlie Day are experiencing significant career momentum, demonstrating their versatility outside the world of Paddy’s Pub. Their commitment to supporting each other’s individual careers has been a major headline this year, particularly with Ellis's latest Netflix project.

Mary Elizabeth Ellis's Rise with 'A Man on the Inside'

Mary Elizabeth Ellis has been gaining critical attention for her role as Emily in the Netflix comedy series *A Man on the Inside*, where she stars opposite veteran actor Ted Danson. The show has been a successful vehicle for Ellis to showcase her range beyond The Waitress character. In a recent interview, Charlie Day expressed his enthusiasm for his wife's work, stating he "would love" to make a cameo appearance on the show. This public display of support highlights the couple's genuine admiration for each other's talents and their willingness to collaborate.

Ellis’s career has consistently included memorable roles in other successful comedies, including her fan-favorite turn as Caroline, Nick Miller's demanding ex-wife, on *New Girl*, and her role as Debbie Sanderson on *The Grinder*. Her ability to play complex, often intense, comedic characters has made her a highly sought-after actress.

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Charlie Day's Blockbuster and Creative Ventures

Charlie Day’s career has exploded into the blockbuster realm in recent years. While still committed to *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, which is set to continue its record-breaking run, Day has diversified his portfolio significantly.

His voice work as Luigi in the highly successful *The Super Mario Bros. Movie* brought him to a massive new audience. Furthermore, Day has been actively involved in production and writing. He continues to serve as an executive producer and actor on the Apple TV+ comedy *Mythic Quest* (2020–2025) and appeared in Pete Davidson's series *Bupkis* in 2023.

In 2024 and 2025, Day's film slate remained busy. He is set to star in Ethan Coen's latest movie and is part of the ensemble cast for the highly anticipated animated film *Wildwood* (2024) from Laika. He also recently attended the Los Angeles premiere of the Netflix film *Frankenstein* in October 2025 alongside his wife, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, showcasing their continued presence on the red carpet circuit.

The Secret to Their Longevity: Mutual Respect and Shared Humor

What makes the relationship between Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Charlie Day so compelling is its sheer stability and lack of drama. In an industry defined by short-lived romances, their nearly two decades together is a powerful statement. The "secret" to their success appears to be rooted in mutual respect for their separate careers and a shared, dark sense of humor that permeates their work and personal life.

They are not afraid to use their relationship as a source of comedy, both on-screen and off. Their joint appearances on *It's Always Sunny* are a constant meta-joke for fans, where the reality of their marriage is the complete opposite of the fictional dynamic. This ability to separate their professional roles from their personal lives, coupled with the fact that they are both writers and actors who understand the demands of the industry, has created a solid partnership. They are a true Hollywood success story: two comedy experts who found love and built a family without sacrificing their individual careers.