Playing the Funny Guy

Charlie Kelly is something that we created in 2005 and I’ve continued playing him through 2015. When this movie came along, it was a very similar character and it didn’t really make sense to do it any differently. Except (Dale) can probably read and write. The movie is actually really similar to our TV show, in terms of the three guys and the trouble they get into, so it didn’t feel like I needed to change it too much. It was also a way to showcase that humor to a larger audience.

How do you avoid being a horrible boss on It’s Always Sunny…?

We like to think we’re good bosses, but there are people who we’ve let go along the way, who I’m sure probably resent us making those decisions, so it is what it is, you do your best and try to be a good human being about it.

What challenges have you faced since It’s Always Sunny…?

You’re nobody until you’re somebody, and once you’re somebody, it’s easier to get the job, but pre-It’s Always Sunny… it was just hard to get on a TV show. Post which it was hard to get on the radar for studios making movies, it was hard to crack into the movies because I don’t think there was an awareness of how popular It’s Always Sunny… is amongst some of the industry. Every step of the way, it’s just hard to prove to people that you value what they’re trying to make, this applies less for the creative people and more for those with a business background. The audience is there for you, and then I would have directors saying they wanted me, but I would have studio hoops to jump through. Now of course, I’m in a very lucky spot.