Rob McElhenney, known for his roles in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Welcome to Wrexham,” has officially filed to change his name to “Rob Mac” in Los Angeles. The news was confirmed by Mac himself to Variety and initially reported by TMZ. This decision, which was first disclosed in a recent cover story, aims to simplify pronunciation for fans and colleagues. In light of Mac’s expanding business ventures and global investments, including ownership in soccer teams and various companies, the complexity of his surname led him to opt for the more straightforward “Rob Mac.” Despite initial concerns about preserving his family heritage, Mac discovered that variations of the McElhenney name existed within his own lineage. Even his relatives expressed a willingness to adopt the new moniker. The name change discussion became a lively topic within the family, with Mac’s siblings contemplating similar adjustments. While Mac’s wife, Kaitlin Olson, and their children may have reservations about the change, the decision to go by “Rob Mac” reflects a practical choice amid his evolving professional landscape.
In a recent interview this spring, a woman expressed her dissatisfaction with a situation involving her and her children sharing a last name that they are not happy about, as it is legally binding. Glenn Howerton, Mac’s co-star in “Sunny,” was unaware of this development when he was interviewed by Variety in May. However, he noted how it reminded him of a previous occasion when Mac had casually mentioned his bold idea of purchasing a soccer team in the UK. Howerton humorously speculated that Mac could either be joking about changing his name in downtown L.A. at that moment. As it turns out, Mac is actually in the process of changing his name. For more entertainment news, sign up for Variety’s newsletter and follow us on social media.
