Glenn Howerton is a name that many fans of dark humor, quirky comedies, and unconventional television hold dear. He’s best known for his portrayal of Dennis Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (IASIP), but there’s much more to his career and life than the egotistical, narcissistic character he plays so brilliantly. From his early acting days to his work behind the scenes and even his ventures into other projects, Howerton’s journey is a fascinating one.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the life and career of Glenn Howerton, exploring his early life, his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, his other projects, and what sets him apart in the entertainment industry.
Early Life: From Japan to Alabama
Glenn Franklin Howerton III was born on April 13, 1976, in Japan. He is the son of a fighter pilot, and as such, Howerton’s childhood was somewhat nomadic. His family moved frequently due to his father’s military service, which gave Howerton a broad view of the world. Eventually, the family settled in Montgomery, Alabama, where Glenn spent most of his formative years.
Howerton’s early interest in acting led him to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, where he honed his craft. Juilliard, known for producing some of the finest actors in the world, gave Howerton a solid foundation in the arts. His education and training would later serve him well, though his career path took a slightly unconventional turn when compared to the typical Juilliard graduate.
Breaking Into Hollywood: Early Career Moves
After graduating from Juilliard, Howerton began to pick up roles in television and film, though none initially catapulted him to stardom. He made early appearances on shows like That ’80s Show (a short-lived spin-off of That ’70s Show) where he played a lead character, Corey Howard. While the show didn’t last beyond one season, it did give Howerton his first taste of a leading role on television.
He also appeared in minor roles in films like Must Love Dogs (2005) and Crank (2006), showcasing his range in both comedy and action genres. Despite these early roles, Howerton hadn’t yet found that breakthrough moment. That all changed when he joined forces with Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day for a little show called It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
The ‘It’s Always Sunny’ Phenomenon
In 2005, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia premiered on FX, and what started as a low-budget, experimental show quickly grew into a cult classic. The brainchild of Rob McElhenney, with Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day as co-creators, the show was initially created with a shoestring budget. In fact, the pilot episode was shot with little more than a camcorder and a few friends. Despite its humble beginnings, the show was quickly picked up, and the rest, as they say, is history.
At the heart of It’s Always Sunny is the ‘Gang,’ a group of morally corrupt, self-serving friends who run Paddy’s Pub in Philadelphia. Glenn Howerton’s character, Dennis Reynolds, is arguably one of the most disturbing (yet hilarious) characters in modern television. Dennis is narcissistic, manipulative, and delusional, convinced of his own superiority while constantly scheming with his equally flawed friends.
Howerton’s portrayal of Dennis is both chilling and comedic, a balance that few actors could pull off. Over the course of the show’s many seasons (which, as of now, makes It’s Always Sunny the longest-running live-action sitcom in U.S. television history), Howerton has taken Dennis to dark and absurd places, yet always manages to keep the character grounded enough to feel real.
Glenn Howerton: The Writer and Producer
What many fans may not realize is that Glenn Howerton isn’t just a talented actor—he’s also deeply involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of It’s Always Sunny. Howerton has written and produced numerous episodes of the show, helping shape its tone and direction over the years. His influence as a writer is part of what has kept the show fresh and relevant, even after more than a decade on air.
Howerton, McElhenney, and Day’s collaborative approach to the show has been one of its strongest points. The trio’s shared vision and unique comedic sensibility have allowed It’s Always Sunny to stand out in an era of formulaic television. The show’s willingness to push boundaries, tackle controversial topics, and subvert sitcom norms has earned it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
Beyond ‘Sunny’: Exploring New Horizons
While It’s Always Sunny has undoubtedly been the defining role of Howerton’s career, he’s not content to rest on his laurels. Over the years, Howerton has pursued other acting and creative opportunities, showcasing his versatility.
One of his notable roles outside of It’s Always Sunny is his portrayal of Jack Griffin in NBC’s sitcom A.P. Bio. Howerton plays a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor who is forced to return to his hometown to teach high school biology. While the premise may sound like a typical fish-out-of-water comedy, A.P. Bio stands out thanks to Howerton’s sharp, sarcastic performance. The show highlights his ability to play characters who are deeply flawed, yet oddly likable.
In addition to A.P. Bio, Howerton has also appeared in films such as The Strangers (2008) and Coffee Town (2013). While his film career has been less prolific than his television work, these roles have allowed him to dip his toes into different genres, including horror and indie comedy.
Glenn Howerton’s Directorial Ambitions
In addition to acting, writing, and producing, Howerton has also expressed an interest in directing. He directed several episodes of It’s Always Sunny, showcasing his skills behind the camera. While he hasn’t yet taken on a feature-length film as a director, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him explore this path in the future.
Given his experience in writing and producing, transitioning into directing seems like a natural next step for Howerton. His deep understanding of character-driven comedy and his willingness to take creative risks would likely make him a compelling director for both television and film.
A Man of Many Talents: What’s Next for Glenn Howerton?
As of now, Glenn Howerton shows no signs of slowing down. With It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia continuing its record-breaking run and A.P. Bio finding success, Howerton has cemented his place as one of television’s most interesting and multifaceted figures. His ability to juggle multiple roles—actor, writer, producer, and potentially director—speaks to his diverse talents and passion for the craft.
What makes Howerton truly stand out, however, is his willingness to embrace the unconventional. Whether he’s playing a sociopathic narcissist in It’s Always Sunny or a bitter, disgruntled teacher in A.P. Bio, Howerton gravitates toward complex, often unlikable characters. Yet, through his nuanced performances, he manages to make these characters captivating and, in some strange way, endearing.
Conclusion
Glenn Howerton’s career is a testament to the power of creativity, persistence, and the ability to take risks in an industry that often rewards playing it safe. From his early days at Juilliard to becoming a co-creator of one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, Howerton’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
FAQs About Glenn Howerton
Who is Glenn Howerton?
Glenn Howerton is an American actor, writer, producer, and director best known for his role as Dennis Reynolds on the long-running sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He is also one of the co-creators of the show and has been involved in writing and producing many of its episodes. Additionally, Howerton has starred in other TV series like A.P. Bio and appeared in films such as The Strangers and Crank.
Where was Glenn Howerton born?
Glenn Howerton was born on April 13, 1976, in Japan. His father was a fighter pilot, which led the family to move frequently during his childhood. Howerton later settled in Montgomery, Alabama, where he grew up before pursuing acting.
How did Glenn Howerton get his start in acting?
Howerton began his acting journey after graduating from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He started by taking on minor roles in TV and film, with one of his early notable roles being in That ’80s Show. His big break came in 2005 when he co-created and starred in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
What character does Glenn Howerton play in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia?
Glenn Howerton plays Dennis Reynolds, one of the core members of “The Gang.” Dennis is a narcissistic, self-obsessed, and often delusional character who believes himself to be charming and superior to those around him. His antics and questionable moral compass are a major source of comedy on the show.
