Last Updated: July 3, 2025
Category:
Richest CelebritiesActors
Net Worth:
$30 Million
Birthdate:
May 11, 1979 (46 years old)
Birthplace:
Laurel
Gender:
Female
Profession:
Actor, Screenwriter, Gymnastics Teacher
Nationality:
United States of America
  1. Mary Elizabeth Ellis Biography
  2. Early Life And Education
  3. Career
  4. Personal Life
  5. Real Estate

Mary Elizabeth Ellis Biography

Mary Elizabeth Ellis is an American actress, writer, and producer who has a net worth of $30 million. That is a combined net worth with her husband, Charlie Day.

Mary Elizabeth Ellis is best known for her recurring role as "The Waitress" on the long-running sitcom "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Over nearly two decades in television, Ellis has carved out a reputation for her sharp comedic timing, offbeat charm, and scene-stealing presence in both mainstream and indie projects. Beyond her iconic role on "Sunny," she has starred in shows like "Perfect Couples," "The Grinder," and Netflix's "Santa Clarita Diet," while making memorable guest appearances on "New Girl," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and "The Office."

Ellis is also an accomplished screenwriter and has contributed behind the scenes as a producer. Her creative versatility has led to steady work across television, film, and streaming platforms. In addition to her professional success, Ellis is known for her real-life marriage to her "It's Always Sunny" co-star Charlie Day, with whom she shares both a personal and creative partnership. Whether playing neurotic girlfriends, biting best friends, or unhinged romantic foils, Ellis brings a unique energy to every role, making her one of the most reliable comedic performers in contemporary TV.

Early Life and Education

Mary Elizabeth Ellis was born on May 11, 1979, in Laurel, Mississippi. She was drawn to performance from an early age and eventually attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a BFA in Theater. While at SMU, Ellis trained in classical performance and began developing the comedic voice that would later define her career.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Career

Ellis's television career began in the early 2000s with guest appearances on shows like "Cracking Up" and "Reno 911!" It was during a sketch for the latter that she met actor Charlie Day, her future husband and frequent collaborator.

In 2005, Ellis began appearing as "The Waitress" on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," a role that would become her most recognizable. Though her character remains unnamed and mostly peripheral, she quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her chaotic interactions with Charlie Kelly, played by Day. Her ongoing presence on the show has spanned nearly every season, making her one of the longest-serving supporting cast members.

Ellis also found success outside of "Sunny." She starred in the NBC romantic comedy "Perfect Couples" (2010–2011), co-starring Olivia Munn and Kyle Bornheimer. In 2015, she played Debbie Sanderson, the high-strung wife of Rob Lowe's character, on FOX's "The Grinder." From 2017 to 2019, she had a recurring role on Netflix's horror-comedy "Santa Clarita Diet" alongside Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant.

Her film work includes roles in "Masterminds," "Free State of Jones," and indie projects like "A Quiet Little Marriage," which she co-wrote and starred in. The film won the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2008 Slamdance Film Festival.

Getty

Personal Life

Ellis married Charlie Day in 2006. The couple met in 2001 and have since built a strong personal and professional relationship, working together on several occasions while maintaining a relatively private family life. They welcomed their first child, a son, in 2011. The family lives in Los Angeles.

Real Estate

In 2004, Charlie Day purchased a property in Silver Lake for $660,000. The property features a respectable 1,500 square feet of living space, and it's situated in a neighborhood famous for its hipster appeal. In 2014, the couple listed the property for $799,000.

In 2013, Charlie Day and his wife made a significant upgrade and purchased a $6.525 million property in Los Feliz. The five-bedroom, 5,600-square-foot house sits on three-quarters of an acre and offers wonderful views of the city.

All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below.
Did we make a mistake?
Submit a correction suggestion and help us fix it!
Submit a Correction