The Hope Theatre was packed with students spilling into the aisles as they crammed in to hear Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenny, the actors and creators behind “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” speak and discuss their beloved show.
The roughly hour-long event was a success filled with countless laughs and even sincere tears. The event was presented by UO’s College of Arts and Sciences, Cinema Studies program and the Department of Theatre Arts, the very school Olson (or “Sweet Dee”) graduated from in 1997.
Paddy’s Pub and Charlie “Black Beauty” shirts were spotted and surprisingly, only one Greenman was present in the audience. “It’s Always Sunny” has a strong fanbase who frequently go the extra mile to show support and this was the case tonight. Students were excited and respectful and ate with glee every word the two actors expensed.
Opening the talk was UO’s Absolute Imporov, of which Olson is an Alma Matter. The student comedy group killed it with hilarious improv games and one-liners.
When time came for the main event, the audience quickly rose to their feet to welcome Olson and McElhenny. Olson even left for a quick round-two entrance.
Moderating the event was Dr. Michael Aronson, UO’s Cinema Studies Director, who swiftly guided conversation and discussion. He was even comically self-deprecating, admitting that he had to binge watch 60 episodes the night before just to catch up. “You guys know more about this show than I do,” he told the crowd. “I’m just a lion tamer.”
Topics ranged from how the show is crafted to how Olson was able to fashion Sweet Dee into the funniest woman on TV. “You don’t have to write for a funny woman,” Olson said in regards to when the writers were struggling to how to write her character. “You just have to write for a funny person.”
Olson and McElhenny, who are married outside the show, have dynamic chemistry and it was impossible not to be entertained by their back-and-forth conversations. They would frequently refer to the massive amounts of hard work it takes to make a show. But they were quick to disclaim that it’s not hard, “like how construction work is hard. Or putting up shingles in Philadelphia during July hard,” joked McElhenny.
The two actors spoke very candid and frank and didn’t shy away from any presented topic. “How I met Kaitlin?” asked McElhenny. “I hired her. I hired her to be my Sweet Dee.”
As well as how the show is able to maintain its success. “The most important thing about a sitcom is the chemistry with the actors,” Olson said.
Olson was very honest about her childhood and lack of self-confidence while growing up but she used it as a device for inspiration. “Make yourself laugh rather than trying to make someone else laugh,” she said.
The floor was then open to students to ask questions and they ranged from specific queries about the show to the actor’s themselves.
One student asked Olson who she would “Fuck-Kill-Marry” in regards to the other actors in the show. Another asked how McElhenny was able to successfully gain 60 pounds for his role as Mac.
The most positively startling question came from student Mia Schauffler who asked Olson her advice for students with big dreams from small towns. Schauffler informed Olson that she is a role model for UO students who often refer to her for inspiration. This comment caused Olson to wholeheartedly tear up and express gratitude to the aspiring writer.
Olson reflected fondly upon her time spent here at UO. “Sweet Dee” makes a hilarious recurring gagging face and Olson claimed, “I’ll only do it because I learned to gag at the University of Oregon.”
The final question of the night was from a student asking if the two were planning on going out to the bars in which Olson responded with, “We didn’t come here for this. We came here for Rennie’s!”