Celebrity Extra: It's Always Sunny
By Dana Jackson
Q: I just started watching the comedy series “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” I know that two people on the series are married in real life. Did they meet on the show? -- G.W.
A: Debuting in 2005 and still going strong, this hit FX (and FXX) network sitcom is the longest-running, non-animated comedy series ever, surpassing the previous record holder "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." It was created by Rob McElhenney, who plays Mac on show, and stars his off-screen wife Kaitlin Olson as Dee, Glenn Howerton as Dennis, and Charlie Day as Charlie.
Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson star in "It's Always Sunny". Photo Credit: Courtesy of FX
Olson and McElhenney fell in love on the set of "It's Always Sunny," but initially kept their romance a secret from their co-stars. They wed two years later and now have two sons.
The strikes in Hollywood pushed back production, but there will be a 17th season -- just don't expect it until late 2024 or early 2025.
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Q: Whatever happened to actress Jennifer Love Hewitt? I loved her show "Ghost Whisperer" and would love to see her do a supernatural theme again. -- W.J.
A: Jennifer Love Hewitt first gained fame as Sarah in the 1990s drama series "Party of Five." She followed that up with the hit scary film "I Know What You Did Last Summer" before starring in the TV show "Ghost Whisperer," which ended in 2010 after five seasons. Since then, she's starred in three other hit series: "The Client List," "Criminal Minds" and "9-1-1."
Next up, she'll star, direct and produce "The Holiday Junkie," a TV movie for Lifetime later in 2024. Her husband, Brian Hallisay, and their children will also appear in the film. It's a very personal project for Hewitt about moving on during the winter holiday season while coping with the loss of her mother.
Elaine Frontain Bryant (EVP, head of programming genres for A&E, Lifetime and LMN) stated that "Jennifer is beloved by Lifetime and our viewers. We're excited to work with her again on this special project near and dear to her and to have it as one of our cornerstones for our 'It's a Wonderful Lifetime' slate."
In addition, Hewitt launched her marketing and consumer brand The Holiday Junkie last year and is also releasing a book titled "Inheriting Magic," which is set for publication this December.
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Q: Did Bette Midler get cast as one of the cast members on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" like she wanted? I never heard anything further about it. -- W.M.
A: Back in March, film actress Bette Midler ("The First Wives Club") asked via social media if it was "too late" for her to be a "Real Housewife." She was in the mood to "talk some s**t" and get paid for it. Alas, her name was not among the cast of the upcoming season, but she does have a new project on the horizon.
She's part of the ensemble cast of the comedy "The Fabulous Four," which hits theaters this July. Midler stars as a bride whose old college pals (played by Susan Sarandon, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Megan Mullaly) make up her bridal party at her destination wedding.
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