Who Is Charlie Day Wife
Charlie Day’s wife is Mary Elizabeth Ellis, an American actress born on May 11, 1979, in Laurel, Mississippi. Charlie Day is best known for playing Charlie Kelly on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” a show he also writes and produces. Ellis has built her own successful acting career, often working alongside her husband on screen. This article covers everything you need to know about Mary Elizabeth Ellis — her background, career, love story with Charlie Day, and their life as a family.
Who Is Mary Elizabeth Ellis?
Mary Elizabeth Ellis is an American actress and writer born on May 11, 1979, in Laurel, Mississippi. She grew up with a sister named Rebecca in a close-knit Southern family. From a young age, Ellis showed a strong interest in performing, taking part in local stage productions during her school years.
She pursued her passion for acting at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a degree in theater. Her time at SMU helped her build a foundation in classical performance, which later shaped the comedic timing she’s known for today. After graduating, she moved into film and television, picking up small roles before landing the part that would define her career.
Beyond acting, Ellis is also a trained gymnast who taught gymnastics for roughly a decade, and she has performed with well-known improv groups. She’s known in Hollywood circles as both a skilled comedic actress and a thoughtful writer, balancing her creative work with a relatively private personal life away from the spotlight.
Mary Elizabeth Ellis’s Career & Professional Life
Mary Elizabeth Ellis is best known for her long-running role as “The Waitress” on FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” a character she has played since the show’s second season in 2005. Though the character remains officially unnamed, she became a fan-favorite for her chaotic dynamic with Charlie Day’s character, Charlie Kelly.
Her career expanded well beyond “Sunny.” She starred as Amy in the NBC sitcom “Perfect Couples” (2010–2011) and played Caroline, Nick’s ex-girlfriend, on the hit Fox comedy “New Girl.” She later took on the role of Lisa Palmer in the Netflix horror-comedy “Santa Clarita Diet” from 2017 to 2019, and more recently appeared in the Netflix comedy “A Man on the Inside.”
Ellis has also made memorable appearances in music videos, including Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” in 2022, where she played a small but notable role. Reports estimate her combined net worth with Charlie Day at around $30 million, built through decades of steady television and film work.
How Did Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis Meet?
Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis met in 2001 and began dating almost immediately. At the time, both were relatively unknown actors working their way through auditions in Los Angeles. Their early connection quickly turned into both a romantic and professional partnership.
In 2004, the couple auditioned together for “Reno 911!,” landing roles as an incestuous brother and sister duo — an early sign of their comfort performing together on screen. This shared comedic chemistry carried into “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which Charlie Day co-created, and where he brought Ellis on board to play The Waitress.
The couple dated for about five years before deciding to take the next step. While details of their engagement have stayed largely private, their relationship grew steadily through shared work and mutual support during the early, uncertain years of their acting careers, long before “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” became the hit it is today.
Marriage & Wedding Details
Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis got married on March 4, 2006, after dating for roughly five years. The couple has largely kept the specific details of their wedding ceremony private, in keeping with their generally low-key approach to their personal life.
Despite their fame, both have chosen not to share extensive wedding photos or venue details publicly. What is known is that the pair have celebrated their anniversary quietly over the years, occasionally marking milestones on social media. In 2023, they celebrated 17 years of marriage, with Ellis sharing a playful photo of the couple together to mark the occasion — a small glimpse into a marriage built on humor and partnership.
Children & Family Life
Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis have one child together, a son named Russell Wallace Day, born in December 2011. The couple has been notably protective of their son’s privacy, keeping him almost entirely out of the public eye. Very few photos of Russell have ever been shared publicly, and he does not appear to have any public social media accounts.
In interviews, the couple has spoken fondly but sparingly about parenthood. Charlie Day once joked that their son likes to boss them around, adding that it works out well “because we’re both actors.” The family lives in Los Angeles, where Ellis has described their home life as creative and relaxed. Despite their busy careers, both Day and Ellis have made a clear effort to shield their son from the pressures of Hollywood fame.
Mary Elizabeth Ellis on Social Media
Mary Elizabeth Ellis maintains a modest but active presence on Instagram, where she has around 368,000 followers. Her account offers glimpses into her personal life, including moments with Charlie Day, behind-the-scenes looks at projects, and occasional posts supporting causes she cares about, such as clean water access abroad.
Unlike many celebrity spouses, Ellis keeps her posting frequency relatively low, favoring quality over quantity. She occasionally shares throwback photos and tributes to Charlie Day, including anniversary posts, giving fans a rare but genuine window into their marriage.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Elizabeth Ellis |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1979 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Writer |
| Married to | Charlie Day |
| Marriage Year | 2006 |
| Children | 1 (Russell Wallace Day, b. 2011) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30 million (combined with Charlie Day) |
FAQ Section
Q: What is Charlie Day’s wife’s name?
A: Charlie Day’s wife is Mary Elizabeth Ellis, an American actress best known for playing The Waitress on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Q: How old is Mary Elizabeth Ellis?
A: Mary Elizabeth Ellis was born on May 11, 1979, making her 47 years old as of 2026.
Q: What does Mary Elizabeth Ellis do for a living?
A: She is an actress and writer, known for roles in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “New Girl,” and “Santa Clarita Diet.”
Q: When did Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis get married?
A: The couple got married on March 4, 2006, after meeting and dating since 2001.
Q: How many kids do Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis have?
A: They have one child together, a son named Russell Wallace Day, born in December 2011.
Conclusion
Mary Elizabeth Ellis is far more than just Charlie Day’s wife — she’s an accomplished actress with a career spanning some of television’s most beloved comedies. From her early days at Southern Methodist University to her long run as The Waitress on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Ellis has built a legacy that stands on its own. Together with Charlie Day, she has built a marriage rooted in shared humor, mutual respect, and a strong commitment to protecting their family’s privacy. As Charlie Day’s wife, Mary Elizabeth Ellis remains a beloved figure both on-screen and off, and their partnership continues to be one of Hollywood’s quieter, more enduring love stories.