Mary Elizabeth Ellis

Mary Elizabeth Ellis is an American actress born on May 11, 1979 in the state of Mississippi. She grew up with a passion for performance and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University in 2001, where she honed her comedic timing and dramatic skills. After graduating, Ellis moved to Los Angeles and quickly became involved in the burgeoning improv scene, joining the Upright Citizens Brigade and collaborating with fellow comedians on original stage productions. Her first major television break arrived in 2005 when she was cast as The Waitress on the cult‑favorite FX series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a role that has become synonymous with her name and has endured for over a decade. Ellis also co‑wrote and starred in the independent film A Quiet Little Marriage in 2008, showcasing her talent behind the camera as well as in front of it. In addition to her iconic sitcom work, she has made memorable guest appearances on shows such as New Girl, Reno 911!, House M.D., Cold Case, and Happy Endings, demonstrating a remarkable range that spans comedy, drama, and horror‑comedy. Beyond television, Ellis has built a diverse filmography that includes the short‑lived NBC series Perfect Couples, the Fox comedy The Grinder, and the Netflix horror‑comedy Santa Clarita Diet. In 2021 she delivered a critically praised performance as Anita, the mother of the protagonist in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, and she appeared in Disney’s Godmothered in 2020. Her recent venture into streaming includes a role in the 2024 series A Man on the Inside, further expanding her repertoire. On a personal note, Ellis met fellow actor Charlie Day on a set in 2001; the couple married on March 4, 2006 and welcomed their son in 2011. Their partnership extends into professional collaborations, often appearing together in sketches, music videos such as The Lonely Island’s “Diaper Money” and Taylor Swift’s “Anti‑Hero”, and various improv projects, underscoring a dynamic creative synergy that continues to enrich both their careers.