Rob McElhenney Snaps: Why 'Rob Mac' Is the New Name in Town!

Rob McElhenney Ditches His Multi-Syllable Name for a Slicker, Simpler Alternative: Rob Mac

In a shocking move that's left fans and colleagues alike scratching their heads, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney has announced he's trading in his complicated surname for something much more low-key – Rob Mac.

The 49-year-old actor, co-owner of Wrexham's football club with Ryan Reynolds (because who wouldn't want to own a football team?!), filed legal documents in Los Angeles to officially change his name. And it seems the impetus behind this dramatic decision is none other than South Americans struggling to pronounce his multi-syllable surname.

As his business, More Better Productions, continues to expand into international waters – and by that we mean, soccer teams in South America – Rob's realized that his lengthy last name has become a major barrier. "I'm just going by Rob Mac," he told Variety last month. And honestly, who can blame him? We mean, try saying "McElhenney" three times fast; it's like trying to solve a puzzle while simultaneously reciting Shakespearean sonnets.

But here's the thing: Rob wasn't worried about ruffling his ancestors' feathers with this name change – until he learned that he wouldn't be the first McElhenney to make the switch. It turns out some relatives had already taken the plunge and changed their names over the years. And when they found out Rob was doing it too? Well, let's just say they were over the moon.

However, there is one person who's not exactly thrilled about this new moniker: his wife, actress Kaitlin Olson (of High Potential and Hacks fame). The lovely couple met on the set of It's Always Sunny back in 2005 – during season two, no less! They started dating in secret (because, you know, paparazzi), got married in Malibu in September 2008, and welcomed their two teenage boys in 2010 and 2012.

Now, you might be wondering how this name change came to be. Well, it all began when Rob's business partners convinced him not to dump Kaitlin Olson from the show – a decision he initially regretted because she didn't exactly bring the laughs as Sweet Dee. But here's the thing: Kaitlin turned down the role at first because she was shocked (shocked!) that there weren't any funny lines for her character.

Fast-forward to today, and it seems Rob's learned his lesson – or rather, he's learned how to write funny lines for everyone on set. Who knew that having a future wife as part of your cast would be the key to unlocking comedic gold? And speaking of Kaitlin, she had this to say about her husband's new moniker: "The kids are really not happy about it, because they have that last name... and so do I, legally!"

We're left wondering what other secrets these two might share – but one thing's for sure: Rob McElhenney (or rather, Rob Mac) is ready to take on the world with his new name, a fresh start, and a healthy dose of humility. After all, as they say in the business, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" – or in this case, when life gives you a complicated surname, simplify it!