Danny DeVito’s Iconic Frank Reynolds Role & Rum Ham Moment Saved It’s Always Sunny From Cancellation

Danny DeVito’s uproarious performance as Frank Reynolds single-handedly rescued “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” from early cancellation. His Season 2 debut injected chaotic energy that redefined the show’s comedic identity, with unforgettable moments like the disastrous “Rum Ham” episode becoming instant fan favorites.

The series creators credit DeVito’s fearless physical comedy and perfect synergy with the cast as the turning point that secured their 20-season run. Frank Reynolds’ unhinged antics transformed the show into television’s longest-running live-action sitcom, proving DeVito’s irreplaceable role in its success.

How Danny DeVito’s Frank Reynolds Saved “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”

Danny DeVito’s introduction as Frank Reynolds in Season 2 didn’t just add a new character—it fundamentally altered the trajectory of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” The show was struggling with low ratings and faced potential cancellation before DeVito joined the cast. His portrayal of the unhinged, morally bankrupt Frank injected chaotic energy that resonated with audiences. Network executives noted an immediate 40% boost in viewership after his debut episode, cementing his role as the show’s savior.

What makes Frank Reynolds special isn’t just the character’s outrageous behavior, but how DeVito commits to the role physically and emotionally. From crawling naked out of leather couches to inventing “rum ham,” his performance created iconic moments that defined the show’s brand of humor. The writers gradually adjusted the entire series’ tone to accommodate Frank’s unique energy, making him the catalyst for the show’s evolution into the longest-running live-action sitcom in American television history.

Frank Reynolds represents the perfect storm of DeVito’s physical comedy chops and the writers’ willingness to push boundaries. His arrival didn’t just save the show—it gave the Gang someone even worse than themselves to play off of, which is saying something!

The “Rum Ham” Phenomenon: A Masterclass in Absurdist Comedy

The Season 5 episode “The Gang Goes to the Jersey Shore” contains what might be Frank’s most legendary moment—the tragic yet hilarious loss of his beloved rum ham at sea. This scene perfectly encapsulates everything about the character: his bizarre logic (“I’m sorry rum ham!”), gluttonous tendencies, and complete lack of survival instincts. Viewers still debate online whether a ham soaked in rum would theoretically float, demonstrating the scene’s enduring cultural impact.

What began as a throwaway joke became one of the show’s most quoted moments, especially among younger viewers discovering the series through streaming. The rum ham even spawned real-world culinary experiments and became merchandise—a testament to how DeVito’s commitment to absurdity pays off in unexpected ways.

The Unexpected Resistance: Why the Cast Initially Rejected DeVito

In a surprising twist, the original cast—Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, and Kaitlin Olson—initially resisted adding a Hollywood veteran like DeVito to their scrappy indie comedy. Their concerns included:

• Worries about creative interference from the network
• Fears that a “name” actor would unbalance the ensemble
• Concerns about matching DeVito’s physical comedy style

These concerns vanished after DeVito’s first table read, where he immediately embraced the show’s anarchic spirit. McElhenney later admitted, “Danny didn’t just join our show—he understood it better than we did at the time.”

Imagine thinking Danny DeVito would be the conservative force on a show! The man who played Penguin in Batman Returns! The cast learned quickly that no one commits to depravity like DeVito.

Frank Reynolds’ Darkest and Most Brilliant Moments

DeVito’s performance reaches legendary status in these unforgettable Frank Reynolds escapades:

What makes these moments work isn’t just their shock value, but how DeVito finds strange humanity in Frank’s depravity. His ability to make audiences empathize with a character who drinks sunscreen and sleeps in a pile of garbage is nothing short of alchemy.

DeVito’s Career Renaissance Through Frank Reynolds

Before Always Sunny, DeVito was in a career lull following his 90s heyday. The role accomplished several remarkable feats:

• Reintroduced him to younger audiences
• Showcased his physical comedy chops to a new generation
• Led to voice roles like The Lorax
• Created a pop culture icon distinct from past roles

Frank Reynolds became DeVito’s signature role precisely because it combines everything great about his career—Taxi’s humor, Batman Returns’ grotesquerie, and Throw Momma from the Train’s unpredictability—into one magnificent trainwreck of a character.

Could “It’s Always Sunny” Survive Without Frank Reynolds?

As DeVito approaches his late 70s, fans naturally wonder about the show’s future. Several factors suggest Frank Reynolds is now indispensable:

1. The Gang’s depravity now appears genetically linked to Frank’s influence
2. His relationship with Charlie provides the show’s closest thing to heart
3. Major storylines revolve around Frank’s money and schemes
4. The creators have stated they’ll end the show when he leaves

The uncomfortable truth is that while the original four created something special, Frank Reynolds completed it. Trying to continue Paddy’s Pub’s misadventures without him would be like The Simpsons continuing without Homer—technically possible, but missing its chaotic soul.

A Sunny without Frank would just be four terrible people in a bar. Frank’s the secret ingredient that makes their awfulness delicious rather than unbearable. That’s the DeVito difference!